Hazmat endorsement (CDL H endorsement)

The hazmat endorsement is the CDL designation required to operate commercial vehicles transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials, obtained through a TSA background check and a written knowledge test.

The endorsement is added to the driver's CDL after the TSA Security Threat Assessment and the FMCSA-administered written test. Endorsements are state-issued and renewed periodically (typically every five years with renewed TSA check).

Drivers without a valid hazmat endorsement cannot legally transport placarded hazmat loads. The driver assigned to the specific load (not just any driver at the carrier) must hold the endorsement.

Why this matters for freight brokers

For hazmat brokers, confirming the assigned driver holds the endorsement is part of the load-specific vetting record. Carrier attestation is the standard; for high-risk hazmat, direct verification is appropriate.

Related terms

• CDL (Commercial Driver's License) — A CDL is the license required to operate commercial motor vehicles above defined weight and passenger thresholds. CDLs include class designations (A, B, C) and endorsements for specific cargo types or vehicle configurations.
• MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) — An MVR is a state-issued report of a driver's license status, violations, accidents, and endorsements, used to evaluate driver risk in commercial motor carrier and broker contexts.