Hazardous materials endorsement (hazmat)

If you're a commercial driver and want to transfer, add, or renew a hazardous materials endorsement (HME) in Washington State (WA), you'll need to know the following:

  • Starting January 20, 2019 if you’re adding HME for the first time you're' required to have completed hazmat training. Contact an registered school or if your employer is a registered training provide discuss training with them.
  • You must have a valid HME Threat Assessment completed through Transportation Security Administration (TSA). A threat assessment completed for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) isn't enough for an HME issuance.
  • You must have a CLP or CDL to complete the assessment.
  • If you have a temporary CLP or CDL, you'll need other documents to complete your HME Threat Assessment finger prints. Visit Required Documents (tsa.gov) to find out what else you need to bring.
  • You must pass the hazmat knowledge test. Visit a driver licensing office location to take the test.
  • Your license will be set to expire when your HME clearance expires. If we have to adjust your current expiration to expire earlier we will not refund the difference.

Because the TSA has regular updates, visit https://universalenroll.dhs.gov to find out how to complete the HME Threat Assessment.

Getting your HME clearance

Follow these steps to get a license issued with HME:

  1. Apply with TSA (fees apply and assessments can take up to 45 days to process):
  2. Get fingerprinted at a TSA Hazmat fingerprint location
  3. TSA will mail your HME clearance letter to the address you provided on your application.
    Note: The date on the notification may be a few days different from the actual HME clearance date.
  4. If the TSA HME application is completed with:
    • a WA driver license, TSA will send you a clearance letter and notify us of the results.
    • an out-of-state license, TSA will send you a clearance letter and notify the state you were licensed in. WA won't notified.
  5. Have hazmat training completed for initial HME issuance.
  6. Visit a driver licensing office, and:
    • If necessary, complete the CDL application and testing process. HME knowledge test is required anytime you add, transfer, or renew with HME.
    • Pay any required test and license fees.
    • Get your CDL with HME. Your license will be set to expire when your HME clearance expires.
Contact information
For questions about: Contact:
  • HME Threat Assessment and fees.
  • List of disqualifying offenses.
  • Fingerprint locations.
  • Status of your HME Threat Assessment.
  • License number is referenced incorrectly on HME clearance letter.
  • Required documents for HME Threat Assessment.
 Transportation Security Administration
Call: 855.347.8371
Web: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov
  • To see if the current HME clearance date is on your Washington State driving record.
  • Requirements to get a HME on your Washington License, and how long it will be valid.
 Department of Licensing
Call us: 360.902.3900
  • HME training requirements and fees.
 A registered school or employer training provider

Related information

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