licence

Document issued by a government or other recognized authority conveying permission to the holder to do something otherwise prohibited, and designed to facilitate accurate records, the maintenance of order, and collection of revenue.

Examples are licenses required for marriage, driving, keeping a gun, and for sale of alcohol. The term also refers to permission (in writing or not) granted by a private person or corporation for use of that person's or corporation's property such as written material, computer software, artistic production, and manufacturing process, product, or likeness.