How often must a hazmat endorsement be renewed?

Every 5 years or less; each State sets its own cycle within that limit (49 CFR 383.141(d)).

When should a driver start the TSA threat assessment?

Any time after the State's renewal notice, but no later than 60 days before the endorsement expires (49 CFR 1572.13(b)).

Can a TWIC replace the threat assessment?

Yes. A State may issue or renew the endorsement if TSA has determined the driver is not a security risk, or if the driver holds a valid TWIC (49 CFR 383.141(b)).

What if TSA has not decided before the endorsement expires?

The issuing State may extend the endorsement for 90 days. Any further extension must be approved in advance by TSA (49 CFR 1572.13(c)).

US · Expiry & renewal tracking

Start every hazmat endorsement renewal early enough

A CDL hazardous materials endorsement must be renewed every 5 years or less, each time with a TSA security threat assessment or a valid TWIC (49 CFR 383.141). The driver should start the assessment no later than 60 days before expiry (49 CFR 1572.13(b)); the State may extend the endorsement 90 days if TSA is late.

Drivers of commercial motor vehicles used to transport hazardous materials need a State-issued hazardous materials (H) endorsement on their CDL, which requires passing a knowledge test (49 CFR 383.93).

A State may not issue, renew, upgrade or transfer a hazmat endorsement unless the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has determined that the driver does not pose a security risk warranting denial, or the driver holds a valid TWIC (49 CFR 383.141(b)). Each State must require the endorsement to be renewed every 5 years or less, so that drivers go through the TSA security screening at least every 5 years (49 CFR 383.141(d)).

At least 60 days before the CDL or endorsement expires, the State must tell the holder that renewing the endorsement requires the TSA security threat assessment (49 CFR 383.141(c) and 1572.13(b)). Under TSA's rule, the driver may start the assessment any time after receiving that notice, but no later than 60 days before the endorsement expires (49 CFR 1572.13(b)). FMCSA's rule says the notice must advise the driver to apply as soon as possible, and no later than 30 days before expiry (49 CFR 383.141(c)).

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At a glance

Rules	49 CFR 383.141 (FMCSA) and 49 CFR 1572.13 (TSA)
Renewal cycle	Every 5 years or less; the State sets the date
Condition	TSA security threat assessment passed, or a valid TWIC
State notice	At least 60 days before expiry
Start the assessment	No later than 60 days before expiry (TSA rule)
If TSA has not decided	The State may extend the endorsement for 90 days

The two rules give different latest dates: TSA's rule says start the threat assessment no later than 60 days before expiry; FMCSA's rule says apply no later than 30 days before. Starting at least 60 days ahead meets both.

Who is responsible?

The driver applies and completes the security threat assessment. The State licensing agency issues, renews and records the endorsement: within 15 days of receiving TSA's determination it must update the driver's record, including the new expiration date of the endorsement (49 CFR 1572.13(d)). Employers usually track expiry dates for their drivers.

If the deadline passes

A driver who does not successfully complete the TSA security threat assessment may not be issued a hazmat endorsement (49 CFR 383.141(c)). If TSA has not made its determination before the expiry date, the issuing State may extend the endorsement for 90 days; any further extension needs TSA's approval in advance (49 CFR 1572.13(c)).

Moving to another State

When a driver transfers an existing hazmat endorsement to another State, the new State does not require a new security threat assessment until the renewal period set by the previous State expires, and that period may not exceed five years (49 CFR 1572.13(e)).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add each driver's hazmat endorsement as its own document, with the expiry date the State set for it.
Track the CDL itself and the medical certificate as separate documents with their own dates.
Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the due date and on the due date itself.
Act on the first reminder, 60 days before expiry: that is the latest date TSA's rule gives for starting the threat assessment.
Assign a responsible person (for example your safety or compliance manager) so the right person gets the reminder.
If a date passes, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Ask the driver to upload the renewed license through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.

Frequently asked questions

How often must a hazmat endorsement be renewed?: Every 5 years or less; each State sets its own cycle within that limit (49 CFR 383.141(d)).
When should a driver start the TSA threat assessment?: Any time after the State's renewal notice, but no later than 60 days before the endorsement expires (49 CFR 1572.13(b)).
Can a TWIC replace the threat assessment?: Yes. A State may issue or renew the endorsement if TSA has determined the driver is not a security risk, or if the driver holds a valid TWIC (49 CFR 383.141(b)).
What if TSA has not decided before the endorsement expires?: The issuing State may extend the endorsement for 90 days. Any further extension must be approved in advance by TSA (49 CFR 1572.13(c)).

Sources

Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

Made for CDL hazmat endorsement (TSA) (US)

A ready template for CDL hazmat endorsement (TSA) (US) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.

Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each CDL hazmat endorsement (TSA) (US) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each CDL hazmat endorsement (TSA) (US) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.