Renew hazmat in Texas?

@brian991219

 

To renew your CDL hazmat endorsement you will receive a knowledge test authorization which will allow you to take the knowedge exam at a DPS license center.

After you pass the knowedge exam, which will have to be taken every time you renew your hazmat endorsement, you will then be given a fingerprint authorization and sent to a fingerprint location to have your prints taken and your TSA threat assessment renewed.

Once that is done, which can take from a few days up to several weeks, TX DPS will get a letter, you should get a copy as well, then you can renew your CDL and get your updated hard card (new license).

ELDT is not required to renew a hazmat endorsement, although the refresher knowedge doesn't hurt.

Bottom line, to renew your hazmat endorsement you will have to make at least one, often two or more, trips to the DPS licnese center. Hazmat cannot be renewed online per federal regulations.

 

Yes, each state has a slightly different process. My hone state, Pennsylvania, has changed their process and I'm about to renew my hazmat. Previously, I had to get a new threat assessment prior to renewing, but after passing the knowedge exam, because PA only gave you 4 years and tour hazmat expired same time as your CDL.

Now, we get the full 5 year threat assessment so we will have staggered hazmat expiration dates like many other states have, or are going to. This will allow for renewal without the fingerprints, then you will have to take the threat assessment at a later date.

I think this overcomplicates the process, but I get it because you have paid for a 5 year threat assessment but only get 4 year licnese in PA while other states have longer terms on their licnese.

 

No, not automatically. Once you pass the knowledge exam and have received your fingerprint authorization you will need to make the appointment for fingerprints unless your threat assessment is very recent, then they have the option to use that one (although I don't know if they will).

It is best for you to contact or visit your local DPS licensing center for the most up to date and accurate information.

 

I think they want to make that change to being us in line with several other states, bit as far as I know it hasn't happened yet.

As for the threat assessment, I have never understood the need to give new fingerprints every time. Once they have them in the system, they should be set to monitor our records and alert if anything pops up. Then, upon renewal, a simple computer record search could verify that we are still clean. I guess the concept is to prevent fraud and false identity having the hazmat or TWIC card, but is it really effective?