Hazardous materials endorsement (hazmat)

Requirements

If you’re a commercial driver and wish to transfer, add, or renew a hazardous materials endorsement (HME) in Washington State, you must:

  • Complete a background check through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). We recommend starting the application process with TSA at least 90 days before your license expires.
  • and
  • Complete the HME knowledge test.

TSA HME background clearance requirements

The TSA hazardous materials endorsement clearance is good for 5 years and 180 days. To get an HME on your Washington State license, you must meet the following TSA clearance criteria:

  • To renew your HME: The background clearance date can’t be more than 180 days before your driver license expiration. (The HME background clearance date posted to your driving record may vary by a few days from the date of the eligibility notification TSA sends you.)
  • To transfer your HME: The background clearance date can’t be more than 180 days before your next birthday.
  • To add an HME: The time remaining on the driver license you’re adding an HME to will determine how long your background clearance will be valid. You may not be eligible for the full 5 years and 180 days.
    • If you didn’t have an HME on your previous license, and you renewed the license more than 180 days before it expired, you must wait 1 to 180 days before you’re eligible to add the HME and start the TSA HME background process.
    • If you complete a TSA HME clearance before you’re eligible, you’ll be required to complete and pay for a 2nd TSA HME background check.

How to apply

  1. Be eligible. Have a valid commercial driver license (CDL) or a commercial driver instruction permit (CDIP).
  2. Apply with TSA (fees apply):
  3. Get fingerprinted at a TSA Hazmat fingerprint location.
  4. Wait. TSA will mail the HME clearance notification letter to the address you provided on your application.
    • If the TSA HME application is completed with a Washington driver license number, TSA also will send the results of your clearance to us.
    • If the TSA HME application was completed with an out-of-state license number, we won’t be notified.
  5. Visit a driver licensing office after you get your HME eligibility notification from TSA, and:
    • If necessary, complete the CDL application and testing process.
    • Pay any required test and licensing fees.
    • Get your CDL with hazardous materials endorsement.

Contact information

For questions about… Contact…
  • HME application and fees.
  • List of disqualifying offenses.
  • Fingerprint locations.
  • Status of your HME background check.
 Transportation Security Administration
  • The HME clearance date showing on your Washington State driving record.
  • How the HME clearance works with a Washington State license if you’re renewing, transferring, or adding an HME.
  • When you should start the TSA HME background process if you renewed your last license without an HME more than 180 days early.
 Department of Licensing
  • Phone: 360-902-3900
Access Washington