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In addition to a commercial driver's license (CDL), federal and state laws require a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement on your CDL before you can legally transport hazardous material.

According to government regulations, hazardous materials may include:

• Explosives.
• Gases.
• Some solids.
• Flammable and combustible liquids.
• Other materials that may cause harm.

Without a HAZMAT endorsement, you may be limited in what you are allowed to transport with a standard commercial driver's license.

Eligibility for HAZMAT Endorsements

To satisfy the requirement for a CDL HAZMAT endorsement, you must first meet the following basic eligibility criteria:

• You are a U.S. citizen or can provide proof of legal status in the United States.
• You have a valid U.S. commercial driver's license.
• You must be 21+ to operate a HAZMAT vehicle.
• You are willing to complete the TSA background check.
• You do not have a record of disqualifying criminal offenses; examples include:
  • Warrants or indictment for a felony.
  • Robbery.
  • Immigration violations.

Application Process

Once you possess a CDL, you may begin the application process for a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement. While the process may differ slightly according to your state, below are MA basic steps:

Submit a TSA background security screening (see at bottom of page), wait for your confirmation letter to arrive in the mail approx 3-4 weeks then fill out the hazardous material endorsement application (mass.gov/rmv or in any RMV location) and then go to any RMVto take written exam

Pass the written exam

Pay the proper fee:

New applicants—standard: $86.50

Reduced rate—reduced rate: $67.

• You are eligible for the reduced rate fee IF you already have a valid TWIC card AND your state accepts the TWIC threat assessment instead of the HAZMAT assessment.
• Once you have completed the above, the TSA will attempt to provide you with a response concerning your eligibility within 45 days. If cleared, the TSA will send official notification to you and your state of license. Once your state receives the notification, you will receive your CDL with the HAZMAT endorsement.

HAZMAT endorsement application processes vary from state to state—some need to be begun at the DMV, while others can be completed entirely through the TSA. Please see TSA Security Assessment below for details.

CDL Endorsements

Keep in mind that in order to operate special types of commercial vehicles with hazardous material, additional CDL endorsements may be required. A few of the common endorsements you may need to apply along with your HAZMAT endorsement (H) include:

• N Endorsement: Allows for operation of a tanker.
• X Endorsement: Allows for operation of a tanker and the transportation of hazardous material.

For each CDL endorsement you apply for, you'll need to pass a state examination. This examination will test your knowledge of:

• Federal and state HAZMAT regulations.
• Your role in the transportation process.
• How to safely load and unload shipments.

The length, format, and passing score may differ according to your state. Your state may also require a training course before they will issue a HAZMAT endorsement. Visit our state-specific guides for details.

TSA Security Assessment

Before your state can issue a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement, you are required to complete the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) security threat assessment.

You can enroll or pre-enroll online by filling out an online enrollment form @  https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/servicecode/111168