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The Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form serves a crucial role in a student's journey toward obtaining a driver’s license in Texas. This document verifies that a student is enrolled in an educational program, which can be a public, charter, home school, or GED program, and confirms their attendance status. It is primarily used when a student under the age of 18 applies for a learner's license or a license to operate a motor vehicle, facilitating the exchange of pertinent information between the school and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Notably, the issuance of a VOE is a local decision, meaning schools or institutions have the authority to grant or deny the form based on established attendance guidelines. The Texas Transportation Code imposes specific requirements that a student must meet, including maintaining at least a 90% attendance rate in their classes during the previous semester. To further complicate matters, the expiration of the VOE adds another layer of consideration, as the document can become invalid within 30 days of issuance or at the close of the school year. A clear understanding of the VOE form's criteria and the institution's policies surrounding it is essential for students and parents navigating the complexities of license acquisition.

Voe Example

School Name/Home School

Verification of Enrollment and Attendance

(VOE) Form

County-District-Campus No. (If Applicable)

Planned Use of Data: To provide documentation of enrollment and attendance status to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for a student applying for a learner’s license and/or a license to operate a motor vehicle. The student presents the completed form to DPS. DO NOT provide this VOE to the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Authority: Section 521.204 of the Texas Transportation Code requires students under age 18 who have not obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent to be enrolled in a public, charter, home, or private school; GED Program; or Institution of Higher Education and meet specific enrollment conditions to obtain or renew a license.

Issuing VOE Forms: The issuance or denial of the VOE is strictly a local school, charter, GED program, or institution decision. Neither DPS nor TEA can alter a VOE decision. It is recommended that schools, charters, GED programs, and institutions of higher education clearly outline all requirements for issuance of a VOE and establish a formal, published policy to support the requirements.

Texas Education Code, Section 25.092 states that a student may not be given credit for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90% of the days the class is offered. The 90% attendance rule applies when determining VOE eligibility. Schools can accept decisions of attendance committees when considering VOE eligibility. Summer school does not count as make-up time for attendance purposes unless the attendance committee makes summer school attendance a part of a student’s plan to make up days missed. For students in grades eight and below, absences may be aggregated on the basis of a scholastic year. For students in grades 9-12, absences may be aggregated on the basis of a scholastic semester (traditional, condensed, accelerated, block, etc.).

VOE Eligibility:

1)The school considers the student currently enrolled at the time the student applies for the VOE, and

2)the school awarded the student credit for each class the semester prior to application for the VOE.

If the student was not awarded credit for each class the semester prior to application for the VOE, the school should examine attendance records for the semester prior to application for the VOE and determine whether the student was present 90% of the time each class was offered. If so, the VOE may be issued. If the student did not receive credit and did not attend 90% of their classes, the school attendance committee and/or administration may approve a plan establishing conditions for the student to meet in order to receive a VOE.

A student must meet one of the following requirements to receive a VOE. The individual certifying attendance verifies on behalf of the school, program, or institution the following as true and correct by marking the appropriate box and affixing a legal signature to this form. Entities may personalize and/or develop their own VOE provided all pertinent information contained on this form is incorporated.

Public, charter, home, or private schools: The public, charter, home, or private school should mark this box and issue the form to any student who is currently enrolled AND either:

(1)met minimum attendance for class credit (90 Percent Rule) in each class they were enrolled in semester,

(2)received credit for all courses taken in the previous semester, OR

(3)has complied with the conditions established by the school to receive this VOE form.

GED programs: GED programs mark this box and issue the VOE to any student who:

(1)is currently enrolled,

(2)has been enrolled in the program for a minimum of 45 calendar days, and

(3)is meeting the attendance requirements prescribed by the GED program.

Institutions of higher education: Institutions mark this box and issue the form to students who have not obtained a diploma

or its equivalent but are enrolled and attending as prescribed by the institution. Note: Institutions can issue a letter signed by an official of the institution stating that (1) the student is currently enrolled and (2) the student is meeting the institution’s attendance requirements instead of issuance of this form.

Typed or Printed Name of Student

Date

Student Signature *

Typed or Printed Name and Title of

Area Code &

Issuance Date

Administrator/DesigneeSignature

Administrator/Designee

Telephone

/ /

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month Day Year

 

Parental/Guardian Permission: I grant my permission for the Texas Department of Public Safety (1) to access my child’s school enrollment records and (2) for a school administrator or law enforcement officer to notify DPS in the event that my child has been absent from school for a at least 20 consecutive instructional days.

Parent/GuardianSignature:______________________________________________ Date: _____________________________

Expiration: Any VOE issued during the school year (traditional, year round, etc.) expires 30 days after issuance. Any VOE issued the last 5 days of the school year will expire the first day of the following school year.

*A student is not required to sign in the presence of the person certifying attendance. The signature of the student can be placed on the form before or as it is presented to DPS.

THE VOE IS A GOVERNMENT RECORD AS DEFINED UNDER TEXAS PENAL CODE, 37.01(2). ANY MISREPRESENTATION BY THE APPLICANT OR PERSON ISSUING THE FORM MAY RESULT IN DENIAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR A TEXAS DRIVER’S LICENSE AND/OR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

VOE (Rev 07-2012)

Get Voe PDF Form

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Details
Purpose of VOE Form The VOE Form serves to document a student's enrollment and attendance for the Texas Department of Public Safety, specifically for those applying for a learner’s license or a license to operate a motor vehicle.
Governing Law Section 521.204 of the Texas Transportation Code requires students under age 18 to be enrolled in an educational program to be eligible for a driver’s license.
Attendance Requirements According to Texas Education Code, Section 25.092, students must attend at least 90% of the classes to receive credit, which is also a requirement for VOE eligibility.
Expiration of VOE Form Any VOE issued during the school year expires 30 days after its issuance, while those issued during the last 5 days of the school year become invalid the first day of the following school year.

Guidelines on Utilizing Voe

To complete the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form, it’s important to ensure all necessary information is provided accurately. Once the form is successfully filled out, it should be presented to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) by the student seeking a learner’s license or a license to operate a motor vehicle.

  1. Begin by writing the School Name/Home School at the top of the form.
  2. Enter the County-District-Campus No. if applicable.
  3. Identify the Planned Use of Data section to understand the purpose of the form, but do not alter this text.
  4. Ensure the student is currently enrolled in school at the time of applying for the VOE.
  5. Confirm that the student has received credit for each class in the previous semester.
  6. If the student did not receive credit or did not meet the attendance requirement, review the attendance records for the prior semester.
  7. Check if the student was present 90% of the time in each class offered to evaluate VOE eligibility.
  8. Mark the appropriate box for the school type (public, charter, home, private, GED program, or institution of higher education).
  9. For public, charter, home, or private schools, ensure the student meets one of the specified criteria.
  10. For GED programs, verify that the student has been enrolled for a minimum of 45 calendar days.
  11. If applicable, institutions of higher education can provide a signed letter as an alternative to the form.
  12. Type or print the Name of Student and the Date in the designated areas.
  13. Obtain the student’s signature and ensure it is included on the form before submission.
  14. Fill in the Name and Title of the Administrator/Designee, along with their Telephone Number.
  15. Sign and date the form as the Administrator/Designee.
  16. Get the Parental/Guardian Permission signature and ensure the date is noted.
  17. Be aware that any VOE issued during the school year expires 30 days after issuance.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the purpose of the VOE form?

The Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form serves as proof that a student is enrolled and has been attending school. It is primarily used for students applying for a learner’s license or a driver’s license in Texas. The completed form must be presented to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when applying. Make sure to keep this form away from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), as it is not intended for them.

Who can issue a VOE form?

The decision to issue or deny a VOE is made by the individual school, charter, GED program, or institution of higher education. Neither DPS nor TEA can change this decision. Schools are encouraged to clearly outline the requirements for issuing a VOE and have a formal policy in place to ensure consistency in the process.

What are the eligibility requirements for getting a VOE?

To be eligible for a VOE, a student must be currently enrolled in school. Additionally, the student must have received credit for every class taken in the prior semester. If a student did not receive credit but attended at least 90% of classes during that semester, a VOE may still be issued. In some cases, the school attendance committee or administration may create a plan to help the student meet the necessary conditions for receiving a VOE.

How long is a VOE form valid?

The VOE form is valid for a limited time. It expires 30 days after it is issued during the school year. However, if the form is issued in the last five days of the school year, it will expire on the first day of the following school year. Keep track of the expiration date to avoid any issues when submitting your application to DPS.

Common mistakes

Completing the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form can seem straightforward, yet many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to unnecessary complications. One frequent error involves overlooking the eligibility requirements. Parents or guardians may not realize that the student must be currently enrolled in school and that credit for all classes must have been awarded in the prior semester. Without meeting these conditions, obtaining a VOE can become an ordeal.

Another prevalent oversight is failing to provide accurate attendance data. This includes misunderstanding the 90% attendance rule. For students in grades 9-12, the absence calculations are based on a semester, while those in grades eight and below are assessed over a school year. If these nuances are ignored, a student may find themselves ineligible for the VOE.

Some individuals do not properly fill out all required sections of the form. Missing signatures, especially those of the parent or guardian, can result in delays or outright rejection of the form. An incomplete form attracts scrutiny; thus, it is crucial to double-check all fields before submission.

Moreover, people often fail to adhere to the specific timelines associated with the VOE. A VOE expires 30 days after issuance. If not managed properly, those planning to visit the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) may find that their form is no longer valid, forcing them to start the process anew.

A more nuanced error is not indicating whether the student has complied with the conditions for obtaining the VOE. If the school has set specific requirements that a student must fulfill, this information needs to be clearly marked on the form. Neglecting to mention compliance could lead to assumptions about eligibility and result in complications later.

Another mistake relates to miscommunication between students, parents, and school officials. Those involved in filling out the VOE may not be on the same page regarding the attendance and enrollment details. Open discussions among all parties can help clarify requirements, reducing the risk of errors.

Additionally, misunderstanding the differences in VOE issuance for various types of educational institutions can create confusion. Each type of institution—public, charter, home, private, and GED programs—has distinct requirements. Therefore, it is essential to confirm which box to mark on the form based on the type of educational setting in which the student is enrolled.

In some cases, individuals might overlook the importance of submitting the VOE directly to the DPS. Misguided attempts to send it to other agencies, such as the Texas Education Agency (TEA), lead to unnecessary delays and complications. Knowing where to submit the form is key to ensuring prompt processing.

Another issue arises with the administration of summer school. Many mistakenly believe that attending summer school automatically remedies past attendance shortfalls. However, unless a student's attendance committee has explicitly included summer school in their recovery plan, these days may not count towards meeting the attendance requirements.

Lastly, individuals often fail to keep records or copies of submitted forms. It is beneficial to maintain a copy for personal reference. This can be essential in case discrepancies arise later. Ensuring a thorough understanding of the VOE form and its requirements can prevent many of these common mistakes, facilitating a smoother experience in obtaining a learner's license.

Documents used along the form

The Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form plays a crucial role in helping students obtain their learner's or driver's licenses in Texas. Alongside the VOE, there are various other forms and documents that may be required during this process. Understanding these documents can facilitate a smoother experience for students and their families.

  • Application for a Texas Driver’s License: This form serves as the initial application that students submit to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when seeking their learner’s or driver’s license.
  • Parental Consent Form: Students under 18 may need a notarized form from a parent or guardian, granting permission for them to apply for a driver’s license.
  • Proof of Identity: Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, or school identification. This verifies the student’s identity when applying for a license.
  • Social Security Number Verification: Students must provide documentation of their Social Security number. This may include a Social Security card or a pay stub showing the number.
  • Driver’s Education Completion Certificate: If the student has completed a state-approved driver’s education course, they must submit a certificate proving completion.
  • Attendance Records: Schools may provide additional attendance records to confirm that the student meets the 90% attendance requirement necessary for the VOE.
  • Certification of Enrollment: This document, often provided by the school, states that the student is currently enrolled and meeting attendance requirements.
  • Statement of Financial Responsibility: Form required from the student’s parent or guardian, affirming financial responsibility for any damages caused by the student while driving.
  • Proof of Residency: Documentation needed to verify that the student resides within Texas, such as a utility bill or bank statement in the parent's name.

Being aware of these documents can help streamline the application process and ensure that students are fully prepared to secure their licenses. The right documentation not only supports compliance with state requirements, but it also empowers students to take the next steps in their journey toward driving.

Similar forms

  • Transcript Request Form: Like the VOE form, the Transcript Request Form provides essential documentation related to a student's academic history. This document is often required for applications to colleges or for employment and verifies that a student has met certain educational requirements.
  • Verification of Enrollment (VOE) Form for Foreign Exchange Students: This document serves a similar purpose as the standard VOE by verifying enrollment and attendance. It is specifically designed for students in exchange programs and must also be presented to authorities for licensing purposes.
  • Report Card: A report card offers a detailed summary of a student's grades and can serve as proof of enrollment and attendance. Like the VOE form, it details the student's performance over a specific period and is often used for licensing or admission processes.
  • GED Certificate: The GED Certificate confirms that a student has completed their General Educational Development tests. This document functions similarly to the VOE form in that it certifies the student meets educational standards before applying for a driver's license.

Dos and Don'ts

When completing the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form, it is important to follow guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below are some recommendations outlined for successful completion of the form.

  • Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all information provided on the form for correctness. Inaccurate details may result in delays or denials of the application.
  • Obtain Required Signatures: Secure the necessary signatures from the student and the school administrator or designee. Missing signatures can lead to invalidation of the form.
  • Verify Attendance Requirements: Confirm that the student meets the 90% attendance rule before issuing the VOE. This is crucial for eligibility.
  • Keep Copies: Retain a copy of the completed VOE form for your records and future reference.

Conversely, there are several practices to avoid when filling out the VOE form:

  • Do Not Submit to TEA: Do not provide the VOE to the Texas Education Agency. This form is not intended for them.
  • Avoid Altering the Form: Do not change the official wording or format of the VOE form. Any alterations could lead to questions about the form's validity.
  • Do Not Assume Eligibility: Do not presume a student qualifies for a VOE without verifying current enrollment and attendance status.
  • Never Sign Under Pressure: Make sure signatures are provided voluntarily and without coercion to ensure compliance with regulations.

Misconceptions

Many people have misconceptions about the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form. Here are eight common myths and the truths that clarify them:

  • Myth 1: The VOE form can be given to the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

    • Truth: The VOE form is meant exclusively for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Do not provide it to the TEA.

  • Myth 2: All students can automatically receive a VOE form.

    • Truth: Schools, charter programs, GED programs, and institutions decide if they will issue a VOE. It depends on specific criteria being met.

  • Myth 3: Summer school attendance counts towards the 90% attendance requirement.

    • Truth: Summer school does not count for meeting attendance requirements unless specifically indicated by an attendance committee.

  • Myth 4: A student can receive a VOE even if they did not earn credit in the previous semester.

    • Truth: The school must check attendance from the previous semester. The student must meet the 90% attendance rule to be eligible.

  • Myth 5: A student can sign the VOE in the presence of any adult.

    • Truth: While the student may not need to sign in front of the certifying person, the signature must still be on the form when presented to DPS.

  • Myth 6: The VOE is valid indefinitely once issued.

    • Truth: The VOE expires 30 days after issuance. If issued in the final days of the school year, it expires the first day of the next school year.

  • Myth 7: A parent’s permission is not necessary for the VOE process.

    • Truth: A parent or guardian must sign to give permission for DPS to access a student’s school enrollment records.

  • Myth 8: The 90% attendance requirement is the same for all grades.

    • Truth: For grades 9-12, absences are evaluated by semester, while for grades 8 and below, they are evaluated by the entire year.

Key takeaways

Obtaining a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form is essential for students under 18 seeking a learner’s license or a driver’s license in Texas.

  • Purpose of the VOE: The form serves to document a student's enrollment and attendance, which is required for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when applying for a driver's license.
  • Eligibility Criteria: To receive a VOE, students must be currently enrolled in school and have received credit for all courses taken in the previous semester. Additionally, they need to meet the 90% attendance requirement.
  • Local Authority: The decision to issue or deny a VOE is made by the local school, charter, or GED program. Neither the DPS nor the Texas Education Agency can change this decision.
  • Attendance Calculations: For students in grades 8 and below, attendance is calculated over the entire school year, while for grades 9-12, it is assessed per semester.
  • Expiration of the VOE: Any VOE is valid for only 30 days after issuance. If issued within the last five days of the school year, it will expire on the first day of the following school year.
  • Parental Permission: Parents or guardians must grant permission for the DPS to access their child’s school records. They must also acknowledge that the school will inform DPS of any extended absences.

Compliance with these key points can streamline the process for students as they seek to obtain their driving licenses efficiently and legally.

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