How long does it take to actually recieve hazmat endorsement???

So I FINALLY started CDL class tonight and we were talking about endorsements and I learned that you can't actually get the hazmat endorsement until *after* you fully complete your road test and receive your full license unlike the other endorsements. I'm hoping to drive hazmat-tankers when I finish school so getting this endorsement is a big deal but I've heard it takes a month or so for the processing through DHS, etc? I really don't want to wait an extra month to start driving.

Just curious for anyone who's recently gotten the hazmat or hazmat+tanker endorsement how long it took to process and actually receive the endorsement and if this held up getting employed?

 

I took the hazmat exam, with CDL license in hand. Passed it and went immediately to get fingerprinted for the background check. My new CDL came in the mail in about two weeks.

At the same time you get fingerprinted for hazmat you might consider also getting it done for your TWIC card.

 

Good advice!

Were you already working or did you have an offer contingent on getting the endorsement?

 

Sounds to me. When I called couple weeks ago.

Submit fingerprints and show receipt. No longer is it a 30 day wait. That's probably for those that already have it though.

A first timer. Might still have to go through the lengthy process.

 

Go get your tsa background check now. Same place will do TWIC as well, get it. Take hazmat test asap, you may not pass first time. As far as I know as long as you have your permit you can take the endorsement test. That way when you get your license it will already have them.

 

I was already working, but just this last Spring I moved from Oklahoma to California. The new job required both. Bit of a shock because California required me to take ALL the written exams, starting with the plain Jane car exam. I also had to retake the tanker and doubles and triples exams, in addition to the hazmat exam.

Not sure what state you are in, but be sure to get the "Real ID" version of the drivers license. Some states are a bit behind the times.

 

It's boggles the mind when I go from getting HM by passing a written test in 10 minutes many times on renewals to a place where the Government decides if you get it or not. As if they already have enough to do with paperwork. Must be like a million applicants to go through.

I am happy not to deal with hazmat even though I keep a orange or yellow book of recent printing on the desk for it. I keep up with it.

 

It's a good idea to get TWIC asap. I didn't know you could get a TSA background check independent of a specific reason, like needing a hazmat endorsement, but I'll look into it if it will speed the process along.

My instructor who's also an independent tester for the state said specifically you *can't* take the hazmat test until after you pass the road test and get your CDL-A. The other endorsements like tanker and tandems you get w/ just your permit but apparently hazmat has to wait until you're fully licensed. At least in the state of TX apparently.

 

That sounds like a real pita that you couldn't just transfer it over and probably not inexpensive either.

I'm in TX and yeah I got a notice in the mail a month or so ago about switching my class-c over to a "Real ID" by the end of the year. I knew I'd be going for my CDL-A in the next few months so I figured I'd just get it then rather than make an extra trip to stand in line at the DMV.

 

So this is what's on the actual TSA web site:
HAZMAT Endorsement
"You may apply if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, naturalized citizen or a nonimmigrant alien, asylee or refugee who is in lawful status and have a CDL issued by a U.S. state. Remember to check with the state in which your license is issued for additional citizenship or lawful presence requirements stricter than TSA’s before applying."

So apparently you do have to to have a CDL *before* you can even apply for a hazmat endorsement.