HazMat Regulations

The TSA and the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) rules require background checks of commercial drivers carrying the HazMat endorsement on their CDL. The background check includes collecting the individual's fingerprints and verification of US citizenship, immigration eligibility or permanent legal residence in the United States. Applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age to add the Hazardous Materials endorsement to their Commercial Driver's License per R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10.3-14(c)(1)

Things to Know

  • The driver can complete the TSA HazMat driver application on the Hazardous Material Endorsement Enrollment web site at  http://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/hazmat-endorsement or call the toll-free Driver Help Desk at 1-855-347-8371 for assistance. The application must be completed prior to arriving at the fingerprint capture location.
  • The fee for the collection of fingerprints and driver application for a security check is $86.50, payable by credit card, electronic check or money order only (no cash will be accepted). If paying by money order, do not fill out.
  • Finger print processing is done by APPS for all HazMat applicants.
  • The RI location for fingerprinting is 1050 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02888, Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm & 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • It takes approximately 4-5 weeks to process your application.
  • In order to renew your CDL with HazMat endorsement, transfer CDL/HazMat from state-to-state, or apply for a new CDL with HazMat, you must be approved by TSA.
  • In order to take the written test for the HazMat Endorsement, ELDT Theory for HazMat must be completed for all initial applications.
  • You must take the HazMat written test at the Cranston DMV to obtain the HazMat endorsement for both the initial application and renewal.