What Is a DE-964 Certificate, and How Do I Get One?
A DE-964 is an important document for Texas teens working toward a learner license or provisional driver license. Here is what parents and students need to know about obtaining and using it.
Quick answer: A DE-964 (or electronic DEE-964) is a Texas driver education certificate provided by an authorized driver education provider. It documents qualifying classroom instruction for a learner license and, after course completion, the education needed for the provisional-license stage. The certificate is not a learner license or driver license by itself.
When do Texas teens need a DE-964?
| Licensing stage | What the certificate shows |
|---|---|
| Learner license | Required classroom instruction has been completed for the selected method: first 6 hours for concurrent or all 24 hours for block, according to Texas DPS. |
| Provisional license | Driver education completion, including required classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, as needed for the licensing application. |
Texas DPS lists DE-964/DEE-964 for both certified driving schools and parent-taught driver education. Public-school driver education may use a different certificate designation, DE-964E. Always follow the document requirements for your particular course and application.
How do I get a DE-964 certificate?
- Enroll in an approved Texas driver education course. For parent-taught instruction, confirm that the instructor is eligible and obtain the separate official TDLR Parent-Taught Driver Education Program Guide.
- Complete the classroom phase required for your learner-license method. For concurrent instruction, complete the initial six hours; for block instruction, complete the full approved classroom phase.
- Obtain your learner-stage certificate from the course provider. Your provider will explain whether the certificate is provided electronically or in another accepted form.
- Apply for the learner license through Texas DPS. Bring the required education certificate and other application documents. The certificate does not replace the DPS application, minimum-age rule, vision screening, or required knowledge testing.
- Finish the remaining course and driving requirements. Obtain the appropriate course-completion certificate or record from your provider when eligible for the provisional-license stage.
Who issues the certificate in parent-taught driver education?
The approved course provider issues the certificate. The parent or guardian supervises instruction according to the program requirements, but the separate TDLR PTDE Guide is not the DE-964 certificate. If you need a duplicate, a corrected name, or help locating your certificate, contact your course provider.
Does a DE-964 replace the permit test or road test?
No. A DE-964 documents driver education; it does not waive every licensing requirement. For a learner license, Texas DPS requires evidence of passing the knowledge exam or completion of the exam at DPS when applicable. For a provisional license, eligible teens must satisfy the learner-license holding period, required driving practice, impact-driver program, skills test, and other DPS requirements.
It can help to keep your certificate and course records organized before scheduling a DPS visit. For the current document checklist, review the official Texas learner-license instructions and provisional-license instructions.
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Explore Texas Parent-Taught Driver EducationFrequently asked questions
What is a DE-964 certificate in Texas?
The DE-964 (or electronic DEE-964) is a Texas driver education certificate issued by an authorized course provider to document required driver education progress or completion.
When do I receive a DE-964 for my learner license?
Your approved provider issues the appropriate certificate after you complete the classroom requirements for your instructional method. Texas DPS currently lists six hours for concurrent instruction or 24 hours for block instruction, along with the other learner-license requirements.
Do I receive another DE-964 when I finish driver education?
The provider also documents full course completion for the driver-license stage. Ask the provider which completion certificate or electronic record you should present to DPS.
Does the DE-964 mean I have a Texas learner license?
No. The certificate is proof of education, not a permit. You must apply through Texas DPS, meet the minimum age and documentation rules, pass any required exams, and have the learner license issued before driving on public roads.
Who issues a DE-964 for parent-taught driver education?
The authorized Texas parent-taught course provider issues the driver education certificate. Purchasing the separate TDLR PTDE Program Guide does not itself issue a DE-964.
What if my DE-964 certificate is missing or has incorrect information?
Contact the driver education course provider that issued the certificate and ask about a correction or replacement. Do not create or alter a certificate yourself.
Related NDT guides
- Texas Driver Education — Under 18 FAQs
- What is the difference between concurrent and block driver education?
- Can Texas parent-taught driver's ed be completed completely online?
- What should families do before starting parent-taught driver's ed?
Official sources
- Texas DPS — Teen Learner License
- Texas DPS — Teen Provisional License
- TDLR — Driver Education Certificates
Reviewed November 6, 2026. Course and licensing requirements can change; confirm current Texas DPS and TDLR instructions before applying.