CDL Endorsements Guide
Find out which CDL endorsements your load type requires.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Different types of loads and vehicles require additional endorsements beyond a base CDL. This guide identifies which endorsements are required for your specific operation so you can plan your testing schedule and know exactly what is needed before you accept a load.
- Select your load or vehicle type. Choose the category that best describes what you are hauling or driving.
- Review the required endorsements. Each endorsement shows the code that appears on your CDL, the name, and what is required to obtain it.
- Plan your endorsement testing. Most endorsements require a written knowledge test at your state DMV. Hazmat additionally requires a TSA background check and fingerprinting. Passenger and School Bus endorsements require a skills test.
About CDL Endorsements
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) authorizes the holder to operate certain classes of vehicles. Endorsements are additions to the base CDL that authorize the driver to operate specific types of equipment or haul specific types of freight. They appear as letter codes on the license. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the federal requirements, but states administer the testing. Endorsement fees and testing procedures vary by state. Drivers must carry their CDL with all required endorsements whenever operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a hazmat endorsement?
The hazmat endorsement process takes 60-90 days on average due to the TSA background check requirement. You must complete an application, pay a fee ($86.50 federally, plus any state fee), be fingerprinted, pass a federal background check, and pass the written hazmat knowledge test. The background check can take 30-60 days. Plan well in advance if you need hazmat capability.
Can I haul hazmat without an endorsement if the shipper does not tell me it is hazmat?
No. Ignorance of the cargo contents is not a legal defense. The responsibility for proper hazmat identification falls on the shipper, but the driver and carrier are responsible for having the required endorsements and paperwork. Operating without the required hazmat endorsement is a violation that can result in significant fines and out-of-service orders. Always verify the manifest before accepting a load.
Does a tanker endorsement require a skills test?
The tanker endorsement (N) requires only a written knowledge test in most states, not a separate skills test. However, if the tanker is also transporting hazmat, the H endorsement is required, and you may instead qualify for the combined X (Hazmat + Tanker) endorsement. Always check your state's specific requirements, as some states have additional requirements.
Do CDL endorsements expire separately from the CDL?
Endorsements generally expire with the CDL (every 4-8 years depending on state). The hazmat endorsement specifically requires renewal of the TSA background check every time the CDL is renewed. Some states also require periodic retesting for passenger and school bus endorsements. Set reminders well before your CDL expiration to allow time for the renewal process, especially for hazmat.