免許証

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 免許証, read めんきょしょう, adds 証 (certificate) to 免許 (license or authorization).
• Basic usage: It names the document proving a license; the example specifically mentions a driver's license.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Authorization and document
  • 免許 is the authorization or qualification, whereas 免許証 is its documentary proof. Losing the document is distinct from losing the qualification.
• Type and use
  • 運転免許証 specifies a driver's license.
  • 身分証として means the document was shown for identification in this example.