What additional requirements does a driver face to obtain a hazmat (H) endorsement?

The hazmat endorsement (H) is the most heavily regulated of the CDL endorsements because of the security implications (post-9/11). To obtain it, a driver must: (1) pass the hazmat written knowledge test (covered by the FMCSA CDL Manual Section 9); (2) complete a TSA Security Threat Assessment, which includes fingerprinting, a criminal background check, and an immigration status check; (3) pay the TSA fee (around $86 as of 2024) and the state endorsement fee; (4) renew the threat assessment every 5 years (some states more frequently). Certain criminal convictions and immigration statuses disqualify a driver from holding the endorsement. The threat assessment can take several weeks; plan ahead.