Getting your HAZMAT Endorsement Online

Oh, so they have internet on computers now!

-- Homer Simpson

The fingerprint-based background checks required of new entrants seeking hazardous materials endorsements (HME) to their CDLs began on January 31, 2005. Fingerprint-based background checks required for drivers renewing or transferring their HMEs began May 31, 2005. Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia are using TSA's agent (i.e., Integrated Biometrics Technologies) to collect fingerprints and other biographical information. The background check fees in these 33 states costs $94.

Seventeen states have elected to collect applicant fingerprints themselves

The Transportation Security Administration has established a website to help facilitate the background check screening process, which may be accessed at: http://www.hazprints.com.

The web site has been provided for the quick and easy processing of Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) applications. On this site you can submit your application, pay for your application (using a credit card) and obtain directions to a fingerprinting station nearest you. Drivers who register with a CDL from any of the states listed on the web site may be fingerprinted at any of the listed locations and not just in the driver's home state.

The information you provide will be used to verify your identity and to conduct a security threat assessment to evaluate your suitability for a hazardous materials endorsement for a commercial drivers license. Furnishing this information, including your SSN or alien registration number, is voluntary; however, failure to provide it will prevent the completion of your security threat assessment, without which you cannot be granted a hazardous materials endorsement. The information you submit will be provided to the FBI to retrieve your criminal history record.

Incidentally, you can save your $94 by not applying if you are permanently disqualified from holding an HME. You are permanently disqualified from holding a HME if you have ever been convicted* or found not guilty by reason of insanity of any of the following crimes:

Murder
Terrorism
Espionage
Sedition
Treason
Unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, manufacture, purchase, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, import, export, storage of, or dealing in an explosive or explosive device
RICO violations (if the crime underlying the RICO conviction is on the list of permanently disqualifying crimes)
A crime involving a transportation security incident (i.e., security incident involving a significant loss of life, environmental damage, transportation system disruption, or economic disruption in a particular area)
Improper transportation of a hazardous material (minor infractions involving transportation of hazardous materials will not disqualify a driver; for instance, no driver will be disqualified for minor roadside infractions or placarding violations)
Conspiracy or attempt to commit any of these crimes

* Convicted means any plea of guilty or nolo contendere or any finding of guilt.

Pull Quote: The Transportation Security Administration has established a website to help facilitate the background check screening process, which may be accessed at: http://www.hazprints.com.