Apply and Renew Hazmat Endorsement
Important: Hazmat services are only available at our Brandon, Drew Park, North Tampa, and Plant City offices.
All entry-level commercial drivers must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-approved provider before taking the hazardous materials knowledge test (H endorsement).
View the EDLT Factsheet (PDF) to check if you are required to complete entry-level driver training.
Need to find a provider? Search the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
What are the Hazmat requirements?
New, expired or renewal of a Hazmat-endorsed CDL applicants must:
- Pass the Hazmat endorsement written test.
- Be fingerprinted (finger printing services are available at our North Tampa office).
- Pass a TSA national background check.
- Provide proof of Florida residency.
Step 1 – Complete the Hazmat online application
To expedite the process, please complete the online application, before visiting one of our offices.
Online Application Instructions
- Leave the driver license number blank if you’re transferring from another state and don’t yet have a Florida driver license.
- Only fill out the sections that apply to you.
- Example: If you select “No” to the “U.S. Military Service?” question, the rest of the questions in that section do not have to be filled.
- Review your information carefully before submitting. Errors will delay your Hazmat endorsement.
Step 2 – Visit one of our offices for fingerprinting and processing
How will the process look like? Once at our office you will be fingerprinted, pay the $91 Hazmat application fee (in addition to the other fees for driver license issuance and fingerprinting) and your information will be reviewed and submitted to TSA to make the determination of eligibility. You’ll receive a CDL without the Hazmat endorsement on the day you apply. If TSA approves your background check, we’ll mail you a new license with the Hazmat endorsement.
How do I check my application status? Visit the CDL HazMat Endorsement Status Check webpage. We cannot provide status updates on TSA’s assessment process.
What if I don’t pass the background check? If TSA notifies you that you did not pass, you may apply for an appeal or waiver directly through TSA. Contact TSA Hazmat directly for appeals or waivers.
Plan ahead! No appointment necessary for this service, but scheduling ahead can save you time. Appointments are for Hillsborough County residents only and require a driver license or alien number to schedule.
Walk-ins are welcome! You can visit us at any of our office locations.
Licensing Procedures
New or Expired Hazmat Applicants: You will be issued a Commercial Driver License without a HAZMAT endorsement on the day you apply. If your background check is approved by TSA, you will be mailed a new license with the HAZMAT endorsement.
Renewal of Hazmat-endorsed CDLs: You must begin the background check process at least 30 days in advance of the expiration date on your license to avoid possible ineligibility to transport hazardous materials while awaiting the results. Your renewal notice will advise you of that date. When you apply for the background check, you will be issued a new license with a time-limited Hazmat endorsement. If your background check is approved by TSA, you will be mailed a new license with a Hazmat endorsement that is valid until your license next expires. CDLs with Hazmat endorsements must be renewed every four years, and may be renewed up to one year before they expire.