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What Is the Texas ADE-1317 Certificate?
The ADE-1317 (or its electronic digital version, the ADEE-1317) is an official state document issued exclusively by TDLR-certified driver education providers. When you pass a Texas driving course for adults, the provider generates the certificate to verify two things for the DPS:
- You satisfied the driver education requirement.
- You successfully passed an official knowledge test within the course.
Who Needs Form ADE-1317 in Texas?
Whether you are legally required to take Texas driver’s ed and obtain an ADE-1317 depends on your age and licensing history.
Applicants Ages 18–24
Under Texas Transportation Code § 521.1601, first-time driver license applicants ages 18 through 24 must complete a state-approved Texas 6-Hour Adult Driver Education program. The DPS will not issue a license to anyone in this age bracket without a valid ADE-1317 driver’s ed completion certificate.
Applicants Age 25 and Older
Driver education is optional for adults aged 25 and older in Texas. However, taking the 6-hour adult course is a popular voluntary choice because it allows you to complete the written test online rather than taking it in person at a DPS office.
Out-of-State License Transfers and Exemptions
You do not need a driver’s ed certificate if you hold a valid, unexpired driver license from another U.S. state or territory and are surrendering it for a Texas license.
ADE-1317 vs. DE-964 vs. Defensive Driving: Key Differences
Applicants frequently confuse the ADE-1317 with other Texas driver training certificates. Taking the wrong course will delay your license application, so make sure you know which you need before enrolling.
| Feature | ADE-1317 | DE-964 | Defensive Driving Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Type | 6-hour adult driver’s ed | Teen driver’s ed (24 classroom hours + 44 practice hours) | 6-hour driver safety course |
| Target Age | Adults (18+) | Teens (15–17) | Licensed drivers (any age) |
| Primary Use | License application and written exam waiver | Teen permit and license application | Ticket dismissal or insurance discount |
| Valid for First License? | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Earn Your ADE-1317 Certificate
Follow these three steps to complete a Texas adult driver’s ed course and get your certificate ready for your license application:
- Register for a Texas adult driver education course from a TDLR-license provider (online or in-person).
- Complete all course modules and pass the embedded final exam. Re-test policies vary by program, although some providers like NextDoorDriving.com offer unlimited free test retakes.
- Download and print your certificate; you must present a physical paper copy, as the DPS does not accept digital copies or screenshots.
How to Use Your ADE-1317 at the DPS
When your driver license application appointment arrives, bring your physical document package, which should include:
- Printed Texas Adult Driver Education Certificate (ADE-1317)
- Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) certificate, dated within 90 days
- Standard application documents:
- Completed Form DL-14A
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- Social Security card
- Two proofs of Texas residency
- DPS adult license fee: $33.00
Adult Driver’s Ed Certificate Validity
Your Texas driver’s ed completion record itself never expires and remains on file with TDLR. However, the written knowledge test score (which can be printed on the ADE-1317 certificate) does expire after two years. If you wait more than two years to apply for a Texas driver license, you will likely be required to take the written test again.
How to Fix Typos or Replace a Lost Driver’s Ed Certificate
If your name is misspelled or your birth date is inaccurate on your ADE-1317 driver’s ed certificate, do not write on the form to correct it. Do not contact the DPS about a replacement, since the DPS cannot alter driver education certificates. Instead, contact the driver education provider that issued the certificate. Because course records are managed electronically, most online providers allow you to update profile typos and re-download replacement PDFs directly from your user portal. You can also verify your ADE-1317 certificate’s official status anytime using the TDLR Driver Education Certificate Validation tool (note that the tool is a recent addition, and not all student certificates are being reported to the TDLR as of yet - if you have completed the course in 2026 or earlier, your data may not be in the system yet, but your certificate is still valid).
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