How much is a hazmat endorsement?

A first-time hazmat endorsement runs about $150–$275 all-in. Here’s every fee — the course, the TSA background check, and your DMV costs — broken down line by line.

Start your hazmat course

A first-time hazmat endorsement costs roughly $150 to $275 all-in: the ELDT theory course ($25–$94), the TSA Security Threat Assessment ($85.25, or $41 with a TWIC), and your state’s DMV and endorsement fees. Two of those three are fixed federally; only the DMV portion changes by state.

The full cost breakdown

The full cost breakdown

Three costs make up a first-time endorsement. The federal pieces are the same everywhere; the DMV piece is the one you’ll want to confirm locally.

ELDT hazmat theory course Your required training — from ELDT.com
$25 – $94
TSA Security Threat Assessment Federal background check + fingerprinting · $41 with a valid TWIC
$85.25
DMV & state endorsement fees Knowledge test + adding the “H” to your CDL — varies by state
$10 – $100
Typical all-in
~$150 – $275

FEES CURRENT FOR 2026 · TSA FEE PER TSA.GOV ($85.25, EFFECTIVE JAN 1 2025) · DMV FEES VARY — CONFIRM WITH YOUR STATE

How much is the ELDT course itself?

The TSA and DMV fees are set for you. The course is the one cost you choose — and it starts at $25.

Pick the format that fits how you learn.

Recommended

Hazmat Unlimited

$94

The most extensive FMCSA-compliant hazmat theory course.


  • Everything in Reading + Video
  • In-depth placard course included
  • Master materials ID & placarding
  • Deepest prep for career drivers
  • Results reported to the FMCSA
Start Course

Popular

Hazmat Video MasterCourse

$44

Our Video MasterCourse goes above and beyond the industry standard.


  • HD video lessons by CDL instructors
  • Learn by watching, not just reading
  • Results reported to the FMCSA
Start Course


Hazmat Reading

$25

If you're open to reading, this is what you're looking for.


  • Full FMCSA hazmat theory, in writing
  • Results reported to the FMCSA
Start Course

The TSA background check fee

Every hazmat applicant has to pass a TSA Security Threat Assessment, and it’s the single biggest fixed cost in the process. As of 2026 the standard fee is $85.25, which covers both the background check and fingerprinting — in most states there’s no separate fingerprint charge.


If you already hold a valid TWIC card and your state supports comparability, that fee drops to just $41 — a savings of over $40. The assessment is valid for five years, and you’ll renew it when you renew your endorsement. How the TSA background check works →

What renewal costs

Renewing is cheaper than getting the endorsement the first time — you usually skip the ELDT course, but the TSA background check comes back around.

FIRST TIME

$150 – $275

ELDT course + TSA background check + DMV and state fees. The full process, start to finish.

RENEWAL

$90 – $155

Mainly the TSA background check again, plus your state fee. First-time ELDT isn’t required to renew, though some states ask you to retake the knowledge test.

Is a hazmat endorsement worth the cost?

For most drivers, it pays for itself almost immediately. Hazmat-endorsed drivers typically earn 20–30% more than drivers without it, often $11,000 or more a year — because qualified drivers are scarce and hazardous loads pay a premium.


Set that against the roughly $150–$275 it costs to get, and the math is hard to argue with: it’s one of the highest-return credentials in trucking, and the biggest single cost — the $85.25 TSA fee — is the same whether your course costs $25 or $94.

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.

Add hazmat · Get the raise

Start your hazmat course today.

Pick your format, learn at your own pace, and get reported to the FMCSA the moment you pass.

Choose your course