Texas Learner License DPS Checklist
What to Do & What to Bring After Completing Your
6-Hour Driver Education Course
π You passed your 6-hour Texas driver education course! Your next step is to apply for your
Texas learner license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver's license office.
Your learner license allows you to legally practice driving with a qualified, licensed adult. It
is different from your future provisional driver's license.
β
BEFORE YOU GO TO THE DPS
Complete your 6-hour driver education course and required exam.
Receive your Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964/DEE-964).
Schedule a DPS appointment. Find the nearest Texas DPS location here.
Gather the required documents below.
If you're under 18, arrange for your parent or legal guardian to accompany you or
provide required authorization.
Have your $16 learner-license fee ready.
π WHAT TO BRING TO THE DPS
π 1. Driver Education Certificate
DE-964/DEE-964 certificate proving you completed the classroom portion of Texas
driver education.
If you completed Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE), make sure you have the
appropriate certificate/documentation for your program.
π« 2. School Verification
If you're under 18:
Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) from your school.
A VOE is generally valid for 30 days. From June through August, DPS allows a VOE to be valid
for 90 days. (Texas DPS)
πͺͺ 3. Proof of Identity & Lawful Presence
Bring acceptable original documents, such as:
Unexpired U.S. passport/passport card
Certified U.S. birth certificate
Other DPS-approved identity/lawful-presence documents, if applicable
Check the current DPS identification requirements before your appointment.
πΊπΈ 4. Social Security Information
Bring your Social Security card or other documentation as required by DPS.
π 5. Proof of Texas Residency
Bring two acceptable documents showing your Texas residential address, when
required.
Examples include a mortgage or lease, insurance documents, government mail, or other
DPS-approved documents.
Under 18? Special parent/guardian residency procedures may apply if the teen cannot
provide the standard documents. Check DPS requirements before your appointment.
π 6. Driver License Application
Complete the Texas driver license application online or at DPS.
Use the current DPS application and follow its instructions for your age and situation.
π³ 7. $16 DPS Fee
Bring $16 for a new Texas learner license for applicants under 18.
π¨π©π§ PARENT OR GUARDIAN
If you're under 18:
Bring your parent or legal guardian to DPS.
Be prepared for required signatures and authorization.
If your parent/guardian cannot attend, check DPS's alternative authorization
requirements before your appointment.
π WHAT HAPPENS AT THE DPS?
Be prepared to:
Submit your application and documents.
Provide Social Security information.
Have your photo taken.
Provide your signature/biometric information.
Pass a vision exam.
Pay the required fee.
Complete the knowledge exam if you haven't already passed it through your driver
education course.
DPS will provide a temporary driving document after your application is approved. Your
permanent learner license is generally mailed afterward.
π YOU GOT YOUR LEARNER LICENSE! NOW WHAT?
Congratulations! π
Your learner license is not your provisional driver's license. It allows you to begin practicing
legally, but you must have a qualified licensed adult supervising you.
Your supervising driver generally must:
Be 21 or older
Have at least one year of driving experience
Sit in the front passenger seat
Be able to observe and respond to your driving
β° How Long Do You Keep It?
For teens, Texas generally requires the learner license to be held for at least 6 months
before moving to the provisional-license phase, unless the teen turns 18 sooner.
Your parent, guardian, or eligible instructor handles the required behind-the-wheel
instruction through the Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education program
Good choice for families wanting:
Flexible scheduling
Practice at home
A familiar vehicle
Parent-led instruction
π [Review Parent-Taught Driver Education Requirements and Eligability]
π Instructor-Taught Driver Education if no parent teaching behind-the-wheel
Choose a commercial driver education program with professional behind-the-wheel
instruction. Classroom instruction may be online or in person, depending on the program.
Good choice for families wanting:
Professional instruction
Structured lessons
Additional practice
Less teaching responsibility for parents
β QUICK TEXAS DPS CHECKLIST
Before leaving home, make sure you have:
DE-964/DEE-964 driver education certificate
VOE form, if required
Acceptable identity/lawful-presence documents
Social Security information
Texas residency documents
Driver license application
$16 fee
Parent/legal guardian, if required
DPS appointment
π― Before You Go
DPS requirements can change, and individual circumstances can require additional
documents. Always check the current Texas DPS requirements before your appointment.