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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

CDL Hazmat Endorsement

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To transport hazardous materials, you must add a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Endorsement (HME) to your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

This process includes two separate transactions:

  1. Your HAZMAT application with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
  2. A fingerprint-based background record check (BRC) with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).

Hazmat appointment

How to get a HAZMAT endorsement

  1. Step 1: Schedule a background check appointment

    Schedule an appointment for your HAZMAT Background Record Check (BRC).

    Appointments are available at these MVA offices:

    • Bel Air
    • Glen Burnie Headquarters (Building B)
    • Frederick
    • Salisbury
    • Waldorf

    Appointments must be made online through your myMVA account.

    Schedule HAZMAT endorsement appointment Get TSA HAZMAT information

  2. Step 2: Gather required documents

    Gather the documents you'll need to bring to your appointment. These include:

    • Proof of  U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status,
    • Your current Maryland CDL, and
    • Valid medical certification (DOT card) with your federal waiver/exemption, if required

    You will get a full list of required documents during the appointment process. You also can use the myMVA online document guide to identify documents needed for your application.

    You must bring all required documents to complete the HAZMAT endorsement process.

  3. Step 3: Attend your appointment

    At your appointment, the MVA customer agent will:

    • Review your CDL and required documents
    • Take your photograph (see MVA Photo Guidelines)
    • Verify your eligibility
    • Assist you in completing an electronic HAZMAT application
    • Ask you to sign the application (see MVA Signature Guidelines)

    Your appointment will also include a fingerprinting and security check. Your fingerprints will be forwarded to the Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) for a federal and state criminal background check.

    Your HAZMAT application will be forwarded to the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for checks against federal databases and watch lists.

    Pay all fees at your appointment

    You must pay all required fees at the time of your appointment. This includes:

    • CDL endorsement application fees
    • Background check fees

    All fees must be paid during your visit, check the Fees & Payment Options page for more information.

  4. Step 4: Wait for TSA approval

    For new HAZMAT Endorsement applicants, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) determines the final security threat assessment.

    You will receive a letter from TSA with the results. This usually takes 30 days after your fingerprints are submitted.

  5. Step 5: Schedule a HAZMAT knowledge test appointment

    If TSA approves your application, schedule an appointment at the nearest full-service MVA office to take the HAZMAT knowledge test and obtain your HAZMAT endorsement.

    Bring your TSA approval letter, driver’s license and medical certification to your appointment.

    You must obtain your HAZMAT endorsement within six months of your TSA approval letter. If you do not, you may need to restart the entire application process and pay all fees again, including submitting a new set of fingerprints.

Important reminders

  • The HAZMAT process includes both an MVA application and a DPSCS background check.
  • You must complete both parts.
  • You cannot receive a HAZMAT endorsement without TSA approval.
  • All required fees must be paid at your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

A Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) allows you to transport hazardous materials using your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

TSA requires the collection of fingerprints from all HME applicants/drivers who wish to apply for a new, renewal, or transfer of a Hazmat Endorsement. You must complete a special application and pass a security background check before you can receive this endorsement. To initiate the background check process, you must schedule an appointment with the MVA. 

Background

In 2003, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published a rule to secure the transportation of hazardous materials (Hazmat), including explosives, by requiring threat assessments for all individuals who apply for, renew, or transfer a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). 

TSA issued the rule as a result of requirements in the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56, Section 1012) and the Safe Explosives Act (Public Law 107-296, Sections 1121-1123). Only commercial drivers who wish to transport hazardous materials, which require vehicle placards under DOT regulations, must undergo a TSA threat assessment. This rule does not apply to applicants for or holders of a CDL who do not wish to transport hazardous materials.

Need help or more information?

Contact MVA / schedule appointment