Permission vs. License: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sara Rehman || By Huma Saeed || Updated on November 12, 2023
Permission refers to a consent given by someone in authority. License refers to a formal or legal grant to do something that would otherwise be prohibited.
Key Differences
Permission is a general term for consent given by someone in authority, which can be informal or verbal. A license is a formal, often legal permission, typically documented and subject to regulations.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Permissions can be for simple, everyday activities and don't always carry legal weight. Licenses are specific authorizations, often for professional activities, and usually have legal implications.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Permissions can be temporary and easily revocable. Licenses are often granted for a fixed period and come with specific conditions and obligations.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Permission can be granted by any authority figure or owner, while licenses are typically issued by governmental or regulatory bodies and may require meeting certain criteria.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Permissions are more about personal or organizational approval, while licenses have legal connotations, often granting rights or privileges under law.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Legal Implications
Less legal weight, personal approval
Legal rights and privileges, regulated
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Permission and License Definitions
Permission
Consent given by someone in authority.
She gave her team permission to start the project.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
License
An official document allowing an activity.
She obtained her driver's license last week.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Permission
Approval to perform an action.
He asked his teacher for permission to leave early.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
License
Permission issued by a government body.
The restaurant needed a license to serve alcohol.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Permission
Official or formal approval.
Permission was granted for the event to take place.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
License
Authorization to practice a profession.
He has a license to practice law in this state.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Permission
The liberty granted by someone in charge.
With parental permission, students can go on the field trip.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
License
An authorization with specific terms.
Their broadcasting license comes with regulatory conditions.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Permission
Consent to use or access something.
He received permission to access the restricted files.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
License
A document proving qualification for a task.
He got his pilot's license after extensive training.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Permission
The act of permitting, especially in giving formal consent; authorization
Do they have permission to leave?.
Huma Saeed
Apr 11, 2023
License
Official or legal permission to engage in a regulated activity
"He believed that the subcommittee gave him license to interrogate anyone about any possible links to communism" (Donald A. Ritchie).
Huma Saeed
Apr 11, 2023
Permission
An authorization to do something, as to quote from a book under copyright.
Huma Saeed
Apr 11, 2023
License
A document, card, plate, or tag that is issued as proof of official or legal permission
A driver's license.
Huma Saeed
Apr 11, 2023
Permission
Authorisation; consent (especially formal consent from someone in authority)
Sire, do I have your permission to execute this traitor?
Huma Saeed
Apr 11, 2023
License
A contract allowing someone to use a proprietary product or service
Has a site license for that software.
Huma Saeed
Apr 11, 2023
Permission
(computing) Flags or access control lists pertaining to a file that dictate who can access it, and how.
I used the "chmod" command to change the file's permission.
Huma Saeed
Apr 11, 2023
Permission
The act of permitting or allowing; formal consent; authorization; leave; license or liberty granted.
High permission of all-ruling Heaven.
You have given me your permission for this address.
Huma Saeed
Apr 11, 2023
FAQs
Does a license always involve legal aspects?
Most often, yes. Licenses are typically formal and have legal implications.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Can anyone grant permission?
Yes, anyone in a position of authority or ownership can grant permission.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Who issues licenses?
Licenses are usually issued by governmental or regulatory authorities.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Is permission sufficient for professional activities?
In many cases, professional activities require a license, not just permission.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Can permission be written?
Yes, permission can be written, though it's often given verbally.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Is permission always informal?
Not always. Permission can be both informal or formal, but it's generally less formal than a license.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Does a license indicate skill or proficiency?
Often, obtaining a license requires demonstrating certain skills or qualifications.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Are licenses transferable?
Licenses are usually non-transferable and specific to the individual or entity.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Do I need permission to use someone's intellectual property?
Yes, using someone's intellectual property typically requires their permission.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Can permission be implied?
Yes, in some contexts, permission can be implied by actions or circumstances.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Can a minor give permission?
Legally, a minor's permission may not hold weight, especially for significant decisions.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
How long does permission last?
The duration of permission varies and can be revoked at any time by the granter.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Is a driving permit the same as a license?
No, a permit usually has more restrictions and is a step towards getting a full license.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Can permission be legally binding?
Written permission can be legally binding if it meets certain criteria.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Are there different types of licenses?
Yes, there are many types, including professional, business, and driver's licenses.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Can license terms be negotiated?
In some cases, terms of a license, especially in contracts, can be negotiated.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Is parental consent a form of permission?
Yes, parental consent is a common form of permission for minors.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Does every business need a license?
Most businesses require some form of licensing, but requirements vary by location and industry.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Is a business license the same as incorporation?
No, a business license permits operation, while incorporation is the process of legally forming a company.
Huma Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
What happens if a license expires?
Once a license expires, its legal validity ends, and it needs to be renewed.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
Edited by
Sara RehmanSara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
