The X endorsement lets you haul hazardous materials and passenger combinations on the same trip

The X endorsement on a commercial driver's license is a combination of two separate endorsements stacked into one: the H endorsement (hazardous materials) and the P endorsement (passengers). If you have an X, you can legally transport both hazardous cargo and passengers in the same vehicle without needing to carry two separate endorsements.

You do not need an X endorsement for most driving jobs. Most drivers who haul hazmat do not carry passengers, and most passenger drivers do not haul hazmat. The X is specifically for the smaller group of drivers whose job requires both — for example, a driver who transports hazmat and also picks up or drops off crew members, or a shuttle driver for a hazmat facility who occasionally moves small quantities of regulated materials.

Getting an X endorsement requires passing two separate knowledge tests (one for hazmat, one for passengers), a background check, and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) threat assessment. The process takes longer than a single endorsement because of the TSA step, which is mandatory for hazmat.

Key Takeaways

  • An X endorsement combines hazmat and passenger endorsements, allowing you to haul both in the same vehicle without separate endorsements.
  • You must pass the hazmat knowledge test, the passenger knowledge test, a background check, and a TSA threat assessment to receive an X.
  • The TSA assessment is the longest part of the process and can take several weeks; you cannot legally haul hazmat until it clears.
  • Most drivers do not need an X because their jobs involve either hazmat or passengers, not both.
  • Your state's DMV or commercial driver's license office handles the testing and endorsement issuance, though TSA conducts the background check.

When you actually need an X endorsement

You need an X endorsement only if your job requires you to transport both hazardous materials and passengers in the same vehicle at the same time, or if you might do so on any given shift. If your employer requires it, they will tell you directly — this is not something you discover by accident.

Common situations where an X is required include shuttle drivers at chemical plants or refineries who occasionally move small quantities of hazmat, drivers for hazmat disposal companies who transport both materials and technicians, and some specialized transport roles. If you drive a passenger bus and never touch hazmat, you need only a P. If you drive a tanker carrying only hazmat and never pick up passengers, you need only an H.

Some employers ask for an X even when the job does not strictly require it, treating it as a sign of a more experienced or flexible driver. In that case, the decision is yours — getting the endorsement takes time and money, but it may improve your job prospects or pay.

The testing and background check process

To get an X endorsement, you must pass two written knowledge tests at your state's DMV or commercial driver's license office. The first is the hazmat test, which covers regulations for transporting dangerous goods, labeling, placarding, and emergency procedures. The second is the passenger test, which covers passenger safety, vehicle inspection, and passenger management. Both tests are multiple choice, and you typically need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass.

After you pass both tests, the TSA conducts a background check and threat assessment. This is not optional — federal law requires it for anyone with hazmat endorsement authority. The TSA checks criminal history, immigration status, and other factors. The assessment usually takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if the TSA needs additional information from you.

You cannot legally haul hazmat until the TSA assessment clears. Some states issue a temporary X endorsement after you pass the tests, but it becomes invalid if the TSA denies you. If the TSA denies your assessment, you can still hold a P endorsement (passengers only) if you passed that test, but the H and X are removed from your license.

What disqualifies you from a hazmat endorsement

The TSA will deny a hazmat endorsement if you have certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, or security-related offenses. Specific disqualifying crimes include felonies involving explosives, hazardous materials, weapons, or violence; certain drug offenses; and crimes of dishonesty like fraud or forgery. Some states also have their own disqualifying offenses beyond the federal list.

Immigration status matters: if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you cannot receive a hazmat endorsement. You must be a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen. If you have pending immigration cases or visa violations, the TSA will likely deny you.

If you have been denied a hazmat endorsement in the past, you can reapply after a waiting period (usually one to five years depending on the reason for denial), but the TSA will review your case again. Denial does not mean you can never get hazmat — it means you did not meet the security requirements at that time.

Costs and timing for getting an X endorsement

The cost of an X endorsement varies by state. Most states charge a testing fee (typically $10 to $50 per test), an endorsement fee (usually $20 to $100), and a TSA background check fee (usually $85 to $100). Some states bundle these; others charge them separately. Contact your state's DMV to learn the exact fees.

The timeline depends on how quickly you pass the tests and how long the TSA takes. If you pass both tests on your first attempt, you can submit to the TSA when ready. The TSA assessment typically takes two to four weeks, but can stretch to six weeks or longer if they request additional documents or clarification from you. Plan for the entire process to take one to two months from start to finish.

Your employer may cover these costs, especially if they require the endorsement as a condition of employment. It is worth asking — some companies reimburse endorsement fees for drivers they hire or promote into roles that require hazmat authority.

Renewing and maintaining an X endorsement

An X endorsement renews on the same schedule as your commercial driver's license — every four or eight years depending on your state. When you renew your CDL, you must renew your X endorsement at the same time. You will need to retake the hazmat and passenger knowledge tests, and the TSA will conduct another background check.

If you fail to renew before your license expires, you lose the X endorsement. You can reapply, but you will have to pass the tests and background check again. Some states allow you to renew early (up to a year before expiration), which can be helpful if you want to avoid a gap in your endorsement.

If you are convicted of certain crimes or your immigration status changes after you receive your X endorsement, you may lose it. Your state can suspend or revoke the endorsement if you violate hazmat or passenger safety regulations, or if the TSA determines you no longer meet security requirements.

How an X endorsement affects your job and pay

Having an X endorsement does not automatically increase your pay, but it can make you more marketable to employers who need drivers with both hazmat and passenger authority. Some companies pay a small premium (typically $0.50 to $2 per hour) for drivers with hazmat endorsements, though this varies widely by employer and region.

The endorsement also limits where you can work: you can only use it for jobs that actually require both hazmat and passenger transport. You cannot use an X endorsement to haul hazmat in a vehicle without passengers, or to drive passengers in a vehicle without hazmat — you would use the H or P endorsement for those jobs instead. In practice, this means the X is useful only if your employer specifically needs both functions.

If you leave a job that requires an X and move to one that requires only an H or P, you keep the X on your license. You do not lose endorsements when you change employers — they stay on your license until they expire or you choose not to renew them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an X endorsement if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the crime. Certain felonies — especially those involving explosives, hazmat, weapons, or violence — permanently disqualify you. Other offenses may disqualify you for a set period (one to five years) before you can reapply. Contact your state's DMV or the TSA to learn whether your specific conviction disqualifies you.

What happens if I fail the hazmat or passenger test?

You can retake the test, usually after waiting a short period (often 24 hours to one week, depending on your state). There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though each attempt may cost a testing fee. You do not move forward to the TSA background check until you pass both tests.

Do I need an X endorsement if I drive a bus that carries hazmat equipment but no hazmat materials?

No. An X endorsement is only for transporting actual hazardous materials — the regulated substances themselves. Carrying empty containers, tools, or equipment related to hazmat does not require a hazmat endorsement. You would need only a P endorsement for the passengers.

Can the TSA deny me for hazmat if I have a green card?

No. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are may be able to access for hazmat endorsements. You must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. If your green card is pending or you are on a temporary visa, you are not may be able to access.

How long does the TSA background check actually take?

Most TSA assessments take two to four weeks. Some clear in as little as one week; others take six weeks or longer if the TSA requests additional documents or needs to verify information. There is no way to speed up the process, so plan for at least a month from the time you submit your process.