An enrollment verification letter (or VOE) is a document confirming that a student is actively enrolled in a homeschool program, commonly required for driver's license applications, work permits, and insurance discounts.
What is an Enrollment Verification Letter?
An enrollment verification letter—often called a Verification of Enrollment (VOE) or Certificate of Enrollment—is proof that your child is an active student receiving education. For traditional school students, the school provides this automatically. For homeschoolers, parents typically issue the letter themselves, acting as both parent and school administrator. This document confirms to third parties (DMV, employers, insurance companies) that your child is meeting educational requirements and is exempt from compulsory public school attendance.
Key Takeaways
- Most commonly needed for teen driver's license and learner's permit applications
- Parents can self-issue in most states, or obtain from umbrella schools
- Usually valid for only 30 days during the school year
- Must include student name, grade level, parent signature, and date
- Some states provide official forms; others accept parent-created letters
When You'll Need This Document
The most common trigger is your teenager applying for a driver's license or learner's permit. Most states require proof of school enrollment for minors before issuing permits. You may also need verification when withdrawing from a previous school, applying for work permits, claiming student insurance discounts, or enrolling in dual-credit college courses. Some sports leagues and extracurricular programs request enrollment verification for eligibility purposes.
Creating Your Own Verification Letter
What to Include
Your verification letter should include your homeschool's name (even something simple like "Smith Family Homeschool"), your address, student's full legal name, date of birth, current grade level, a statement that the student is enrolled and meeting attendance requirements, your name and signature as the parent/administrator, and the date. Some states require specific wording or format—check your DMV's website for templates.
Umbrella Schools and Alternatives
If you're enrolled with an umbrella school or homeschool organization, they can often provide official verification on their letterhead—sometimes easier for agencies to accept than a parent-issued letter. Accredited online schools can also provide VOE forms. These options add legitimacy in the eyes of bureaucrats unfamiliar with homeschooling, though parent-issued letters are legally valid in most states.
The Bottom Line
The enrollment verification letter is one of those documents you don't think about until you suddenly need it. Plan ahead when your teen approaches driving age—some DMV offices are more familiar with homeschool documentation than others, and having a properly formatted letter saves frustration. Keep copies of all verification letters you issue and note their expiration dates. The 30-day validity window means you may need to issue multiple letters throughout the year for different purposes.
