The Department of Transportation this week issued a reminder of the new federal requirements that will take effect on May 31 for drivers who wish to renew a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a HAZMAT endorsement.

In order to renew a CDL with a HAZMAT endorsement, individuals will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or proof of appropriate immigration status. Additionally, applicants must submit a Federal Security Threat Assessment application as well as pass a federal criminal history background check. The new guidelines will also require applicants to be fingerprinted by the Pennsylvania State Police.

PennDOT is changing its CDL renewal application process based on the "Uniting & Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act."

The new regulations will require applicants to pay additional federal fees totaling $58, which includes $34 for a federal criminal history background check and $24 for an FBI fingerprint fee.

Customers will be required to complete this process each time a CDL with a HAZMAT endorsement is issued or renewed and PennDOT must receive notification from the federal Transportation Security Administration that the driver has passed the criminal history background check to retain a HAZMAT endorsement.

Renewing customers are encouraged to take their HAZMAT recertification knowledge test as soon as the recertification notice is received in the mail from PennDOT. Customers who recertify should allow 90 days from the date fingerprints are taken for the completion of background checks and notification of results to the driver and PennDOT. Customers who wait to take their recertification test could risk having their CDL HAZMAT license expire before PennDOT receives federal approval from TSA.

Customers can renew a license up to six months prior to the license expiration date. Individuals renewing their CDL with a HAZMAT endorsement prior to May 31 will not be subject to the additional federal requirements and fees until their next renewal. Customers who have not yet received a renewal notice from PennDOT can complete an "Application to Renew Commercial Driver's License" (Form DL 143CD). Drivers are required to pass their HAZMAT recertification knowledge test prior to renewing, or they will receive a CDL without the HAZMAT endorsement.

For more information on changes to the licensing of CDL HAZMAT drivers as a result of the USA PATRIOT Act, or to obtain a copy of the Federal Security Threat Assessment Application, visit the Driver Licensing Services webpage.

5/20/2005