a license (in american english) or licence (in british english) allows someone to do something that they otherwise are not allowed to do. a person usually has to pay some money, and maybe pass a test to get a license. a license is usually written but it does not have to be. most kinds of licenses can only be used by the person they were given to. licenses may be temporary or permanent. some licenses can not be taken away once they are given. a person with a license is called a licensee.