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 have a query in relation to getting a temporary HazMat endorsement. Is there any way I can get this temporary endorsement before background checks have been completed?

assistant: Unfortunately, we cannot issue any HazMat endorsement until all of our background checks have been completed and are approved. A CDL is provided by the DMV with the necessary HazMat endorsement

user: Because it takes so long to get the temporary endorsement and due to the fact that I need this temporary HazMat endorsement urgently, is there anything I can do in the meantime?

assistant: As I have just mentioned, we are unable to provide you with a temporary HazMat endorsement before background checks are completed

user: What is the exact waiting time for background checks to be completed when waiting for a temporary HazMat endorsement?

assistant: Usually, background checks take 30 days from the date that your fingerprints were submitted. It can happen, however, that this may take longer than 30 days

user: Is there any way to get a temporary HazMat endorsement issued by the DMV?

assistant: null

user: Is there a written test that needs to be taken in order to get a Hazmat endorsement?

assistant: Yes, there is a written test that must be passed. You must pay the $5.00 written test fee at your nearest DMV office and take the test

user: What happens in a situation where I don't pass the written test or the background checks carried out on me are not satisfactory?

assistant: Have you recently been advised that you did not pass the written test or the background checks?