H Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement

Quick answer

Code: H
Test type: Knowledge test only
ELDT required?: Yes, for first-timers
Renewal: The TSA Security Threat Assessment (and the endorsement) is valid up to 5 years; you must renew it — with new fingerprints — before it expires. Some states tie hazmat to a shorter license term.
Typical cost: TSA charges $85.25 for new and renewing applicants (or $41.00 if you hold a valid TWIC), effective January 1, 2025 — verify the current amount at tsa.gov before you apply. Some states add their own fee.

Requirements verified July 20, 2026

The hazmat endorsement lets you haul placarded hazardous materials. It's a knowledge test plus a TSA Security Threat Assessment (fingerprints and a background check), and it must be renewed every 5 years.

The hazmat (H) endorsement is different from every other CDL endorsement: on top of a knowledge test, you must pass a TSA Security Threat Assessment — the same kind of fingerprint-based background check used for airport and port credentials. Your state can't issue the endorsement until TSA clears you, so start the background check early; TSA aims to return a result within about 60 days.

You apply through TSA's Universal Enrollment Services (universalenroll.dhs.gov), get fingerprinted, show identity and citizenship or lawful-status documents, and pay the fee. Eight 'self-managed' states — Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin — run the fingerprinting through their own DMV instead of a TSA enrollment center.

First-time hazmat applicants must also complete ELDT theory training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before taking the knowledge test. There's no behind-the-wheel requirement for hazmat, and you can't carry the H endorsement on a learner's permit.

Who needs the H endorsement?

Any driver who operates a commercial vehicle carrying hazardous materials in a quantity that requires the load to be placarded (or any amount of certain select agents/toxins).

What it takes

Test: Knowledge test only.

Federal requirements: Pass the hazmat knowledge test AND clear a TSA Security Threat Assessment — a fingerprint-based criminal-history and terrorism-database background check. A state cannot issue, renew, or transfer a hazmat endorsement until TSA determines you are not a security threat (49 CFR Part 1572).

ELDT: First-time applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before testing. How ELDT works →

Hazmat is the only CDL endorsement with a federal security background check. First-time applicants must also complete ELDT theory training (no behind-the-wheel is required for H). You cannot carry an H endorsement on a Commercial Learner's Permit.

States with special handling

These states run the process differently — most often the hazmat TSA background check through their own DMV rather than a federal enrollment center:

Florida
Kentucky
Maryland
New York
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

Practice the H knowledge test

30 free Hazardous Materials (H) practice questions written from the official CDL manual — not real exam questions, but great preparation.

Start the Hazardous Materials (H) practice test

Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement FAQ

How much does the hazmat TSA background check cost?

TSA's fee is $85.25 for new and renewing applicants, or $41.00 if you hold a valid TWIC card (effective January 1, 2025). Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on tsa.gov before you apply. Some states add a small fee of their own.

How long does the hazmat endorsement last?

The TSA Security Threat Assessment is valid up to 5 years. You must renew it — with new fingerprints — before it expires, and some states shorten your whole license term to match the hazmat cycle.

What can disqualify me from a hazmat endorsement?

TSA lists 'permanent' disqualifying crimes (like terrorism, espionage, treason, murder, and certain explosives offenses) and 'interim' crimes (like certain felonies within the past 7 years or release from prison within 5 years). Being wanted or under indictment for a listed felony also disqualifies you until it's resolved. The full list is in 49 CFR 1572.103.

Do I need ELDT for hazmat?

If you're getting the H endorsement for the first time on or after February 7, 2022, yes — you must complete ELDT theory training from a registered provider before the knowledge test. There's no behind-the-wheel portion for hazmat.

Official sources

Every requirement on this page traces to one of these official sources.

TSA — Hazmat Endorsement Threat Assessment Program — Transportation Security Administration
TSA Universal Enrollment (apply/schedule) — TSA / Universal Enroll
49 CFR 1572.103 — disqualifying criminal offenses — eCFR
49 CFR 383.93 — endorsements — eCFR

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