Hazmat endorsement requirements

Hazmat endorsements come with federal eligibility rules and a TSA background check. Here’s who qualifies — and what can disqualify you.

Start your hazmat course

To qualify for a hazmat endorsement you must hold a valid CDL, meet your state’s age rule, be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, pass the TSA background check with no disqualifying offenses, and — if it’s your first time — complete an FMCSA ELDT hazmat theory course before the knowledge test.

The six hazmat endorsement requirements

These are set at the federal level. Your state can add its own rules on top, so confirm the details with your local DMV before you apply.

License

A valid CDL

The “H” is added to a full Class A, B, or C CDL. You can start ELDT and the TSA check on a CLP — but the endorsement issues only on a CDL

Age

Meet the age rule

21 or older to haul interstate. Some states allow 18+ for intrastate-only hauling within state lines.

Status

Citizenship or lawful status

Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Some other lawful immigration statuses also qualify.

Security

Pass the TSA check

Clear the TSA Security Threat Assessment, which includes fingerprinting and a criminal-history review.

Record

No disqualifying offenses

Be free of the permanent and current interim criminal offenses on the TSA’s list (detailed below).

Training

Complete ELDT theory

First-time applicants must finish FMCSA ELDT hazmat theory before taking the knowledge test.

Hazmat disqualifying offenses

The TSA sorts disqualifying crimes into two groups. Permanent offenses bar you for life; interim offenses only disqualify you for a set window. Everything else may still be eligible — sometimes with a waiver.

Permanent — never eligible

Permanent disqualifiers

A conviction (or attempt/conspiracy) for any of these bars a hazmat endorsement for life:

  • Terrorism, espionage, sedition, or treason
  • Murder
  • A crime involving a transportation security incident
  • Making or using an improvised explosive device
  • Certain racketeering (RICO) violations tied to the above

Interim — 7-year window

Interim disqualifiers

These disqualify you if convicted in the last 7 years, or released from prison in the last 5:

  • Unlawful use or possession of an explosive
  • Arson, extortion, robbery, or kidnapping
  • Rape or aggravated sexual abuse
  • Assault with intent to kill; voluntary manslaughter
  • Felony drug distribution or dealing
  • Fraud, dishonesty, bribery, or smuggling

Disqualified? It may not be the end of the road.

The TSA offers an appeal if your record is inaccurate, and a waiver for many interim offenses based on the circumstances and time since the offense. You’re also disqualified if you’re wanted under an outstanding warrant, lack lawful immigration status, or have been found mentally incompetent. This is a plain-language summary — the full, legally binding list lives in the federal regulation at 49 CFR 1572.103.

Can you get a hazmat endorsement with a felony?

Often, yes. A felony only blocks you if it’s on the permanent list, or if it’s an interim offense and you’re still inside the disqualifying window — convicted within the last seven years, or released from incarceration within the last five.


Most non-violent felonies fall outside both categories, which means many drivers with a record still qualify. And even when an interim offense is recent, the TSA’s waiver process can restore eligibility depending on the details. If you’re unsure where your record stands, the safest move is to apply and let the TSA make the determination — or consult the full list in the federal regulation first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get your Entry-Level Driver Training questions answered

Getting your hazmat endorsement

  • What is a hazmat endorsement?

    A hazmat (H) endorsement is added to your CDL and authorizes you to transport hazardous materials. First-time applicants must complete FMCSA-required ELDT theory training, pass a TSA background check, and pass the DMV hazmat knowledge test.

  • What is ELDT hazmat training?

    ELDT — Entry-Level Driver Training — is the theory training the FMCSA requires before you can take the hazmat knowledge test for the first time. It must come from a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry, which is exactly what ELDT.com provides.

  • Is there a road test for the hazmat endorsement?

    No. The hazmat endorsement requires no behind-the-wheel, road, or skills test. It’s the ELDT theory course, the TSA background check, and the written HazMat Knowledge Test.

  • I already have my CDL. Do I still take a knowledge test?

    YES, we are on the provider list.


    Approved FMCSA Registry List look-up 

    We have added a little video so you can see how to look us up. 


    Following the directions below 

    Click: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ 

    Type in: ELDT. Click the online tab and scroll down till you see "ELDT." That is us. 


    Click on the website icon to the right, and it will take you back to ELDT.com 

  • What is the hazmat test at the DMV called?

    It’s the HazMat Knowledge Test — you’ll also see it called the hazardous materials knowledge test or the H endorsement written test. It’s a written, multiple-choice exam, typically 30 questions with 80% required to pass, based on Section 9 of your state’s CDL manual. It’s separate from the general knowledge, combination, and air brakes tests you took for your Class A or B CDL.

  • Do I still need a TSA background check?

    Yes. Every hazmat applicant must pass the TSA Security Threat Assessment, which includes fingerprinting. It typically takes four to eight weeks to clear, so apply early.

  • How much does a hazmat endorsement cost?

    All-in, roughly $150–$275: the ELDT theory course ($25–$94 with us), the TSA background check (about $86.50, or ~$41 with a TWIC), a DMV knowledge-test fee, and a small state endorsement fee.

  • How long does the whole hazmat endorsement process take?

    Usually 6–10 weeks end to end — and almost all of that is waiting on the TSA background check (4–8 weeks). The course itself takes about two hours, and the DMV knowledge test can often be scheduled within days of your ELDT being reported. Start your TSA application the same day you finish the course and you’ll shave weeks off the total.

Course Specific

  • How long does the course take?

    Most drivers finish in about two days. You can save your progress at any point and pick up right where you left off.

  • Is the ELDT you offer recognized in all 50 states?

    Yes. We cover your theory portion per FMCSA CFR Part 380, and we’re a verified provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Check your local DMV in case your state requires anything additional.

  • When will my results reach the DMV?

    Instantly. When you submit, your results enter the FMCSA database that the DMV checks. Make sure your info matches your license exactly.

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