HAZMAT Endorsement
CDL drivers, 21 or older, who wish to operate vehicles carrying hazardous materials that require placarding must have a HAZMAT endorsement on their CDL. To obtain a HAZMAT endorsement,
you must demonstrate your knowledge by successfully answering a series of 30 questions regarding hazardous materials. This test is only available in English. Additionally, once you pass the
knowledge test, you must apply for a Federal Security Threat Assessment by completing an
Application for Security Threat Assessment (PDF)
and having your fingerprints taken. PennDOT must receive federal approval to issue you a Hazardous Material endorsement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
Transportation Security Administration (TSA). CDL drivers should allow up to 90 days to complete this process. Commercial drivers are required to recertify their HAZMAT endorsement prior to
every license renewal or upon transfer of an
out-of-state CDL with HAZMAT endorsement. The HAZMAT recertification
notice will be mailed to you 7 months prior to your renewal. An additional fee is required any time a HAZMAT endorsement is issued or renewed.
Process:
Step 1:
Complete the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.
Step 2:
Acquire a Commercial Learner's Permit Application (PDF), a DL-11CD (PDF) Self-Certification Form and a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's Manual (PDF).
Step 3:
Submit a check or money order for the appropriate
fee.
Step 4:
Visit a
Driver License Center to receive the product over the counter or mail application and check or money order to: PennDOT, P.O. Box 68272, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272
Step 5:
A Knowledge Test Authorization will be issued to you through the mail within 7 to 10 working days after your DL-31CD has been processed.
Step 6:
You will be required to pass a HAZMAT Knowledge Test, which consists of 30 questions.
Step 7:
Immediately after passing the Knowledge Test, you will have to apply for a Federal Security Threat Assessment. Please note that the PA State Police will no longer be completing the fingerprinting portion of the assessment. On November 18, 2017, PennDOT transitioned the fingerprinting process to Idemia, a vendor who is on statewide contract and has been approved by the FBI. Please refer to the DL-288 (PDF) for additional information regarding current TSA and FBI fingerprinting fees.
The Federal Security Threat Assessment Process consists of:
- Providing proof of
U.S. citizenship or appropriate immigration status
- Completing the Security Threat Assessment Application (PDF)
- Paying the Transportation Security Administration fee for the Federal security threat assessment. This fee will be collected at the PennDOT Driver License Center. Your check or money order must be made out to "PennDOT".
Please refer to the DL-288 (PDF) for additional information regarding current TSA fees.
- You will be issued a Fingerprint Authorization Letter (Pub 512), which outlines the necessary steps to completing the required background checks.
- You will be required to pre-register with Idemia before visiting a site for fingerprinting. Pre-registration can be completed by visiting the
Applicant Fingerprinting Online Service or by calling Idemia's scheduling line at 1-844-321-2101. The (covering the FBI) will be collected by Idemia either at the time the CDL holder pre-registers to have their fingerprints taken or at a Idemia fingerprint location.
Please refer to the DL-288 (PDF) for additional information regarding current FBI fingerprinting fees.
Step 8:
After you pass all testing and PennDOT receives federal approval, a camera card or photo CDL will be issued with the HAZMAT endorsement on it.