Does It Cost Extra to Get a Texas DE-964 Certificate?

Before signing up for Texas parent-taught driver education, families should know whether they will be asked to pay another fee to receive the certificate needed for a learner license or provisional license. The difference between a course fee, a certificate fee, and a state fee matters.

Quick Answer: Not with National Driver Training. The Texas parent-taught driver education completion certificate (DE-964/DEE-964) is included in NDT's course price and is available electronically when the student completes the applicable requirements. There is no additional NDT fee just to download the included certificate. However, the official Texas PTDE Program Guide is a separate, required state purchase through TDLR, and DPS licensing fees are also separate.

Is the DE-964 certificate included in the course price?

Before enrolling in any Texas parent-taught driver's ed course, look beyond the advertised price. Ask whether the price includes the required proof of driver education for the learner-license and final driver-license stages. Some providers may structure or advertise certificate-related services differently; we recommend reviewing the provider's current checkout terms rather than assuming a low headline price covers everything.

National Driver Training lists its instantly downloadable completion certificate as INCLUDED with its Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education course. Our goal is simple: one price, no hidden fees for the course and its included certificate.

Which fees are included and which are separate?

Item	How it is paid
NDT Texas PTDE online course	Course purchase at NDT's advertised price
Included DE-964/DEE-964 certificate	Included with NDT's course; no separate NDT certificate download fee
Official TDLR PTDE Program Guide	Required state purchase; TDLR lists a separate $20 nonrefundable fee
DPS license application and other applicable government charges	Separate from the driver education course and certificate

The Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education Program Guide is not the DE-964. It contains state instructions and requirements for qualifying parent-taught programs. Purchasing it does not, by itself, create a driver education certificate.

What should parents check before purchasing online driver's ed?

Check the total course price. Find out whether the advertised price changes during checkout or requires a bundle or optional service.
Confirm certificate inclusion. Ask whether the required electronic DE-964 documentation is included and how students receive it at the appropriate licensing stages.
Separate state fees from provider fees. The PTDE Program Guide and DPS licensing charges are government-related costs, not surprise NDT certificate charges.
Understand certificate eligibility. A provider can issue the appropriate certificate only when the student completes the requirements for that stage; simply buying the course does not qualify a student for a certificate.
Review the full package. Compare course instruction, permit-test features, parent-in-car teaching resources, and certificate availability—not just the headline price.

When will I receive my Texas DE-964?

Texas teens use driver education documentation at different licensing stages. An approved course provider can issue the appropriate learner-license documentation after the student satisfies the applicable initial classroom and testing requirements. At the final licensing stage, students must complete the remaining required education and driving components. For more information, see What Is a DE-964 Certificate, and How Do I Get One?.

The DE-964 is proof of education, not a driver license. Families must still complete the Texas DPS licensing process.

Texas Parent-Taught Driver's Ed With the Certificate Included

National Driver Training includes the electronic completion certificate with its Texas PTDE course—no extra NDT certificate download charge. Review the current course price, included features, and enrollment details before getting started.

View Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education

Frequently asked questions

Does National Driver Training charge extra for the Texas DE-964 certificate?

No. The required electronic driver education completion certificate is included with National Driver Training’s Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education course. Eligible students can download their certificate without an additional NDT certificate purchase.

Is a DE-964 certificate free with every Texas driver education company?

Not necessarily. Course providers may advertise different prices and policies. Check whether required certificate issuance, electronic access, and any applicable delivery services are included in the advertised course price before you enroll.

Is the Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education Program Guide the same as the DE-964?

No. The official PTDE Program Guide comes from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and is a separate state requirement. It is not the DE-964 certificate issued by the approved course provider.

Does the Texas PTDE Program Guide cost extra?

Yes. TDLR lists a separate nonrefundable $20 fee for its PTDE Program Guide. That government fee is separate from NDT’s course price and is not an added DE-964 certificate fee.

When can I download my DE-964 certificate with NDT?

NDT provides certificate access after the student meets the applicable course requirements for the learner-license or course-completion stage. Review the course instructions and confirm the correct certificate for the relevant DPS appointment.

Does paying for a DE-964 certificate also pay the Texas license fees?

No. The DE-964 documents required driver education. DPS learner-license or driver-license fees and any other applicable government charges are separate from the driver education provider’s certificate-inclusion policy.

Related NDT guides

Sources and verification

Reviewed November 9, 2026. Confirm current course details and Texas government fees before purchase; prices and rules may change.