How do I get a hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement? 
You must first have a CDL to apply for the HazMat endorsement. A driver with a NY State CDL must have an " H " or an " X " HazMat endorsement to operate commercial motor vehicles that carry hazardous materials. Read the CDL Manual [1] CDL-10, Hazardous Materials Manual pdf [2] CDL-11, and Driver License Class Descriptions pdf [3] MV-500C for more information. 

What requirements do I have to meet to apply for a HazMat endorsement? 
You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and present proof of citizenship or resident status at the time you apply for the hazardous materials endorsement. See Important Information about the Hazardous Materials Endorsement pdf [4] HAZ-11 for a list of acceptable proof of citizenship or resident status. You must meet the federal medical requirements in 49 CFR Part 391 and have a valid USDOT Medical Examiner's Certificate. See Medical Certification Requirements [5] for more information. You must be fingerprinted for background checks. 

Is there anything that may disqualify me from getting a HazMat endorsement? 
Yes , under federal law , the Federal Transportation Security Administration TSA may disqualify you from being authorized to transport hazardous materials if you have been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of any of the crimes listed on Important Information about the Hazardous Materials Endorsement pdf [4] HAZ-11 during the seven years before the date you apply for the endorsement you have been released from incarceration in any jurisdiction for committing any disqualifying crime during the five years before the date you applied for the endorsement. 

How do I apply for the HazMat endorsement? 
Complete the Application for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement pdf [6] and make a copy of one or more of the legal status documents that are listed on the form. Mail the completed form and a copy of your legal status document to : HazM

user: I need information about background checks to obtain approval for a hazardous materials endorsement.

assistant: Have you passed the background check?

user: Yes, I have.

assistant: As long as you pass the written test and background check, you can get a CDL with a HazMat endorsement.

user: How do I know if my application was approved or not?

assistant: You will receive a notification of approval in the mail along with instructions to obtain your CDL with the HazMat endorsement at your local DMV office.

user: Why is the background check necessary?

assistant: To get the HazMat endorsement, federal laws require background checks that involve fingerprinting and US citizenship identification.

user: What would cause me to be disqualified for the HazMat endorsement?

assistant: There are many things TSA may disqualify you for under federal laws.

user: What are the requirements for getting the HazMat endorsement?

assistant: To qualify, you will need to be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S and present proof of your citizenship. You will also need to meet federal medical requirements in 49 CFR Part 391 and have a valid USDOT Medical Examiner's Certificate.

user: Where do I go to get fingerprinted?

assistant: Fingerprinting is done at one of the Identogo ID centers located throughout NY.