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How to Get a Hazmat Endorsement

ELDT 2026 GUIDE

The complete Hazmat Guide

hazmat guide

Reviewed October 2026 by Ken, instructor at Hazmat Made Easy

The short answer

To get a hazmat endorsement for the first time, you need to:

  1. Have a CDL or a CDL permit.

  2. Pass a TSA background check with fingerprints ($88.25).

  3. Finish hazmat ELDT training with a school listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

  4. Pass the hazmat knowledge test at your DMV.

You can do the training and the background check at the same time. The background check is usually the slowest part. TSA aims to finish it within 60 days.

Start the free hazmat course

 

What is a hazmat endorsement?

A hazmat endorsement is the letter "H" added to your CDL. It means you are allowed to drive loads of hazardous materials that need placards. (If you also have a tanker endorsement, your license shows an "X," which means both.)

 

When do you need one?

You need a hazmat endorsement any time your load needs placards.

  • Table 1 materials (like most explosives and poison gas): any amount needs placards.

  • Most other hazmat: placards are needed at 1,001 pounds or more total.

How much hazmat can I carry without an endorsement? Only an amount that doesn't need placards. Under 1,001 pounds of most materials, no placards are needed, so no endorsement is needed. Table 1 materials always need placards, so there's no amount you can haul without the endorsement.

Some states have exceptions for farm loads. Check with your state.

Rules: 49 CFR 383.5 and 383.93 (when the H endorsement is needed), 49 CFR 172.504 (placard tables).

 

Step by step: your first hazmat endorsement

Step 1. Have your CDL or CDL permit.
You need a Class A, B or C CDL, or a CDL permit, before you can add hazmat.

Step 2. Apply for the TSA background check.
Sign up online with TSA, or at a TSA enrollment center. In Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin, you start at your DMV instead. TSA says to apply at least 60 days before you need it. TSA hazmat endorsement page

Step 3. Get your fingerprints taken.
At your appointment, bring your ID and proof of citizenship or immigration status. They take your fingerprints and you pay $88.25.

Step 4. Take hazmat ELDT training.
Since February 7, 2022, every driver getting a hazmat endorsement for the first time must finish ELDT hazmat theory training. The school must be listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). When you pass, the school sends your result to the TPR. Your DMV checks it before you can take the hazmat test.

Our course is free to take. You pay $69 only after you pass, when we send your result to the FMCSA. Start the free hazmat course

Step 5. Study and take practice tests.
Read the hazmat section of your state's CDL manual. Then take practice tests until you pass them every time. Free hazmat practice tests

Step 6. Pass the hazmat knowledge test at the DMV.
Your DMV checks your ELDT result in the TPR and your TSA approval. Then you take the hazmat knowledge test. Once you pass and TSA approves you, the DMV adds the endorsement to your CDL.

Rules: 49 CFR 383.71(b)(11) and part 380 subpart F (ELDT for first-time H applicants), 49 CFR 383.141 and part 1572 (TSA threat assessment), 49 CFR 383.121 (hazmat knowledge test).

 

What does a hazmat endorsement cost?

  • ELDT hazmat training (our course): free to take. $69 after you pass, when we send your result to the FMCSA.

  • TSA background check: $88.25 ($41 if you have a TWIC and your state accepts it).

  • State test and license fees: different in every state. Check your DMV.

TSA fee checked October 2026.

 

How long does it take?

  • Training: you go at your own pace, on your phone or computer.

  • TSA background check: TSA aims to finish within 60 days. Some take longer than 45 days.

  • DMV test: as soon as your training and TSA approval show up.

Start the background check early so it isn't holding you up.

 

Hazmat endorsement renewal

Your hazmat endorsement is good for up to 5 years. To renew it:

  1. Pass a new TSA background check with fingerprints ($88.25). Apply at least 60 days before it runs out.

  2. Pass the hazmat knowledge test again at your DMV. Federal rules say every driver who renews must take it again.

You do not need ELDT training again to renew. Our course is free for renewing drivers if you want to brush up before the test. Study free before your renewal test

Rules: 49 CFR 383.71(d)(3) and 383.73(d)(4) (renewal test), 49 CFR 383.141 (TSA check every 5 years).

 

Who can't get a hazmat endorsement?

TSA decides who passes the background check. Some crimes stop you for life. Others stop you for a set time. TSA can grant a waiver in some cases.

Lifetime bans include:

  • Terrorism, espionage, sedition or treason

  • Murder

  • Crimes with explosives (making, selling, shipping or storing them unlawfully)

  • A crime that caused a major transportation security incident

  • Improperly transporting hazmat (a crime, not a normal roadside ticket)

  • RICO crimes tied to any of the above

  • Trying or planning to do any of the above

Time-limited bans: these stop you if you were convicted in the last 7 years, or got out of prison in the last 5 years, or are wanted or charged now:

  • Assault with intent to murder, kidnapping, rape or aggravated sexual abuse

  • Robbery, extortion, arson or bribery

  • Smuggling or immigration crimes

  • Fraud, identity theft or other dishonesty crimes

  • Selling or importing drugs (simple possession does not count)

  • Firearms crimes

  • RICO crimes tied to any of the above

  • Trying or planning to do any of the above

Can a felon get a hazmat endorsement? Often, yes. If your crime is not on these lists, or enough time has passed, you can apply. Check TSA's full list before you pay. TSA list of disqualifying crimes

Rules: 49 CFR 1572.103 (disqualifying crimes), 1572.143 (waivers).

 

Penalty for hauling hazmat without an endorsement

If you drive a placarded load without a hazmat endorsement, you can be put out of service and fined thousands of dollars. Your company can be fined too.

Rules: 49 CFR 383.53 (penalties), 383.93 (endorsements).

 

State steps

The federal steps above are the same in every state. States add their own fees, forms and test rules. Check your state DMV before you go.

North Dakota drivers: start your TSA background check, finish ELDT hazmat training, and wait for your background results. Then schedule the hazmat computer test at an ND driver license site. You must finish every step and have your background results before you can schedule the test.

 

Common problems

  • "My training doesn't show up at the DMV." Ask your school if they sent your result to the TPR. Schools must send it by the end of the second business day after you finish.

  • "Is my school still on the registry?" FMCSA has removed thousands of schools. Training from a removed school may not count. Check the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before you pay.

  • "My background check is taking forever." Check your status on the TSA site, or call TSA at (855) 347-8371.

 

Ready to start?

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