What to Bring to DPS for Your Learner Permit

After your student passes the in-course written exam (Step 5), schedule a permit appointment at txdpsscheduler.com (select "Apply for First Time Texas DL/Permit"). Your student must be at least 15 years old. Download your DE-964 Learner License Certificate from the course dashboard before you go.

Document Checklist

DE-964 Learner License Certificate — Print in color if using an older green-background template; newer black-and-white templates can be printed in black and white. Do not sign until DPS tells you to.
First page of your PTDE packet — Shows your TDLR receipt number and instructor.
DL-14A or DL-14B form — Fill out at home, but leave the signature lines blank. Use DL-14A if 17 years 10 months or older; DL-14B if younger.
Two proofs of Texas residency — Must be in the parent instructor's name and address, from two different sources. One must show 30+ days in Texas.
Proof of identity and lawful presence — Option 1: passport, passport card, or green card. Option 2: birth certificate plus two secondary documents (school records, immunization record, SSN card, etc.).
Social Security Number — DPS verifies electronically; no card required (bring it as backup if you like).
VOE form (if under 18 and not a high school graduate) — Signed by your school. Request it several days early — the form is valid for 30 days (90 days in summer).
Parent or legal guardian — Must attend in person. If the designated parent instructor is not the student's parent or legal guardian, both the parent/legal guardian and the designated instructor must come, and bring the Instructor Designation Form.
$16 learner license fee — Paid directly to DPS (cash, check, or credit card; varies by location).

Get the VOE early

The VOE must be signed by your school — ParentTaught.com cannot sign it. Request it several days before your appointment. Homeschool families: the parent signs as administrator and writes "Home School" and the county on the form.

Common Questions

Does the DE-964 certificate expire?

The certificate itself does not expire. After two years, the written exam score expires — but DPS will administer a knowledge test at the counter, not turn you away or refuse the certificate.

What does the "P" on the certificate mean?

It means Pass — your student has already completed the written exam in the course. As long as the certificate is less than two years old, DPS will not give a second written test.

What if DPS rejects our certificate?

A small number of DPS offices have questions about parent-taught certificates. Our certificates use TDLR-assigned numbers with either a DEE or PT prefix, both of which are valid. Ask to speak with a supervisor and reference ParentTaught.com as a TDLR-licensed provider. For more detail, see Certificate Acceptance at Texas DPS.

What if DPS asks for a DL-90A or DL-91A form?

These forms have been phased out. If a DPS office asks for one, email TPSTprogram@dps.texas.gov with the student's full name and the DPS location.

What if the certificate date doesn't match the permit issue date?

That's normal — the dates are always different. The certificate date reflects when your student finished the course, not when they got their permit. DPS cannot require the dates to match.