What will the TSA investigate for a CDL driver with a hazmat endorsement?

Commercial drivers who have hazardous material endorsements on their commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) will be required to undergo a routine background records check that includes a review of:

• Criminal,
• Immigration, and
• FBI records.

Any applicant with a conviction (military or civilian) for certain violent felonies over the past seven years, or who has been found mentally incompetent, will not be permitted to obtain or renew a hazmat endorsement. The checks will also verify that the driver is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident as required by the USA PATRIOT Act.

Applicants will be subject to a name-based FBI criminal history records check and a check of federal databases. Current drivers applying to renew or transfer their hazmat endorsement and all new applicants must provide fingerprints. Under the rules, no state may issue, renew, or transfer a hazmat license unless TSA has notified the state that the individual holding the endorsement does not pose a security threat.