CDL drivers, 21 or older, who wish to operate vehicles carrying hazardous materials that require placarding must have a HAZMAT endorsement on their CDL. To obtain a HAZMAT endorsement, you must demonstrate your knowledge by successfully answering a series of 30 questions regarding hazardous materials. This test is only available in English. Additionally, once you pass the knowledge test, you must apply for a Federal Security Threat Assessment by completing an Application for Security Threat Assessment and having your fingerprints taken by the State Police. PennDOT must receive federal approval to issue you a Hazardous Material endorsement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA). CDL drivers should allow up to 90 days to complete this process. Commercial drivers are required to recertify their HAZMAT endorsement prior to every license renewal or upon transfer of an out-of-state CDL with HAZMAT endorsement. The HAZMAT recertification notice will be mailed to you 7 months prior to your renewal. An additional fee is required any time a HAZMAT endorsement is issued or renewed.

Pennsylvania Licensed Applicants Seeking to Obtain Their Initial HAZMAT Endorsement

Process:

Step 1: Acquire a Commercial Learner's Permit Application, a DL-11CD Self-Certification Form and a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's Manual.

Step 2: Submit a check or money order for the appropriate fee.

Step 3: Visit a Driver License Center to receive the product over the counter or mail application and check or money order to: PennDOT, P.O. Box 68272, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272

Step 4: A Knowledge Test Authorization will be issued to you through the mail within 7 to 10 working days after your DL-31CD has been processed.

Step 5: You will be required to pass a HAZMAT Knowledge Test, which consists of 30 questions.

Step 6: Immediately after passing the Knowledge Test, you will have to apply for a Federal Security Threat Assessment, which consists of:

• Providing proof of U.S. citizenship or appropriate immigration status
• Completing the Security Threat Assessment Application
• Paying a federal fee $60 ($26 to the FBI for the fingerprint search and $34 to TSA for the processing of the application.) Your check must be made payable to "PennDOT".
• You will be issued a Fingerprint Authorization (FPA) Letter (Pub 512) and receive a listing of approved fingerprint locations. You must appear at a fingerprint location with your FPA and Pennsylvania Driver’s License to be fingerprinted.

Step 7: After you pass all testing and PennDOT receives federal approval a camera card or photo CDL will be issued with the endorsement on it.