An X endorsement lets you haul hazardous materials in a commercial truck

An X endorsement is an addition to a commercial driver's license (CDL) that permits you to transport hazardous materials — things like explosives, flammable liquids, gases, poisons, and radioactive materials. The "X" stands for the combination of two separate endorsements: the H endorsement (hazmat) and the T endorsement (tank vehicles). Getting an X endorsement means you've passed both the knowledge test and the background check required for hazmat transport, so you can haul both hazardous cargo and tank vehicles carrying any liquid or gas.

You cannot haul hazmat without this endorsement, even if you hold a regular CDL. Federal law requires it, and states enforce it through the CDL testing system. The endorsement itself doesn't expire — it lasts as long as your CDL does — but you'll need to renew your background check every time you renew your license.

Key Takeaways

  • An X endorsement combines the H (hazmat) and T (tank) endorsements, allowing you to transport hazardous materials and tank vehicles.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test covering hazmat regulations and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check before the endorsement is issued.
  • The endorsement costs vary by state but typically range from $10 to $85 for the test and background check combined.
  • You renew the endorsement when you renew your CDL, and the background check must be redone at each renewal.
  • Without an X endorsement, you cannot legally transport hazardous materials, even if you hold a CDL for other commercial driving.

What you need before you can test for an X endorsement

You must already hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) in the class required for the vehicle you'll be driving. Most hazmat hauling uses Class A or Class B CDLs. You cannot get an X endorsement on a regular passenger driver's license.

You also need to pass a TSA background check. This is not a criminal background check — it's a security clearance run by the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA will review your driving record, criminal history, and immigration status. Most people pass, but certain convictions or immigration violations can disqualify you. You'll pay a fee for this check, which varies by state but is usually $10 to $30.

Finally, you'll need to study for and pass the hazmat knowledge test. This is a written exam administered by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. The test covers regulations for transporting hazardous materials, how to identify hazmat, proper labeling and placarding, emergency procedures, and vehicle safety. Most states allow you to take the test at a DMV office or an approved testing center.

The steps to get an X endorsement

Start by contacting your state's DMV or the agency that issues CDLs. Ask them for the hazmat endorsement packet, which includes the TSA background check form and study materials for the knowledge test. Some states let you read these online; others mail them to you.

Complete the TSA background check form and submit it with the required fee. The TSA will process this and notify your state DMV when you've cleared the background check. This step typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on the TSA's workload.

While you're waiting for the background check to clear, study the hazmat regulations using the materials your state provides. Most states base their test on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hazmat rules, so you can also study the FMCSA's hazmat endorsement study guide online for free.

Once the TSA confirms you've passed the background check, schedule your knowledge test at your DMV or testing center. You'll pay a test fee (usually $10 to $50) and take the exam. The test is typically 30 questions, and you need to score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period, which varies by state but is often a few days.

After you pass the test, the DMV will issue your X endorsement. It will appear on your CDL as a restriction code or endorsement notation, depending on your state's format.

What the X endorsement costs

The total cost depends on your state. The TSA background check fee ranges from $10 to $30 in most states. The knowledge test fee ranges from $10 to $50. Some states bundle these into a single hazmat endorsement fee of $20 to $85. A few states charge no fee at all for the test but charge the TSA background check fee.

Contact your state DMV directly to find out the exact cost in your state, because fees change and vary widely. You'll also want to ask whether you can pay online, by mail, or only in person.

Renewing an X endorsement

Your X endorsement renews automatically when you renew your CDL. However, the TSA background check must be redone at each renewal. You'll need to complete a new background check form and pay the TSA fee again when you renew your license.

The renewal timeline depends on your state's CDL renewal schedule, which is typically every four to eight years. Some states allow you to renew by mail or online; others require you to appear in person. Check with your state DMV about their renewal process and whether you can submit the background check form early.

Why employers ask for an X endorsement

Any job that involves transporting hazardous materials requires an X endorsement. This includes tanker truck driving for fuel, chemicals, or gases; hauling explosives or fireworks; transporting medical waste; and delivering propane or other regulated liquids. Some employers also require it for general commercial driving roles, even if hazmat transport isn't part of the job description, because it signals you've passed a federal background check and understand safety regulations.

Employers cannot legally hire you to haul hazmat without the endorsement, and they can face federal penalties if they do. So if a job posting mentions hazmat or tank vehicles, the X endorsement is not optional — it's a legal requirement.

What happens if you drive hazmat without an X endorsement

Driving a vehicle carrying hazardous materials without the proper endorsement is a federal violation. You can be fined, your CDL can be suspended or revoked, and you may face criminal charges depending on the severity and what was being transported. Your employer can also be fined for knowingly allowing you to haul hazmat without the endorsement.

If you're stopped by law enforcement and found to be transporting hazmat without an X endorsement, the officer will likely issue a citation. The penalties vary by state and the type of hazmat involved, but fines typically start at several hundred dollars and can go much higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the offense. The TSA background check looks at criminal history, and certain convictions — particularly those involving explosives, weapons, or terrorism — will disqualify you. Other convictions may not. Contact your state DMV or the TSA to ask about your specific situation before you pay the background check fee.

How long does it take to get an X endorsement?

The TSA background check typically takes two to four weeks. The knowledge test can be scheduled as soon as the background check clears, and you can take it the same day you schedule it in many states. Total time from start to endorsement is usually four to six weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on your state and the TSA's processing time.

Do I need an X endorsement to haul a regular truck with hazmat placards?

Yes. If the vehicle is placarded for hazmat — meaning it displays hazmat warning signs — you must have an X endorsement, regardless of what's actually in the truck. The endorsement is tied to the vehicle's hazmat status, not just the cargo.

What's the difference between an X endorsement and an H endorsement?

An H endorsement allows you to haul hazardous materials but not in tank vehicles. An X endorsement covers both hazmat and tank vehicles. If you only need to haul hazmat in non-tank vehicles, an H endorsement alone may be sufficient, but most hazmat jobs require the X.

Can I renew my X endorsement online?

That depends on your state. Some states allow online CDL renewal, which includes the X endorsement, but you'll still need to submit a new TSA background check form. Contact your state DMV to ask whether online renewal is available and what documents you need to submit.