For homeschoolers in Texas, the VOE, or Verification of Enrollment, is a crucial form that must be filled out for drivers license applicants and other activities requiring enrollment. This form must be filled out every semester and provides essential information about a homeschooler’s status as a student. Here, we’ll answer 15 essential questions you need to know when preparing and filling out your Texas VOE.
1. What Exactly is the Texas VOE?
The Texas VOE is an official letter required for the issuance of a Texas driver’s license and for any other purpose that requires proof of student enrollment. The letter must be filled out every school semester and certifies the status of the student and the academic period. It includes information such as the name of the student, school name and address, type of education and academic terms, such as the school year and other details.
2. Who Signs the Texas VOE?
The Texas VOE must be signed and sealed by an official at the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSA). The HSA recognizes that homeschooling is a legal form of education and will certify a student’s homeschooled status. The form must be sealed and signed by the HSA Official or another authorized representative.
3. What Information do I Need to Fill Out the VOE?
When filling out the VOE form, you’ll need to provide all your student’s information, including name, address, telephone number and email address. You’ll also need to provide the school name, address and phone number. Additionally, you’ll need to note whether the student is enrolled in a virtual/online program, in-person program or hybrid program, and provide details about the academic session, such as the school year, semester start and end dates, and whether or not the student is receiving instruction through a college, university or other post-secondary institution.
4. How do I Prepare the Texas VOE?
Preparing the Texas VOE is relatively straightforward. Begin by downloading the form from the HSA website or requesting the form from your local HSA branch.
Once you’ve received the form, make sure you read the instructions carefully, as there are specific requirements for certain fields. When filling out the form make sure the information is accurate and legible. Once complete, take the form to your local HSA branch to have it sealed and signed.
5. Is the Texas VOE Required for Other Purposes Besides Driver’s License?
Yes, the VOE may be required for other purposes as well. This includes activities such as applying for an absentee voting permit or school extracurricular activities like joining a sports team or a band.
The VOE certifies the enrollment of a student, so it may be required when signing up for certain activities. Check with the relevant organization to determine if you’ll need to submit a VOE.
6. Does My Homeschool Need to be Respected by HSA?
Yes, the HSA must recognize your homeschool for the VOE to be valid. If your homeschool is not recognized by the HSA, it may be necessary to enroll your child in a private school.
The HSA can provide additional information on the requirement for recognition and provide guidance on the application process.
7. How Often do I Need to Fill Out the Texas VOE?
You must fill out the VOE for every school session. This means it must be completed every semester, or academic year, depending on the type of homeschooling program your child is enrolled in.
8. What Acknowledgment Must I Provide?
You must include the acknowledgment that the student is in compliance with the required number of days of attendance. The law requires the student to attend school for at least 180 days for the VOE to be valid.
9. Do I Need to Include the Student’s Social Security Number?
No, it is not necessary to include a student’s social security number on the Texas VOE. You can, however, include the student’s driver’s license number or state-issued ID number.
10. Do I Need to Notarize the Texas VOE?
No, notaries are not required for the verification of enrollment form. The form must be sealed and signed by the HSA or authorized representative.
11. Is the Texas VOE Required by the State of Texas?
Yes, the Texas VOE is required by the state of Texas for certain activities and processes, such as applying for a driver’s license.
12. When do I Submit the Texas VOE?
The VOE must be submitted before the activity requiring it takes place. This means it must be submitted and signed by the HSA before the activity begins.
13. Can the Texas VOE be Faxed or Emailed?
The VOE must be signed and sealed by the HSA, so it cannot be faxed or emailed. You must submit the original document in person or by mail.
14. What if I Make a Mistake on the Texas VOE?
If you make a mistake or need to make a change on the Texas VOE, contact the HSA for assistance. The HSA will provide instructions on how to correct the mistake.
15. Do I Need to Keep a Copy of the Texas VOE?
Yes, you should keep a copy of the Texas VOE for your records. It’s also a good idea to have another copy of the form notarized and kept separately in case it’s ever needed.
Conclusion
Filling out the Texas VOE is an important step in the homeschooling process. When preparing and filling out the form, be sure to read all the instructions carefully and ensure all the information is accurate and legible. Make sure to seal and sign the form by the HSA or authorized representative and keep a copy of the form in case it’s ever needed.
By following the required steps, you can be certain that you’ve filled out the Texas VOE correctly.