Hazardous Materials Endorsement

The USA Patriot Act requires individuals applying for, or renewing, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a HAZMAT endorsement (HME) to be fingerprinted and complete a background records check. The Act also allows customers transferring a CDL with the HAZMAT endorsement from another state to transfer their valid HME background records check without the requirements for fingerprinting or showing proof of citizenship or immigration PROVIDED the background records check is verified by the state of issuance.

To complete a background records check application and be fingerprinted, you must visit one of the DMV customer service centers equipped to process your application.

The non-refundable fee for the background check and fingerprinting is $83.00.

To be eligible for a HAZMAT endorsement, you are required to provide a document to show proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration, as specified in the Federal Motor Carrier Administration's Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR §383.71.

If you are applying for the HAZMAT endorsement for the first time your CDL will be issued without a HAZMAT endorsement. Allow at least 45 days for the HAZMAT endorsement to be processed. If renewing your CDL with the HAZMAT endorsement you will receive your CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement at renewal. The HME will be contingent on TSA approval of eligibility based on the background records/fingerprint check.

If you are transferring into Virginia, you will receive a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL if you currently hold the endorsement on your out-of-state CDL, DMV can verify your eligibility with your current state, and you pass the HAZMAT test in Virginia. If you have not completed a fingerprint-based Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check in your current state, or your approval cannot be verified by DMV, you may be issued a Virginia CDL with a HAZMAT endorsement only if you apply for the background check in Virginia and pass the HAZMAT test.

Fingerprint and application information will be sent to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA will perform background checks, make security assessments and notify DMV whether the application is approved or denied.

Based on the results from TSA, DMV will either issue the CDL with the HAZMAT endorsement or send you a notification of denial by TSA. If approved, you may return to DMV to be photographed and pick up your CDL, provided you have successfully completed the HAZMAT test.

For renewal, DMV encourages you to renew as soon as you receive your renewal invitation. This allows ample time for the federal background check to be completed. A customer who waits to renew until his current CDL expires, will be eligible to renew the CDL, but will not receive the HME. He must apply for an original HME and wait for eligibility determination by TSA.

The background records check is valid for up to five years.
[Back to Top]

USA Patriot Act

The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA Patriot) Act is a federal law that addresses national security and includes provisions that require commercial drivers who transport hazardous materials to be fingerprinted and successfully complete a criminal history background records check.

The federal requirements are issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and support the USA Patriot Act. These requirements change the application process for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders applying for or renewing a CDL with a hazardous materials HAZMAT endorsement.

For more information about the USA Patriot Act, you may visit the TSA website at www.tsa.gov/public, contact TSA by phone at (866) 289-9673 or email to patriotact@dhs.gov.
[Back to Top]

Acceptable Documents for Proof of Citizenship/Immigration Status for HAZMAT Endorsement

To be eligible for a HAZMAT endorsement, you are required to provide a document from the following list to show proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status, as specified in the Federal Motor Carrier Administration's Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR §383.71. You must present a document from this list for each original HAZMAT endorsement. Please note that plastic Birth Registration Cards, whether issued by Virginia or another state, are not acceptable.

• U.S. Passport
• Certificate of birth that bears an official seal and was issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or outlying possession of the United States
• Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (Form FS-545 or DS 1350)
• Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
• Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
• Permanent Resident Card, Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)
• Temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport
• Temporary I-551 stamp on Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with photograph of the bearer
• Reentry Permit (Form I-327)