Hazardous materials endorsement

Background checks and security clearance

Before you can receive a commercial driver license (CDL) with a hazardous materials endorsement (HME), you must complete a background check and get security clearance from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You also must go through these steps if you want to renew or transfer your hazardous materials endorsement.

To complete a background check and get security clearance:

1. Apply to begin the background record check. Submit an application at www.hazprints.com or call 1-877-429-7746.
2. Be fingerprinted. Complete the fingerprint process at any TSA fingerprinting location (fingerprinting locations in Washington and surrounding states are listed below). You must pay an $89.25 application fee when you get fingerprinted. If you have questions, call 1-877-429-7746.
3. Wait to be notified. The background check may take up to 30 days to complete. The results will be mailed to your home address.
4. Visit your local driver licensing office. After receiving your HME eligibility notification letter from TSA, bring your letter to a driver licensing office and:
   • update any information regarding your Washington CDL.
   • complete a HAZMAT knowledge test.
   • pay any required testing and driver licensing fees.
   • obtain your commercial driver license with an HME.

Renewing a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement

When to renew

If you are renewing a CDL with a hazarous materials endorsement, wait until 90 days before the expiration of your commercial driver license to begin the background check. We will not accept background checks conducted more than 90 days prior to your license expiration.

We recommend that you begin this process a minimum of 30 days prior to your license expiration to allow enough time for processing. Currently, federal background record checks for an HME take 3 to 4 weeks to complete.

How to renew

When you renew your hazardous materials endorsement, you must:

• provide any updated information.
• complete any additional testing requirements for an upgrade.
• pass a hazardous materials knowledge test.
• submit fingerprints and pass a federal background check.

Fingerprinting locations