To keep the HazMat endorsement, the driver must provide fingerprints and pass background checks every five years. The driver is also required to mail the completed HAZ-44 application to the HazMat Unit along with a valid copy of their proof of legal status.

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. No hazardous materials endorsement may be issued, transferred, or renewed unless the background checks result in a determination by the Federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and New York State that the person applying for the endorsement is authorized to transport hazardous materials. To initiate background checks, the rules require that the applicant be fingerprinted and that the applicant's United States citizenship or permanent legal presence in the United States be verified. The background checks include a check of criminal history data from the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). There is also a background check by the Federal Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).

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 New York State CDL and one of the second proofs of ID that are listed on form HAZ-600 (PDF).

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 the address below.

TSA cannot begin the background check until they receive both the application and the fingerprints

You must provide fingerprints even if you provided fingerprints for another application, for example for a pistol permit or employment as a security guard. You must provide fingerprints for an H endorsement or an X endorsement on your CDL.

The TSA recommends that all applicants enroll for the HME Security Threat Assessment (including renewals) a minimum of 60 days before applicants require an eligibility determination. TSA is experiencing increased demand for HME assessments, and the processing times for some applicants may exceed 45 days. If your endorsement expires, it will not be restored until the criminal history background checks are completed and you have been re-qualified by both the TSA and the DMV.

The TSA will notify you by mail of the results of the background check based on federal standards only. The TSA website has information about the federal background checks for the HazMat endorsements. Please do not request the results of background checks from the DMV, IdentoGo, or the TSA. Wait to receive the notifications in the mail.

We cannot issue the HazMat endorsement until the background checks are completed and approved. We will provide a CDL with the HazMat endorsement that is valid for 90 days only if

• you applied to renew a current New York State CDL with a HazMat endorsement, and
• the background checks are not completed and approved before the endorsement expires.

To keep your HazMat endorsement, you must pass the test again within two years before your CDL expires. You can take the test when you apply to renew your CDL, or you can take the test up to two years before the expiration date of your CDL.

You must answer 80% or more of the questions correctly to pass the test. You can take the test as many times as necessary until you pass the test, but you must pay a $5 fee for each test you take.

If you need to take the test, 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).

If you do not pass the written test or the background checks, the DMV will issue a CDL that does not have a HazMat endorsement.

If you do not need a HazMat endorsement, do not take the written test and do not apply for background checks. When it is time to renew your CDL, follow the instructions provided with your CDL renewal notice and pay the CDL renewal fee. The DMV will issue a CDL that does not have a HazMat endorsement.

We will normally mail you a renewal notice 60 days prior to the expiration of your HazMat endorsement, which is separate from the notice to renew your CDL. Follow the instructions in the HazMat endorsement renewal notice to apply for background checks.

By Mail

You can renew a HazMat endorsement by mail. Read the information on this page and send your application to the HazMat Unit at the address below.

You cannot renew a HazMat endorsement by phone or at a DMV office.