Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to obtain your Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) to legally transport regulated goods across the United States.
The Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) is a federal authorization that allows certain drivers to legally transport regulated hazardous goods.
Who it's for
This endorsement is specifically designed for professional drivers who already hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL). If your work involves the transportation of regulated hazardous materials, you must have this endorsement added to your license to remain compliant with federal motor carrier regulations and ensure you can legally perform your job on the road.
What you get
By obtaining this endorsement, you receive a formal federal authorization, often referred to as an "H endorsement." This allows you to legally transport regulated hazardous materials across the country. Having this designation on your license is a requirement for any driver tasked with moving goods that fall under hazardous material regulations.
What it costs you
The financial cost of obtaining an HME is not fixed; it varies depending on the specific state where you hold your license. In addition to the state-level fees, the process requires you to undergo a formal threat assessment and a fingerprinting process to meet federal security standards. You should check with your local licensing authority to understand the exact fees and the specific steps required for the fingerprinting and assessment in your jurisdiction.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that this endorsement is not a one-time achievement. To maintain your legal eligibility to transport hazardous goods, you must re-verify your background check every five years. Failing to complete this periodic re-verification could result in losing your ability to move regulated materials.
How to apply
- Contact your state's licensing office to find out the exact fees and specific local requirements for adding an H endorsement.
- Arrange for and complete the required fingerprinting process as mandated by security protocols.
- Successfully complete the required federal threat assessment to verify your background.
- Visit the official portal for more detailed industry guidance: https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/hazmat-endorsement