Adding an endorsement in California

You can go get your fingerprints and background done before you take the HazMat Test. TSA will send your clearance electronically to CA DMV, and it is added to your license file at DMV. When you take the written test for your HazMat they will see you have the clearance and you will be good to go. I had my clearance 1 month prior to taking the written, arrived at DMV and it was already on my license that I had TSA Clearance.

 

I also thought you had to test first, but I had an issue with my Class B, called the Commercial Section in Sacramento for it. I thought it was like other states where you have to take the clearance in, which means a trip to stand in line, or wait weeks for an appointment. They told me I could get the clearance first, then take the test, eliminating an extra trip. In Sept I went to TSA, checked the TSA website 2 days later and had my clearance. Just to be sure it worked as I was told, I called back up to the Commercial Licensing Section in Sacramento, and it was already on my driving record. I went in, took the test, and walked out with the endorsement. A friend of mine just did the same thing I did, and it worked, TSA first, then HazMat Test.

 

You need to wait for the letter. Typical gov't bs they tell you the determination has been made but not what the determination is.

 

You can call DMV or visit an Office, it is electronically transmitted from TSA to DMV when it is approved.

 

I renewed my license this year. Then a week later took the hazmat test and didn't have to take the others all over again in Cali.

 

If you add an endorsement within 1 year of renewing you don't, take it 1 year and 1 day later and you will have to take them all.

 

The one thing to watch with hazmat is remember you have two years from the time you do the background to take the test, otherwise you have to do it all over again. Plus in Cali you cannot take the test before doing the background