CDL Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsements

New federal and NYS laws that began on January 31, 2005 require background checks for a driver with a NYS commercial driver license (CDL) to get or renew a hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement.  A driver with a NYS CDL must have an "H" or an "X" HazMat endorsement to operate commercial motor vehicles that carry hazardous materials.

To get or to renew a HazMat endorsement, a driver who has a CDL must provide fingerprints for federal and NYS background checks for criminal violations.  The driver also must pass a HazMat endorsement written test at a DMV office.  The written test requirement is not a new requirement.

If a driver is disqualified after the background checks or does not pass the written test, the driver cannot get or renew a HazMat endorsement.

To keep the HazMat endorsement, the driver must provide fingerprints and pass the background checks every five years.  This is different from the valid period of the CDL, which is eight years.  The CDL and the Hazmat endorsement will normally be renewed at different times, and the DMV will mail separate renewal notices.

CDL Information

It is important that drivers promptly file a change of address with the NYS DMV.

The fees are $138.25 for the background checks and $5 for the written test. For transactions processed on and after September 1, 2009, the fees are $140.75 for the background checks and $5 for the written test. The fees are separate from and in addition to the fees to get or to renew your CDL.

Instructions to Get or to Renew a CDL HazMat Endorsement

If you do not have a HazMat endorsement, you must apply for the endorsement at a DMV office.  You must first have a CDL to apply for the HazMat endorsement.  Read the CDL Manual (CDL-10) and the forms MV-500C (Driver License Class Descriptions) and CDL-101 (Explanation of License Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions).

If you have a current, valid NYS CDL with an H or an X endorsement, you must meet the following requirements to renew the endorsement.

Pass the Written Test

If you did not pass the written test for the HazMat endorsement in the last two years, bring your photo CDL document to a DMV office.  Pay the $5 written test fee and pass the test.  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.

The test result is valid until your CDL 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 pass the written test before you apply for the background checks.  If you do not meet the requirement for the written test, the fingerprinting and the background checks, you can only renew your CDL without the HazMat endorsement.

You can study the hazardous materials section of the NYS Commercial Driver License Manual (CDL-10), or study the Hazardous Materials Manual (CDL-11).

Apply for the Background Checks

To apply for the required background checks, complete form HAZ-44 (Application for Hazardous Materials Endorsement).  The fee for the background checks is $138.25. For transactions processed on and after September 1, 2009, the fee for the background checks is $140.75. Bring your current NYS CDL, the form HAZ-44 and the fee to a DMV office.

When you pay the fee for the background checks, the DMV representative will give you a receipt on form FS-6T.  Do not lose the FS-6T receipt. You must provide the original FS-6T receipt to the person who takes your fingerprints. You cannot provide a photocopy of the receipt.

Provide Your Fingerprints for Background Checks

If the DMV office where you apply for the endorsement is one of the DMV offices that can take your fingerprints, the office takes the fingerprints at the time you apply for the endorsement.

If the DMV office where you apply for the endorsement does not take fingerprints, you must go to a State Police location that takes fingerprints. Get form SP-1 (State Police Fingerprinting Locations).

Do not visit a State Police location to provide fingerprints if the location is not on the list.

Submit the FS-6T receipt to the DMV office or a State Police location that takes your fingerprints. The DMV or State Police will record your fingerprints in a digital format. The process to take your fingerprints does not use ink.

The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will notify you by mail about the results of the background check for federal disqualification violations only.

The DMV will notify you by mail about the results of the background check for NYS and federal offense that disqualify you. If you are not disqualified based on either federal or NYS offenses, the DMV sends you a photo CDL with your HazMat endorsement.

You can read the list of federal and NYS offenses that disqualify you. The list is available in the English language only. The page with the list will not be translated into Spanish.

Do not request the results of background checks from the DMV, the State Police or the TSA. Wait to receive the notifications in the mail.

Get the HazMat Endorsement

Your HazMat endorsement will be renewed after the background checks determine that you are not disqualified. The endorsement is valid for five years.

You will receive a photo CDL with the HazMat endorsement from the DMV by mail. Your CDL displays the expiration date of your CDL and the expiration date of your HazMat endorsement.

Renew Your Endorsement

The DMV will normally mail you a renewal notice for your HazMat endorsement. Follow the instruction in the renewal notice to apply for the background checks.

Do not delay your visit to a DMV office to apply for the HazMat endorsement renewal

You will receive a separate notice to renew your CDL.

Removal of Your CDL HazMat Endorsement

If you do not pass the written test and 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 the background checks.  Follow the instructions provided for the renewal of your CDL, and pay the CDL renewal fee. The DMV will issue a CDL that does not have a HazMat endorsement.

The web site of the federal Transportation Security Administration has more information about the background checks for the CDL HazMat endorsements.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CDL HazMat Endorsement

I provided fingerprints for another application, for example for a pistol permit or employment as a security guard. Do I have to provide fingerprints again for the CDL HazMat endorsement?

Yes.

What is included in the background checks?

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).

I have a conviction for a felony.  Can I qualify for a HazMat endorsement?

You can apply for a HazMat endorsement, but you cannot receive the endorsement if the background checks determine that you were convicted of a felony that disqualifies you.

How long does it take to complete the required background check?

It normally takes at least 30 days from the date you submit your fingerprints to complete the background check.  The time period can be longer than 30 days.

Can I receive a temporary HazMat endorsement while the background check is completed?

No. The DMV cannot issue the HazMat endorsement until the background checks are completed and approved.  Instead, the DMV will provide by mail a CDL with the HazMat endorsement that is valid for 90 days if:

Must I provide fingerprints again when I apply to renew my HazMat endorsement?

Yes.  You must provide your fingerprints each time you apply to renew your HazMat endorsement, and new background checks will be performed.

Must I provide fingerprints for the Farm HazMat (Z) endorsement ?

No. You must provide fingerprints for an H endorsement or an X endorsement on your CDL.

How often must I take the written test for a HazMat endorsement?

To keep your HazMat endorsement, you must pass the HazMat endorsement written test at a DMV office within two years before the renewal of your NYS CDL.

At which DMV offices can I have my fingerprints taken and take the written test for a HazMat endorsement?

Only the DMV offices listed below can take your fingerprints.  You can take the HazMat endorsement test at any of the offices listed, or you can take the test at another DMV office. See the list of all DMV offices for information about offices that do not provide written tests.

DMV Offices That Take Fingerprints
(If you apply at a different DMV office, you must go to the NY State Police to have fingerprints taken)
NYS DMV
11 Greenwich St.
New York, NY
Fingerprint Hours:
M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 		NYS DMV
1350 Commerce Ave
Bronx, NY
Fingerprint Hours:
M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.		 NYS DMV
2875 W 8th St.
Brooklyn, NY
Fingerprint Hours:
M, T, W & F, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Th., 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
NYS DMV
West Shore Plaza
1775 South Avenue, Suite 2
Staten Island, NY
Fingerprint Hours:
M, T, W & F, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Th., 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.		 NYS DMV
168-46 91st Ave 2nd Fl
Jamaica, NY
Fingerprint Hours:
M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.		  

Where can I get more information about the NYS CDL HazMat endorsements?

You can contact the NYS HazMat Certification Unit at 518-408-2997 or by e-mail at HazMatUnit@dmv.state.ny.us.  Use the phone number and e-mail address only for questions about the CDL HazMat endorsement requirements in NYS.

Certified Escort Vehicle Drivers

Note:  You must have a version number of 7.0 or later of Adobe Acrobat Reader® installed on your computer to use the on-line manual. The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader® is free at the Adobe web site.

Glossary

Escort vehicle - A marked vehicle with warning signs and lights that operates in front of or behind a large vehicle that exceeds normal vehicle dimensions in height, length, width and/or overhang. The escort vehicle protects the escorted vehicle and warns and protects other highway users.

Escorted vehicle - A large vehicle that, with its load included, exceeds the normal vehicle dimensions in height, length, width and/or overhang. An example of an escorted vehicle is a tractor-trailer combination that tows a manufactured home (a mobile home) or a large construction vehicle.

Overhang - the portion of the load carried by a vehicle that extends past the main body of the vehicle in the front, to the rear, or to any side.

Vehicles required to have an Escort Vehicle

A vehicle is required to have an escort vehicle if the escorted vehicle:

Correct escort vehicle operation has many benefits. The NYS Certified Escort Vehicle Driver Program to test and certify escort vehicle drivers helps to:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a Certified Vehicle Escort Driver in NYS?

To qualify as a certified escort driver, you must:

To apply for certification:

Submit the completed form MV-65 and the $40.00 test fee, and show acceptable proof of identity at a DMV office that offers escort driver certification tests. If an office offers the certification test, it will be indicated in the "Hours" column on the list of local DMV offices. You can pay the fee by cash, credit card and/or by check or money order payable to Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

If I fail the written test, can I take the test again?

You can take the test again, but you must pay a $40 fee for each test you take.

Does NYS recognize escort vehicle driver certifications issued in other states?

No, NYS does not recognize escort vehicle driver certifications issued in other states. To legally operate an escort vehicle in NYS, you must have a valid NYS Certified Vehicle Escort Card (form MV-64). You must carry the MV-64 card with your driver license when you drive an escort vehicle in NYS.

I have the "Interim Escort Vehicle Certificate" I received when I passed the knowledge written test. I did not yet receive my permanent MV-64 card. What can I do?

Contact the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Bus Driver Unit at (518) 473-9455. Be prepared to fax or mail a copy of your interim certificate. The Fax number is (518) 474-0593 and the address is:

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Bus Driver Unit
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 220C
Albany, NY 12228

I lost my Escort Vehicle Driver Certification card. How do I replace my card?

To apply for a replacement (a duplicate) card:

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Bus Driver Unit
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 220C
Albany, NY 12228

Where can I get more information about an Escort Driver Certification?

Call the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Bus Driver Unit at (518) 473-9455 between 9:00 am and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays that are not State holidays.

Forms Related to Commercial Drivers

Below is a list of forms used by or related to commercial motor vehicle drivers.  You must have a version number of 7.0 or later of Adobe Acrobat Reader® installed on your computer to use the on-line manual. The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader® is free at the Adobe web site.

The forms are listed in order by the number of the form.

Form Description/Purpose Size
Explanation of License Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions
CDL-101		 See also form MV-500C, Driver License Class Descriptions. 1 page
Important Information about the Hazardous Materials Endorsement.
HAZ-11		 Instructions and requirements for the NYS CDL HazMat endorsement and a list of Federal and NYS violations that can disqualify a CDL driver. See also form HAZ-44 and form SP-1. 2 pages
Application for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement
HAZ-44		 Application to get or to renew a CDL HazMat (H or X) endorsement), and a list of offenses that result in an interim disqualification or a permanent disqualification. See also form HAZ-11 and form SP-1. 2 pages
Elimination of Non-CDL C License Class
MV-14IN

Eliminacion de la licencia de conducir no comercial (Non-CDL) clase C
MV-141S		 Memo and Driver License Class Descriptions related to the elimination of the Non-CDL C license class in NYS.  For more information, see the web page about the elimination of the Non-CDL C license class. 2 pages


2 páginas
Federal Requirements for Commercial Driver License (CDL) Applicants
MV-44.5		 Information for applicants for original or renewal NYS commercial driver licenses. You can also read the DMV web site page about the Federal requirements. 2 pages
Vehicle Escort Driver Application
MV-65

Solicitud Para Los Conductores Accompañates de Vehículos
MV-65S		 Application for certificate to operate as an escort driver for oversize vehicles. Applicants must pass a written test based on the NYS Certified Escort Manual available from DMV Offices or Call Centers. 1 page

1 página
Driver's Manual for the Safe Securement of Metal Coils and Other Cargo
MV-79		 Manual to study for the written test required for the metal coil (M) endorsement requirement for certain commercial driver licenses (CDLs).  For more information, see form MV79M below.
TIP -- Large file, recommend save to local disk.		 42 pages
Metal Coil Driver License Endorsement
MV-79M		 Information about the metal coil (M) endorsement requirement for certain commercial driver licenses (CDLs) that took effect June 1, 2003.  Also see manual MV-79 above. 1 page
Driver License Class Descriptions
MV-500C		 See also form CDL-101, Explanation of License Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions 1 page
Important Information About Non-CDL C Written and Road Tests
MV-500N		 Provides information about how to apply for a NYS non-CDL Class C driver license and the endorsements that are available. Explains which parts of the NYS CDL Manual (CDL-10) an applicant must study to prepare for a non-CDL Class C license written test. 1 page
State Police Fingerprint Locations
(SP-1)		 A list of State Police locations that can take your fingerprints for an application for a CDL HazMat (H or X) endorsement) See also form HAZ-11 and form HAZ-44. 1 page
Forms For Article 19A Carriers Listing of all internet-available forms for motor carriers employing bus drivers.