H Endorsement (Hazardous Materials – Hazmat) & How To Get It

What is Hazardous Materials Endorsement – H Endorsement

The H Endorsement (Hazardous Materials) is a special certification that allows commercial drivers to transport hazardous materials in the United States. This endorsement is required by federal law and regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Classes that can obtain H endorsement: A, B, C. 

How to obtain the H Endorsement

Study the state-specific CDL manual

Obtain a copy of your state’s CDL manual, which will provide all the necessary information on hazardous materials regulations, safe handling, and emergency procedures. Ensure that you focus on the sections related to hazardous materials.

Apply for a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check 

Before you can take the hazardous materials knowledge test, you must pass a TSA background check. This process involves submitting an application, providing fingerprints, and paying a fee. Visit the TSA website for more information and to start your application.
A new application for HME will cost you $86.50.
You can enroll online by visiting TSA Enrollment for HME – click here.
Or if you enrolled by now, you can check your status online – click here.
Learn more about the TSA background check.

For Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin, you should visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles for application and fingerprinting information as there is no online enrollment. 

Pass the Hazardous Materials Knowledge Test 

Once you have completed the TSA background check, you can take the hazardous materials knowledge test at your state’s DMV or designated testing center. The test will cover topics such as hazardous materials identification, loading and unloading procedures, and emergency response protocols.

Pay the Endorsement Fee – How Much Does it Cost?

After passing the knowledge test, you will need to pay an endorsement fee to your state’s DMV. This fee varies by state, so check with your local DMV office for the exact amount. 
Obtaining this endorsement will cost you roughly $100.

Add the H Endorsement to your CDL

Once you’ve paid the endorsement fee, the DMV will issue you a new CDL with the H Endorsement added. You can now legally transport hazardous materials in accordance with federal and state regulations.

Crimes That Disqualify Drivers from Having a Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Permanent Disqualifying Criminal Offenses

• Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage.
• Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition.
• Treason or conspiracy to commit treason.
• A federal crime of terrorism or comparable state law, or conspiracy to commit such crime.
• A crime involving a transportation security incident. (A transportation security incident results in a significant loss of life, environmental damage, transportation system disruption, or economic disruption in a particular area.)
• Improper transportation of a hazardous material.
• Unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, manufacture, purchase, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, import, export, storage of, or dealing in an explosive or explosive device.
• Murder.
• Threat or maliciously knowingly conveying false information concerning the deliverance, placement, or detonation of an explosive or other lethal device in or against a place of public use, a state or government facility, a public transportations system, or an infrastructure facility.
• Violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act or a comparable state law.
• Attempt to commit the crimes in items 1-4.
• Conspiracy or attempt to commit the crimes in items 5-10.

Interim Disqualifying Criminal Offenses

Some criminal convictions only disqualify an applicant temporarily. With the passage of time, the criminal history no longer restricts them from holding a hazmat endorsement.
These offenses disqualify the applicant if they were:

• Convicted, pled guilty, found not competent to stand trial, or found not guilty by reason of insanity within seven years of the date of the application, or
• Released from incarceration after conviction within five years of the date of the application.

Interim disqualifying criminal offenses include:

• Unlawful possession, use, sale, manufacture, purchase, distribution, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, delivery, import, export of, or dealing in a firearm or other weapon.
• Extortion.
• Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a permanent or interim disqualifying crime.
• Bribery.
• Smuggling.
• Immigration violations.
• Distribution, possession with intent to distribute, or importation of a controlled substance.
• Arson.
• Kidnapping or hostage-taking.
• Rape or aggravated sexual abuse.
• Assault with intent to kill.
• Robbery.
• Fraudulent entry into a seaport (18 U.S.C. 1036) or a comparable state law.
• Violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act or a comparable state law, other than any permanently disqualifying offenses.
• Voluntary manslaughter.
• Conspiracy or attempt to commit crimes in this section.

Keep in mind that regulations and requirements may vary slightly by state. Always check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office for the most up-to-date information and requirements.
This is an FMSCA list of 9 hazmat classes.

Learn more about TWIC card here.

Learn more about Transportation Security Administration – TSA here.

Learn about DOT Hazmat Training here. [required for all employees working with hazardous materials in any capacity]