TSA Hazmat Endorsement Rules
- All commercial drivers transporting hazardous materials must have a TSA hazmat endorsement.truck image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
Former U.S. President George W. Bush created the Patriot Act in an effort to deter terrorism. The act requires all individuals who hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), and who plan on transporting hazardous materials, to possess a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) hazmat endorsement. The application process requires drivers to pass a written test, present personal documents of legal residency and to receive clearance from a TSA criminal background check. - TSA hazmat endorsement rules were created to meet the criteria of the Patriot Act, according to TSA. Any person who holds a CDL and who is transporting hazardous materials through commerce is required to have a TSA hazmat endorsement. Individuals must undergo a TSA criminal background security check when they want to transfer their hazardous material endorsement to another driver, when applying for a state issued CDL with a hazmat endorsement, or when renewing their hazmat endorsement.
- According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, applicants applying for a TSA hazmat endorsement must pass the written hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test, submit to a TSA criminal background check and fingerprint testing. Integrated Biometric Technology (IBT) is authorized by TSA to receive all applications requesting TSA hazmat endorsements. Submissions can be made by phone or online. After careful review of the application, the hazmat endorsement is processed and granted by the TSA. When renewing a hazmat endorsement, you are still required to take and pass the hazmat written test. If ineligible, or your hazmat endorsement has been revoked, you will be given the opportunity to appeal the decision. If you are granted a hazmat endorsement, you must submit to a background check every five years.
- According to the DMV of Oregon, any applicant who seeks a hazmat endorsement must possess a CDL, or be qualified to obtain one. Each applicant is required to submit the following: evidence of their identity, proof of citizenship, a birth certificate, a social security card, a medical examiner's certificate, a document stating that they passed a vision test and a document stating that the written hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test was passed. When all the required documents are submitted, the applicant shall pay the fees for the cost of a TSA criminal background check, including fees to process their application.
