What Is the TSA Background Check for a Hazmat Endorsement?

The TSA background check for a Hazmat endorsement is a mandatory federal screening called a Security Threat Assessment (STA), and every applicant must pass it. It uses your fingerprints to review your criminal history, immigration/lawful-presence status, and terrorism watchlists. It costs $86.50 (fingerprinting is included), the assessment is valid for 5 years, and it typically takes about 4–8 weeks to clear. Your state DMV will not add the endorsement to your CDL until TSA approves you.

Where the background check fits in the process

Getting a first-time Hazmat endorsement takes three steps, and the TSA background check is step three:

1. Complete FMCSA-approved Hazmat ELDT training.
2. Pass your state DMV Hazmat knowledge test.
3. Pass the TSA Security Threat Assessment (this background check).

You can clear step one right now — start Hazmat ELDT training online — while you plan for the TSA timeline.

Start Your Hazmat ELDT Course

What the background check screens for

The TSA Security Threat Assessment reviews:

• Criminal history — a fingerprint-based check for specific disqualifying felonies. See whether you can get a Hazmat endorsement with a record.
• Immigration / lawful-presence status — you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a lawfully present non-citizen in an eligible category.
• Terrorism watchlists — TSA checks federal security databases.
• Outstanding wants/warrants and mental-capacity standing — being wanted or under indictment for a disqualifying felony, or having been adjudicated as lacking mental capacity, can also block approval.

How much it costs

The TSA fee is $86.50 for new and renewing applicants, and fingerprinting is part of that fee — in most states there is no separate fingerprint charge. If you hold a valid TWIC card and your state accepts comparability, you may qualify for a reduced rate of $41.00. This TSA fee is separate from your $20 Hazmat ELDT online training and your state DMV fee — see the full Hazmat endorsement cost breakdown.

In most states you apply and get fingerprinted through IdentoGO. In 8 states — Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin — you apply and get fingerprinted through your state DMV instead.

How long it takes

Plan for about 4–8 weeks for the background check, which makes the full endorsement process roughly 6–10 weeks start to finish. Because the DMV won't issue your endorsement until TSA clears you, the biggest time-saver is to start your TSA application and fingerprinting the same day you finish your ELDT so it runs in parallel with everything else.

What happens if something is flagged

You are not rejected automatically. If TSA finds potentially disqualifying information, you receive an Initial Determination of Threat Assessment explaining the finding. You then have 60 days from receipt to appeal or to request an extension of time to appeal. If you don't act within 60 days, the Initial Determination becomes a Final Determination. A separate waiver process exists for some offenses, and a waiver request can be filed up to 60 days after a Final Determination.

What about renewal?

The Security Threat Assessment is valid for 5 years, though your state sets when the H endorsement on your CDL expires. Renewal is not automatic — you must submit new fingerprints and pass a fresh Security Threat Assessment. Your state must notify you at least 60 days before your endorsement expires, and TSA recommends enrolling for renewal at least 60 days before you need a new eligibility determination.

General regulatory information, not legal advice. The Security Threat Assessment is governed by TSA under 49 CFR Part 1572, and appeals/waivers under 49 CFR Part 1515. Fees and timelines are current for 2026 and subject to change — confirm with TSA (tsa.gov/for-industry/hazmat-endorsement) and your state DMV.