All 50 states, one table
The H endorsement has two federal pieces everywhere: the TSA security threat assessment and the hazmat knowledge test. What changes by state is the order, the age, and the small rules nobody tells you about. This table is built from each state's own licensing agency, and every row links to that state's full page.
Start HAZMAT theory, $20"Order" is how that state sequences the TSA assessment and the hazmat knowledge test. "Age" is the state's stated age for hazmat and interstate driving. "The state's own rule" is the one thing most likely to surprise you there. Fees are not listed because they change; each state page links to the agency's fee page.
| State | Who issues it | Order | Age | The state's own rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlabamaFull AL page › | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driver License Division | Hazmat theory before the knowledge test; TSA clearance before the H is issued. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | ALEA states an English-proficiency requirement explicitly, and knowledge tests are English only. |
| AlaskaFull AK page › | Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | Hazmat theory from a TPR provider first, then the hazmat knowledge test at the DMV; TSA security threat assessment before the H is issued. Must be 21. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | The CLP gives you 180 days to pass the road test, and you can extend it only once. |
| ArizonaFull AZ page › | Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD) | Arizona does hazmat in the opposite order from Tennessee: you pass the CDL and hazmat WRITTEN tests first, then MVD issues a HazMat Background Check Authorization and you begin the TSA security threat assessment. You can take your CDL without the H in the meantime and add it, with no extra endorsement fee, once TSA approves. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Written tests before TSA. MVD will not start your background check until you have passed every required CDL and hazmat written test. |
| ArkansasFull AR page › | Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Driver Services (testing by the Arkansas State Police) | Hazmat knowledge test with the State Police; TSA security threat assessment (fingerprints and background check) before the H is issued. Plan on at least 90 days. Must be 21. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Skills tests are given only at six State Police troop sites, by appointment, and if any required item is missing at the appointment no test is given. |
| CaliforniaFull CA page › | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | Federal law requires DMV to verify hazmat ELDT before you take the hazmat knowledge test. TSA fingerprinting and clearance are required before the H is added. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | The DL 1236 behind-the-wheel certification. DMV will not issue your CDL without it, and it must show at least 15 hours, 10 on public roads. Under Vehicle Code 15250.1, every 50 minutes of driving counts as an hour. |
| ColoradoFull CO page › | Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | Hazmat knowledge test; TSA clearance before the H is issued, and a fresh TSA check is required at every renewal. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Colorado paused issuing and renewing non-domiciled (limited-term) CLPs and CDLs under the September 2025 federal rule. |
| ConnecticutFull CT page › | Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | ELDT hazmat theory first, then the hazmat knowledge test at the DMV (30 questions, 24 correct); TSA security threat assessment before the H is issued. Must be 21. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Since June 16, 2025 the DMV takes medical certificates only electronically from the National Registry; paper forms are no longer accepted. |
| DelawareFull DE page › | Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | Start at a DMV office at 21 or older, pass the hazmat knowledge test, then the TSA application and fingerprints; the DMV adds the H only after TSA clears you. | 18 with one year of driving experience for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Knowledge tests are walk-in only; skills tests are appointment only and are not given on Wednesdays. |
| FloridaFull FL page › | Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), usually through county tax collector offices | Hazmat theory before the hazmat knowledge test; TSA security threat assessment before the H is issued. Passenger and school bus skills tests must be taken with an approved third party. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Knowledge tests are given only at a driver license office, never by a third party. |
| GeorgiaFull GA page › | Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) | Hazmat theory before the knowledge test. TSA fingerprinting through IDEMIA must clear before DDS adds the H. The hazmat knowledge test is 30 questions; 24 correct passes. | 18 for in-state driving (18 to 20 carry a Georgia-only restriction), 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | A three-part fee structure: a non-refundable CDL application fee good for up to four attempts, a permit fee, and an eight-year license fee. |
| HawaiiFull HI page › | Hawaii county driver licensing offices under the Hawaii Department of Transportation (on Oahu, the Honolulu CDL Office in Pearl City) | Hazmat knowledge test at the county office; TSA security threat assessment (universalenroll.dhs.gov) before the H is issued. The H is good for up to five years from TSA approval and the CDL expires on the same date. | 18 for the CDL instruction permit; the counties and HDOT list 21 for the CDL itself (state law sets 19 as the floor for an intrastate-only CDL). 21 for interstate or hazmat. | You must pass all three parts of the practical test at the same appointment; fail one part and you rebook and pay again. |
| IdahoFull ID page › | Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) DMV, through county driver license offices | Hazmat knowledge test at the county office (30 questions, 24 correct); TSA fingerprints and background check before the H is issued. Must be 21. | 18 for in-state driving (ITD issues a shorter-term CDL to drivers 18 to 21); 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Fail a knowledge test and you can retest after three days; ITD advises against taking several knowledge tests on the same day. |
| IllinoisFull IL page › | Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) | Hazmat theory before the hazmat knowledge test; TSA clearance before the H is added. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Illinois has a separate state School Bus Permit on top of the CDL S endorsement for anyone driving Illinois schoolchildren. |
| IndianaFull IN page › | Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) | Hazmat knowledge test at the BMV; TSA clearance before the H is issued. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | Skills tests must be scheduled at least two days ahead, and only one attempt per business day. |
| IowaFull IA page › | Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) | Hazmat knowledge test at the DMV first, then the TSA threat assessment and fingerprinting. The H is not issued until both are done. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | The CLP is good for one year with no renewal; if it lapses you start the permit over. |
| KansasFull KS page › | Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles | TSA fingerprinting and threat assessment first; Kansas will not give the hazmat knowledge test until TSA approval is received, and the H is issued after both. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | There is no online scheduler for the CDL skills test; you call or email one of the listed testing offices, and the appointment must be at least 14 days after the permit issue date. |
| KentuckyFull KY page › | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver Licensing; tests are given by the Kentucky State Police (KSP) | TSA approval and hazmat ELDT first, then schedule the hazmat written test with KSP. A small state test fee applies. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Three stops: a Regional Office to self-certify, pay, and clear a records check; the State Police for written, vision and skills tests; then back to the Regional Office for the credential. |
| LouisianaFull LA page › | Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) | TSA fingerprint background check (within the last 180 days), then the hazmat knowledge test at a full-service CDL office. | 18 for a CLP and in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | The learner's permit is issued for only 60 days. Have your behind-the-wheel training lined up before you take the knowledge test. |
| MaineFull ME page › | Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) | Hazmat written test first, then TSA fingerprinting and the background check; the H requires age 21 and a valid medical card. | The BMV application lets you take the CDL road test at 16 with driver education required under 18, but 21 is required for hazmat, passenger, and school bus endorsements and for crossing state lines | Skills test appointments are booked through the BMV main office in Augusta, and cancelling with less than 48 hours notice costs a penalty fee before you can rebook. |
| MarylandFull MD page › | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) | Maryland runs TSA first. The MVA states that after TSA approves your application, you schedule an MVA appointment for the hazmat knowledge test and the endorsement. Hazmat ELDT must come before that test. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | TSA approval before the hazmat knowledge test, not after. |
| MassachusettsFull MA page › | Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) | Hazmat knowledge test (can be taken with your CLP or CDL transaction) and the TSA threat assessment, which the RMV says can take 60 days or more; the H is issued once both clear. | 18 for an intrastate (Massachusetts only) CLP; 21 for an interstate CLP, hazmat, or school bus. Under 21 you get a K restriction (intrastate only) | CLP knowledge exams are offered in Spanish and Portuguese as well as English, but the road test is English only with no interpreters. |
| MichiganFull MI page › | Michigan Department of State (SOS) | Hazmat written test at the SOS; TSA background check must clear before the H is issued. Must be 21. | 18 for in-state driving with a K restriction until 21; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Drivers 18 to 20 receive a K restriction limiting them to Michigan until 21. |
| MinnesotaFull MN page › | Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) | Minnesota runs TSA first: complete the TSA background check, then take the hazmat knowledge test at DVS. Hazmat ELDT is required for a first-time H. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | The CLP cannot be renewed; if it expires you start over. |
| MississippiFull MS page › | Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau | Hazmat TSA enrollment and fingerprinting through a TSA Universal Enrollment center (no longer done at DPS offices), then the hazmat knowledge test at a CDL station; DPS recommends enrolling before you test. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | CDL road tests are booked by phone only, through the DPS CDL help desk, and you must cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours ahead. |
| MissouriFull MO page › | Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) issues the license; the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) gives the tests | Hazmat knowledge test (30 questions) at an MSHP exam office; TSA clearance before the H is issued; must be 21. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Two agencies: the Highway Patrol tests you, then the Department of Revenue issues the license. Plan for both stops. |
| MontanaFull MT page › | Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) | TSA threat assessment and fingerprinting first; once the result is received you take the hazmat written test at an exam station, and the H follows. | 18 for an intrastate (Montana only) CDL; 21 for an interstate CDL, school bus, or hazmat | Fail the pre-trip or basic control step and you wait at least 24 hours to retest; fail the road portion and you wait at least one week. |
| NebraskaFull NE page › | Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | TSA fingerprint-based threat assessment plus the hazmat knowledge test at the DMV. First-time hazmat applicants email their name and license number to the DMV so it can confirm hazmat theory on the TPR before the test. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | At least one day must pass before you retake a failed written or skills test. |
| NevadaFull NV page › | Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | Hazmat knowledge test; TSA clearance before the H is issued. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | In late 2025 Nevada suspended issuing, renewing and duplicating Limited-Term (non-domiciled) CDLs and CLPs. |
| New HampshireFull NH page › | New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | Pre-register for the TSA fingerprint clearance before you visit the DMV, then take the hazmat knowledge test. The hazmat endorsement cannot ride on a CLP. | 18 for the CLP and an in-state CDL; drivers under 21 carry a K restriction (New Hampshire only). 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat under federal rules | The CDL holder supervising you on a CLP must be at least 25 years old and hold a CDL for that vehicle type. |
| New JerseyFull NJ page › | New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) | ELDT hazmat theory first, then the hazmat knowledge test at an MVC test center, TSA application and fingerprints, and the H is issued once TSA clears you. Must be 21. | 18 for the CLP and an in-state CDL; under 21 you are limited to New Jersey only and cannot get the hazmat or passenger endorsement | Fail the knowledge test and you wait 7 days; fail the road test and you wait 14 days, and repeated failures can bring a 6-month wait. |
| New MexicoFull NM page › | New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) | TSA fingerprint-based threat assessment first, then the hazmat knowledge test at an MVD office, then the H is issued. The hazmat endorsement cannot ride on a CLP. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | You can take knowledge tests up to twice a week with no yearly cap. |
| New YorkFull NY page › | New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | Hazmat theory before the hazmat knowledge test; TSA clearance before the H is issued. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat, with one exception below | The Class A Young Adult Training Program: drivers 18 to 20 can earn an interstate Class A after ELDT plus at least 300 hours behind the wheel under a qualifying experienced driver. No other state in this group has it. |
| North CarolinaFull NC page › | North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) | Hazmat theory before the knowledge test; TSA clearance before the H is issued. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | The CLP is valid only 6 months, shorter than most states. |
| North DakotaFull ND page › | North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Driver License Division | Get your North Dakota CLP or CDL first, then complete the TSA security threat assessment, then take the hazmat knowledge test to add the H. Must be 21. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat. A restricted CDL for custom harvesting is available at 16 | One knowledge test attempt per day. If you fail, you cannot retake it the same day. |
| OhioFull OH page › | Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) | Hazmat theory before the knowledge test; TSA clearance before the H is issued. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | The skills test has time limits: 30 minutes for the pre-trip inspection and 40 for basic maneuvers. |
| OklahomaFull OK page › | Service Oklahoma | Hazmat knowledge test; TSA clearance before the H is issued; must be 21. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines, drive a school bus, or haul hazmat | You choose a 4-year or 8-year credential at issuance; the 8-year roughly doubles the credential fee. |
| OregonFull OR page › | Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV), part of ODOT | ELDT hazmat theory first, then the hazmat knowledge test and the TSA security threat assessment, then the H is issued. The H and doubles/triples endorsements cannot ride on a CLP. Must be 21. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | All knowledge and skills tests are English only and translators are not allowed. |
| PennsylvaniaFull PA page › | Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) | Hazmat theory before the knowledge test; TSA fingerprinting through IdentoGO before the H is issued. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | A 15-day CLP hold. PennDOT's own FAQ says a minimum of 15 days from the date the permit is issued until the scheduled skills test date. Most states use 14. |
| Rhode IslandFull RI page › | Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | ELDT hazmat theory and the TSA threat assessment both have to be done before you can sit the hazmat knowledge test. The DMV says the TSA result must be under one year old and the knowledge test result under 60 days old when the H is added. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or add the hazmat endorsement | All CDL transactions and knowledge tests happen at one office, the Cranston DMV, by appointment only. |
| South CarolinaFull SC page › | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) | Pass the hazmat knowledge test and complete TSA fingerprinting; only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible. A CDL with hazmat runs on a 5-year cycle instead of 8. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Escalating waits after a failed skills test: 2 business days after the first, 7 days after the second, 30 days after the third, with a retest fee each time. |
| South DakotaFull SD page › | South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing | Hazmat knowledge test with the state, plus a TSA threat assessment at an enrollment center before the H is issued. You must be 21. | 18 for in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or add the hazmat endorsement | No state-run skills tests at all. You book with a third-party tester, at least two business days ahead. |
| TennesseeFull TN page › | Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Driver Services | Tennessee runs hazmat in a specific order: fingerprinting and the TSA security threat assessment come FIRST, and only after TSA clears you can you take the vision and hazmat knowledge tests at a Driver Services Center. The background check must be within the last 90 days. | 18, restricted to driving within Tennessee until 21; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | TSA clearance before the hazmat knowledge test, which is the opposite of states like Arizona. |
| TexasFull TX page › | Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) | Complete hazmat theory before the hazmat knowledge test. TSA fingerprinting and the security threat assessment must clear before DPS adds the H to your license. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | The CDL knowledge test is English only as of June 1, 2026. Spanish is no longer offered. |
| UtahFull UT page › | Utah Driver License Division (DLD) | Hazmat knowledge test at the DLD plus a TSA threat assessment before the H is issued. You must be 21. | 18 with one year of driving experience; under 21 is restricted to in-state driving and cannot add the H, P or S endorsements | Knowledge tests are English only and translation materials are not allowed. |
| VermontFull VT page › | Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | TSA threat assessment first, finished at least two weeks before your appointment and before the hazmat knowledge test at the DMV. | 18 for a CLP and in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines | Three failed skills tests and you wait six months before trying again. |
| VirginiaFull VA page › | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | Hazmat knowledge test; TSA clearance before the H is issued. | 18 for in-state driving with a K restriction that lifts at 21; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | The permit hold is 30 days unless you complete an approved commercial driver education program, which cuts it to 14. That is the biggest reason to train with a school rather than solo. |
| WashingtonFull WA page › | Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) | Hazmat knowledge test (30 questions, 24 to pass) at the DOL; TSA clearance before the H is issued. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | No DOL office gives the skills test; every skills test is third-party, scheduled through DOL scheduling with a 24-hour cancellation rule. |
| West VirginiaFull WV page › | West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) | TSA fingerprinting and background check first; take the TSA approval letter to a DMV regional office before the hazmat knowledge test. Hazmat cannot be added to a CLP. | 18 with one year of licensed driving; under 21 gets a K restriction for in-state driving only | Fail any part of the knowledge exam and you wait seven days before retesting. |
| WisconsinFull WI page › | Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV) | Hazmat knowledge test; TSA clearance before the H is issued. Fingerprinting fee is separate from the endorsement fee. | 18 for in-state driving, 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | The knowledge test itself is free in Wisconsin. |
| WyomingFull WY page › | Wyoming Department of Transportation, Driver Services (WYDOT) | ELDT hazmat theory, then the hazmat knowledge test at the exam office, then the TSA threat assessment. Driver Services must hear from TSA before the hard-copy license with the H is released; you can take an interim CDL without the H while TSA reviews. | 18 for a CLP and in-state driving; 21 to cross state lines or haul hazmat | Knowledge tests need no appointment, but the skills test must be scheduled and paid for in advance and the fee is forfeited on a no-show or a fail. |
Sources: each state's licensing agency, linked from the state pages. Checked September and October 2026. Rules change; the agency page is always the final word.
No. Every state runs the same two federal pieces, the TSA security threat assessment and the hazmat knowledge test, but states differ on the order, on whether you must be 21, and on how long each piece stays valid. The table on this page shows each state's order from its own licensing agency.
Yes, if this is your first H endorsement and it was not on your license before February 7, 2022. Federal rule 49 CFR 380 requires hazmat theory from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before the state gives you the knowledge test. The provider files your completion; you cannot.
Yes, by federal rule. 49 CFR 380.703(i) says state qualification requirements for theory instruction do not apply to providers that teach theory only online. Every state accepts theory from any provider listed on the registry.
The theory course is about 45 minutes and is filed the same day. The TSA assessment is the slow part; TSA says to enroll well ahead and that it can take weeks. Our timeline page walks through it.
More on the H: how to get the HAZMAT endorsement, the TSA background check, how long it takes, getting it with a record, moving it to a new state, and the X endorsement (HAZMAT plus Tanker, both courses in one checkout).