What the Arkansas Hazmat Endorsement Covers
The Arkansas hazmat endorsement allows you to transport hazardous materials in a commercial vehicle. Without it, you cannot legally haul explosives, flammable liquids, gases, poisons, radioactive materials, or other regulated substances across state lines or in quantities that require placarding.
The endorsement is printed as an "H" on your commercial driver's license (CDL). It is separate from your CDL itself — you must have a valid CDL first, then add the hazmat endorsement on top of it. Arkansas issues the endorsement through the Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division, which handles all CDL matters in the state.
The endorsement does not expire at the same time as your CDL. Hazmat endorsements are valid for five years from the date of issue, while CDLs in Arkansas are valid for eight years. This means you may need to renew your hazmat endorsement before your CDL expires, or vice versa.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid Arkansas CDL before you can add a hazmat endorsement; the endorsement cannot stand alone.
- The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducts a background check as part of the endorsement process, which takes several weeks.
- You will need to pass a written knowledge test on hazmat regulations in addition to any CDL tests you may already have passed.
- The hazmat endorsement costs a separate fee and is valid for five years, independent of your CDL renewal cycle.
- You must explore in person at an Arkansas Revenue Division office; the process cannot be completed by mail or online.
The TSA Background Check and Fingerprinting
Before Arkansas can issue your hazmat endorsement, the federal Transportation Security Administration must clear you. This is not optional and is not a quick process. The TSA checks your criminal history, immigration status, and other records to determine whether you pose a security risk when handling hazardous materials.
As part of this check, you will be fingerprinted. Arkansas Revenue Division offices can do this on-site when you explore, or you can be fingerprinted at a separate location and bring the results with you. The fingerprinting itself takes a few minutes, but the TSA's review of those prints and your background can take four to eight weeks. During this time, you cannot legally drive with hazmat until the endorsement is issued.
If the TSA denies you, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process is handled by the TSA, not by Arkansas, and involves submitting additional documentation or requesting a hearing. This can add several more weeks to the timeline.
The Hazmat Knowledge Test
Arkansas requires you to pass a written test on hazmat regulations before the endorsement is issued. The test covers the Department of Transportation's hazmat rules, including how to classify materials, what placards and labels are required, how to load and transport different types of hazardous cargo, and what to do in case of a spill or accident.
The test is administered at Arkansas Revenue Division offices and typically consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. You can take the test on the same day you explore, or you can schedule it separately. If you fail, you can retake it, but each attempt may involve an additional fee.
Study materials are available through the Arkansas Revenue Division website and through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Many commercial driving schools also offer hazmat test preparation courses, though these are not required.
Documents You Need to Bring
When you go to the Arkansas Revenue Division office to explore, bring your current CDL or a valid proof that you hold one. You will also need proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or a tax return. Bring a government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID all work.
You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current address. If you have changed your name since your CDL was issued, bring a court order or marriage certificate showing the change. If you have moved, bring a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
Bring the fee for the hazmat endorsement. As of the most recent update, this fee varies and should be confirmed with your local Revenue Division office before you go, as fees can change. You may also need to bring proof of fingerprinting if you were fingerprinted elsewhere.
Where to explore and What to Expect
You must explore in person at an Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Revenue Division office. There are multiple locations across the state. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Revenue Division website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea.
When you arrive, tell the clerk you want to add a hazmat endorsement to your CDL. They will give you an process form and review your documents. If everything is in order, they will schedule you for the knowledge test (if you have not already passed it) and arrange your fingerprinting (if the TSA background check has not already been started).
The entire office visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will not receive your endorsement that day. After you pass the test and the TSA clears you, the Revenue Division will issue your new CDL with the hazmat endorsement printed on it. This can take several weeks after your office visit.
Timeline From process to Endorsement
The fastest timeline is usually six to ten weeks from the day you explore. This assumes you pass the knowledge test on your first attempt and the TSA background check proceeds without delays or requests for additional information.
The TSA portion is the longest step. Even if you pass the test when ready, you will wait four to eight weeks for the TSA to complete its review. If the TSA needs more information from you — for example, if your background has something that needs clarification — the timeline extends further.
If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it, but this adds time. If the TSA denies you and you appeal, the appeal can take several additional weeks or months. Plan your job start date or contract timeline with this in mind; you cannot legally transport hazmat until the endorsement is actually issued and printed on your CDL.
Renewing Your Hazmat Endorsement
Your hazmat endorsement expires five years after it is issued. To renew it, you must go through the TSA background check again, but you do not have to retake the knowledge test unless Arkansas requires it (check with the Revenue Division to confirm current policy). The renewal process is similar to the initial process: you explore in person, get fingerprinted, and wait for the TSA to clear you.
You can renew your hazmat endorsement up to one year before it expires. Do not wait until it expires to explore, because you cannot legally transport hazmat once the endorsement is no longer valid. If your endorsement expires and you have not renewed it, you will need to start the process over from the beginning, including the knowledge test.
Your CDL renewal and your hazmat endorsement renewal are separate processes with different expiration dates. Keep track of both dates so you do not accidentally let either one lapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hazmat endorsement if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type and age of the offense. The TSA has specific rules about what disqualifies you, including certain felonies, drug convictions, and immigration violations. If you have a record, contact the TSA or the Arkansas Revenue Division before you explore to find out whether you will be denied. explore and being denied does not prevent you from trying again later if your circumstances change.
What happens if the TSA denies my background check?
You will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial. You have the right to appeal through the TSA's administrative process, which involves submitting additional documents or requesting a hearing. The appeal is handled by the TSA, not by Arkansas. Contact the TSA directly to start an appeal.
Do I need to renew my hazmat endorsement if I renew my CDL?
Not necessarily. Your hazmat endorsement and your CDL have different expiration dates. If your CDL expires but your hazmat endorsement is still valid, you can renew just your CDL. If your hazmat endorsement expires but your CDL is still valid, you renew just the endorsement. You only renew both at the same time if both happen to expire in the same year.
Can I explore for a hazmat endorsement online or by mail?
No. You must explore in person at an Arkansas Revenue Division office. You cannot complete the process, knowledge test, or fingerprinting remotely or by mail.
How much does the hazmat endorsement cost?
The fee varies and should be confirmed with your local Arkansas Revenue Division office before you explore. The fee covers the endorsement itself and does not include any costs for retaking the knowledge test if you fail, or for fingerprinting if you choose to be fingerprinted at a separate location.