The Cost of a Texas Hazmat Endorsement
A hazmat endorsement in Texas costs $65 for a five-year endorsement added to your CDL. This is a one-time fee paid to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when you pass the hazmat knowledge test and background check. The fee covers the endorsement itself; it does not include the cost of study materials, the written test, or any fingerprinting fees required for the federal background check.
The $65 fee applies whether you are adding hazmat to a new CDL or renewing an existing one with the endorsement already in place. If you renew your CDL without the hazmat endorsement, you pay the standard CDL renewal fee instead. The endorsement expires when your CDL expires, so you will need to renew both together.
Texas does not charge a separate process fee for hazmat — the $65 covers everything once you have passed the knowledge test and cleared the background screening. However, you may face costs outside the DPS fee: fingerprinting for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check typically runs $10 to $25 depending on where you have it done, and study materials or practice tests are not free.
Key Takeaways
- The hazmat endorsement fee in Texas is $65 for five years, paid directly to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
- You must pass a 30-question knowledge test and clear a federal background check before you can pay the fee and receive the endorsement.
- Fingerprinting for the TSA background check is a separate cost, usually $10 to $25, and is required before the DPS will process your endorsement.
- The $65 fee is the only charge from DPS; study materials and practice tests are optional expenses you may choose to purchase.
- Your hazmat endorsement renews with your CDL every five years, and you will pay the $65 fee again at renewal if you want to keep it.
What You Need Before You Pay the Fee
You cannot straightforward walk into a DPS office and pay $65 for a hazmat endorsement. The fee is only collected after you have met two requirements: passing the hazmat knowledge test and clearing a federal background check run by the TSA.
The knowledge test covers hazmat regulations, placarding, shipping papers, emergency procedures, and vehicle safety. It is 30 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You take this test at a DPS office or an approved third-party testing location. There is no fee to take the test itself — you only pay if you pass.
The background check is the second gate. The TSA runs a fingerprint-based criminal and security check. You must have your fingerprints taken at a location authorized to submit them to the FBI and TSA — this is usually a police department, sheriff's office, or a private fingerprinting service. That fingerprinting step costs money (typically $10 to $25), and you pay the fingerprinting vendor, not DPS. Once your background clears, you are cleared to pay the $65 DPS fee.
How the Payment Process Works in Texas
After you pass the hazmat test and your background check clears, you go to a DPS office to finalize your endorsement. You bring your passing test score, proof that your background check cleared, and your current CDL or CDL process. At that point, you pay the $65 fee.
DPS accepts payment by cash, check, or debit/credit card at most offices, though payment methods can vary by location. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm what they accept. Once you pay, the endorsement is added to your CDL on the spot or printed on a replacement card if your current one needs updating.
If you are renewing your CDL and want to keep the hazmat endorsement, you can renew by mail or online through the DPS website, but you will still need to pay the $65 endorsement fee as part of that renewal. The fee does not automatically roll over — you must actively choose to renew the endorsement and pay for it again.
Comparing Hazmat Endorsement Costs Across States
Texas's $65 fee is in the middle range for hazmat endorsements nationally. Some states charge less, and some charge significantly more. The variation depends on how each state structures its CDL fees and whether they bundle hazmat with other endorsement costs.
| State | Hazmat Endorsement Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $65 | 5 years |
| California | $40 | 5 years |
| Florida | $75 | 5 years |
| New York | $100 | 5 years |
| Ohio | $50 | 5 years |
All states require the same federal background check and TSA fingerprinting, so that cost is consistent everywhere — usually $10 to $25. The knowledge test itself is free in every state; you only pay if you pass. The real difference is in what the state charges for the endorsement itself once you have cleared all the hurdles.
What Happens If You Fail the Hazmat Test
If you do not pass the 30-question hazmat knowledge test on your first attempt, you do not pay the $65 fee. You can retake the test, and most DPS offices allow you to test again the same day or within a few days. There is no fee for retaking the test, and there is no limit on how many times you can attempt it in Texas.
However, if you fail the test, your background check clearance may expire while you are studying and retesting. Background clearances are typically valid for 30 to 60 days. If your clearance expires before you pass the test, you will need to have your fingerprints taken again and resubmit your background check — which means paying the fingerprinting fee a second time.
To avoid this, pass the test before your background clearance window closes. Check with the DPS office or fingerprinting location about how long your clearance is valid, and schedule your test retake accordingly.
Renewing Your Hazmat Endorsement and Paying the Fee Again
Your hazmat endorsement lasts five years, the same as your CDL. When your CDL expires, your hazmat endorsement expires with it. To keep driving hazmat loads, you must renew both your CDL and your hazmat endorsement.
At renewal time, you will pay the $65 hazmat endorsement fee again, along with your CDL renewal fee. If you do not want the hazmat endorsement anymore, you can renew your CDL without it and skip the $65 charge. However, if you let the endorsement expire and then want it back later, you will have to take the knowledge test and background check again from the beginning.
You can renew your CDL and hazmat endorsement by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation. If you renew by mail or online, you will still need to pay the $65 endorsement fee as part of that transaction. Some renewal methods may require you to retake the hazmat knowledge test or submit a new background check — check the DPS website or call your local office to confirm what is required for your specific renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the $65 fee if I already have a hazmat endorsement and I am just renewing my CDL?
Yes. The $65 fee applies every time you renew your CDL if you want to keep the hazmat endorsement active. It is not a one-time payment. If you do not want the endorsement anymore, you can renew your CDL without it and avoid the fee.
What if I fail the background check — do I get my money back?
You do not pay the $65 fee until after your background check clears. If you fail the background check, you never pay the DPS fee. However, you will have already paid for fingerprinting, which is non-refundable. You can reapply for the background check after a certain period, depending on why you failed.
Can I pay the hazmat endorsement fee online or by mail?
You can renew your CDL and hazmat endorsement online or by mail through the DPS website, and you will pay the $65 fee as part of that transaction. However, if you are adding hazmat to a CDL for the first time, you typically must visit a DPS office in person to pay the fee and receive the endorsement.
Is the $65 fee the same if I add hazmat to a new CDL versus renewing an existing one?
Yes. The fee is $65 whether you are adding the endorsement to a new CDL or renewing it on an existing one. The only difference is the process: new CDLs may require an in-person visit, while renewals can sometimes be done by mail or online.
What if I move to another state — do I have to pay for hazmat again?
If you transfer your Texas CDL to another state, that state may charge its own hazmat endorsement fee. Some states recognize hazmat endorsements from other states without an additional fee, but most require you to pay their fee and pass their knowledge test. Check with your new state's DMV or equivalent agency before you move.