What is the ADE-1317 Certificate?

If you just got an email with "ADE-1317" in the subject line and are wondering what to do with it, you're in the right place. Here's a plain-language breakdown of what the certificate is, what makes it official, and the exact next steps to get your Texas driver license.

What the ADE-1317 Actually Is

The ADE-1317 is the official Certificate of Completion for Texas adult drivers ed. It's a state-issued form number, not a marketing name. Every TDLR-approved adult drivers ed course in Texas issues the same form, with the same form number, to every student who finishes the course.

The full name is "Adult Driver Education Certificate of Completion." You may also see it referenced as ADEE-1317 in some DPS documentation. Same form, slight variation in the form number prefix.

Who Issues It

Your TDLR-approved drivers ed provider, not the State of Texas directly. Aceable issues the ADE-1317 via email within one hour of you passing the final exam. Other providers may mail a paper version or deliver it through a portal.

Who Accepts It

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts it as proof that you've completed the state-mandated 6-hour adult drivers ed course. The DPS is the only place that needs to see it.

What the "P" Stamp Means

If your ADE-1317 has a "P" stamped on it, your provider administered the official Texas DPS written knowledge test inside the course and you passed. The "P" tells the DPS examiner you don't need to take the written test again in person.

Without the "P," you'd have to schedule a separate appointment at the DPS just for the written exam, which adds time to your overall licensing timeline. With it, the DPS examiner skips straight to your vision test and skills test.

Will Every ADE-1317 Have a "P"?

No. Only courses that bundle the official DPS written test will include the "P" stamp. Aceable's Texas Adult Drivers EdTexas Adult Drivers Ed includes the in-course written test, so the certificate comes with the "P." Here's how the in-course DPS written test worksRetaking The Dps Written Knowledge Exam With Aceable Blog, including what happens if you don't pass on the first try. Some other providers don't offer this option, which means their students still have to take the written exam in person at the DPS.

What to Do With Your ADE-1317

1. Print it. The DPS only accepts a paper copy. A digital version on your phone screen will not be accepted, no matter how clear the image is.
2. Don't sign it at home. If your certificate has a signature line, leave it blank. You'll sign in front of the DPS examiner.
3. Keep it safe. Treat it like an ID document. If you lose it before your DPS appointment, contact your provider for a reissue.
4. Bring it to the DPS along with the rest of your documents. Here's the full document checklist.What To Bring To The Texas Dps Permit Driver License Blog

How Long Is It Valid?

The ADE-1317 has no expiration date. Once issued, it's good indefinitely. This is different from the ITAD video certificate, which is only valid for 90 days. Here's how the ITAD certificate worksItad Vs Ityd Texas Adult Blog and why timing it matters.

That said, life happens. If years pass between your course completion and your DPS appointment, your provider's records may eventually move to archival storage. If you ever need a duplicate after a long gap, contact your provider's customer support sooner rather than later.

What If I Lose My ADE-1317?

Don't panic. Your provider has a copy on file. With Aceable, you can contact customer support seven days a week and request a duplicate. Most reissues happen the same day.

If you used a different provider, their reissue process and timeline may vary. Some charge a fee for duplicates; check your enrollment terms.

What If the Information on My ADE-1317 Is Wrong?

If your name, date of birth, or other identifying information is incorrect, contact your provider before your DPS appointment. The DPS may reject a certificate that doesn't match your other identification documents. Common fixes include:

• Misspelled name (most common)
• Incorrect date of birth
• Wrong address (less critical, but worth fixing)

Don't try to correct the certificate yourself. The DPS will refuse handwritten edits to a state-issued form.