Licence / License
Regional usageIn British-style spelling, licence is the noun and license is the verb. American English uses license for both.
Licence
Use when
In British-style spelling, you need the noun for permission or an official document.
Example
“The operator must renew its licence annually.”
License
Use when
In British-style spelling, you need the verb meaning grant permission.
Example
“The authority licenses operators that meet the requirements.”
Quick check
a license, to licence
Usage note
Follow the spelling used in an organisation's official name, legislation or quoted source.