On May 5, 2003, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published a rule to secure the transportation of hazardous materials (Hazmat), including explosives, by requiring threat assessments for all individuals who apply for, renew, or transfer a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). TSA issued the rule as a result of requirements in the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56, Section 1012) and the Safe Explosives Act (Public Law 107-296, Sections 1121-1123). Only commercial drivers who wish to transport hazardous materials requiring vehicle placards under DOT regulations must undergo threat assessments. This rule does not apply to applicants for or holders of a CDL who do not wish to transport hazardous materials.TSA will require the collection of fingerprints from all HME applicants effective May 31, 2005 from drivers who wish to apply for a new, renew, or transfer of a Hazmat Endorsement.
- You will be required to complete an electronic Maryland Hazardous Materials Endorsement application. You may obtain a sample application that can be downloaded or picked up in any MVA office. It is recommended that you read the application prior to your scheduled appointment.
- If you are applying for your first (new), renewal, or transfer of a Hazmat endorsement you must schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-638-8347.
- Hazmat applications will ONLY be processed at the Bel Air, Glen Burnie Headquarters (Annex Building), Frederick (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only), Salisbury, and Waldorf MVA offices. An appointment is required. You must report to one of these five locations on your scheduled date/time to begin the CDL licensing process and fingerprint/background check. You must complete the electronic Maryland Hazardous Materials Endorsement Application, and present your driver's license and proof of U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Acceptable sources of proof are:
- U.S. Citizen
- U.S. Passport
- Certificate of birth that bears an official seal and was issued by a State, county, municipal authority; or outlying possession of the United States
- Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (Form FS-545 or DS 1350)
- Certificate of Naturalization Form (N-550 or N-570)
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
- Lawful Permanent Resident
- Permanent Resident Card, Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)
- Temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport
- Temporary I-551 stamp on Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with photograph of the bearer
- Reentry Permit (Form I-327)
- The process involves two separate transactions: the Hazmat application will be processed by MVA staff; the fingerprint background record check and fee collection will be processed by the Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services (DPSCS) staff at the Bel Air, Glen Burnie (Annex Building), Frederick, Salisbury or Waldorf locations.
- Your fingerprint records will be forwarded by the DPSCS to the Criminal Justice Information Systems for a Federal and State criminal background check. Your Hazardous Materials Endorsement application will be forwarded to the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration for checks against numerous federal databases and watch lists.
- For new HME applicants: The TSA determines the final security threat assessment of all HAZMAT applicants. You will be notified by letter from TSA of the disposition of your threat assessment within 4 to 6 weeks after submitting your fingerprints. If you are approved by TSA, you must report to the nearest full-service MVA to take the Hazmat knowledge test and obtain the HAZMAT endorsement. You do not need to schedule an appointment for this step. You will be required to bring your TSA letter, Driver's License and valid DOT Physical Card with you. Note: You must obtain the HME within 6 months from the date of the TSA letter or you will be required to begin the HAZMAT application process over and pay the required fees, which includes you submitting a new set of fingerprints.
- For renewals and transfers of HMEs:
- On your appointment day you must pass the CDL Hazmat knowledge test in order to renew or transfer your CDL with HME. You must present a valid DOT physical card or CDL physical waiver and begin the fingerprint background check process.
- If you comply with the above you will receive your CDL with HME. You can expect to receive an approval letter from TSA within 3 to 6 weeks after submitting your fingerprints. If you are approved by TSA and pass the background record check you do not need to come into the MVA until your next renewal period. If TSA's letter states that you have failed the background check you must surrender your CDL with the HME immediately to any full service MVA office. TSA will also notify the Maryland MVA and your CDL with the HME will be canceled or revoked.
MVA Commercial Driver's Licensing -Fees
All Commercial Driver's License fees are paid at the time of license issuance and are in addition to the fingerprint/background check fee. MVA will accept the following forms of payment: Cash, Check, Money Order, MasterCard, American Express, or Visa. Checks must be made payable to the MVA. Fingerprint/Background Federal & State Check & TSA Processing Fee - $93.25
All fingerprint/background record check fees are paid at the time your fingerprints are captured. The DPSCS accepts the following forms of payment only: Check, Money Order, Credit/Debit Card. Checks must be made payable to CJIS Central Repository. Cash is not accepted.
The MVA mailed notices to all CDL holders summarizing the new requirements for Hazardous Materials Endorsements. Specific detailed information will be included with all commercial driver's license renewal notices.
For more information to questions on the CDL-HAZMAT Fingerprint Based/Background requirements please go to the Transportation Security Administration's website and in search type in HAZMAT or call 1-866-289-9673. |
