Endorsements give you extra driving privileges. License endorsement codes are printed on the front of your license on the line under the "Expiration date" field, after the letter "E".  A description of any endorsements you have is printed on the back of your photo license document.  See sample license documents for endorsement code placement.

You are only eligible for the HazMat or Hazmat / Tank Endorsement if you are age 21 or older and you meet the Federal requirements. Hazmat drivers may only certify to Non-Excepted Interstate (NI) or Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA). If you are applying for a HazMat Endorsement for the first time you must complete HazMat Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) prior to taking the HazMat Knowledge Test. 

You must pass a HazMat endorsement written test. You must visit a DMV office to pay the $5.00 written test fee and take the test. The test result is valid until your CDL expires. You can study the hazardous materials section of the New York State Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF) (CDL-10), or study the Hazardous Materials Manual (PDF) (CDL-11)

Complete the Application for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HAZ-44) (PDF) and make a copy of one or more of the legal status documents that are listed on section III of the form. Mail the completed form and a copy of your legal status document(s) to our office, mailing address below.

You will also need to pass a background check. Federal and State laws require fingerprint-based background checks for anyone who wants a hazardous materials endorsement, to determine whether that person has a criminal history and/or poses a security threat that warrants denying that person the authorization to transport hazardous materials. The required fingerprinting service is being provided by IdentoGo. All HazMat endorsement applicants must be fingerprinted at one of the IdentoGo ID centers located throughout New York State. Fingerprinting is done by appointment only. You must contact IdentoGo to select a fingerprinting location and schedule an appointment. Visit https://uenroll.identogo.com or by calling 1-877-472-6915. Bring your NY State CDL and one of the second proofs of ID that are listed on form HAZ-600 to the appointment site.

To continue to have a HazMat endorsement, you must take and pass a written test and background check within two years before your CDL expires. For more information see Renew a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement.

A school bus driver with a New York State commercial driver license (CDL) must have an "S" (school bus) endorsement. The “S” endorsement is required to drive specific types of school buses. A school bus driver may not apply for the “S” endorsement unless they already have a “P” (Passenger) endorsement or are applying for both the “S” and the “P” endorsement at the same time.

For the purposes of the “S” endorsement, the term “school bus” is defined as:

• A vehicle that is defined in Section 142 of the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law
  • the school bus has a seating capacity of 16 or more adults (that includes the driver) or
  • the school bus has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds

You must apply for the S endorsement at a DMV office and pay the required fees.

You must pass a written (knowledge) test to receive a CDL permit with the S endorsement. The written test is based on the information in Section 10 of the CDL Manual (PDF) (CDL-10) and has 20 multiple-choice questions about the knowledge and skills required to drive school buses. You must correctly answer 16 of the 20 questions to pass the written test. You can renew the CDL with the S endorsement without additional tests.

Learn How to Perform an Airbreak Check in a School Bus on YouTube!

If you operated a covered farm vehicle with an F, G, or Z endorsement prior to 2016, the Covered Farm Vehicle designation means that you are exempt from needing a CDL to operate a covered farm vehicle. It also means that you are exempt from federal regulations related to:

• Hours of Service
• Medical certification
• Drug testing
• Inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements (State requirements still apply)

You may download copies of the Designation as a New York State Covered Farm Vehicle (PDF) (CFV-1). You must keep a copy of the CFV-1 in every Covered Farm Vehicle.