An endorsement is a notation on your driver's license that says you are legally allowed to operate a specific type of vehicle or perform a specific driving task
An endorsement is not a separate license — it is a code printed on your existing driver's license that gives you permission to do something you otherwise could not do. For example, if you want to drive a school bus, your license must carry a School Bus (S) endorsement. Without it, driving a school bus is illegal, even if you have a valid commercial driver's license.
Endorsements exist because certain vehicles and jobs require extra training, knowledge, and safety oversight. A person licensed to drive a regular truck should not automatically be allowed to haul hazardous materials or transport passengers without proving they understand the specific risks and rules.
Each state uses letter codes for endorsements. The most common ones are H (hazardous materials), P (passenger), S (school bus), and T (double/triple trailers). Some states add others like N (tank vehicles) or X (combination of hazmat and tank). Your license will show which endorsements you hold — you might have one, several, or none.
Key Takeaways
- An endorsement is a code on your license that permits you to operate a specific vehicle type or carry specific cargo — without it, that driving is illegal.
- You must pass a written test and sometimes a skills test for each endorsement you want, in addition to your CDL tests.
- Endorsements are state-specific in their codes and requirements, so an H endorsement in one state means the same thing in all states, but the test content may vary slightly.
- Some endorsements require background checks or medical clearance — for example, hazmat endorsements require a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.
- You can add, remove, or renew endorsements when you renew your license or by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles between renewal dates.
Common endorsements and what they allow you to drive
H (Hazardous Materials) allows you to transport cargo classified as hazardous — explosives, flammable liquids, gases, poisons, and radioactive materials. This is one of the most common endorsements for commercial drivers. To get it, you must pass a written test on hazmat regulations and pass a TSA background check. The background check screens for criminal history and immigration status. If you are denied, you can request a waiver in some cases, but TSA makes the final decision.
P (Passenger) allows you to operate a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. This covers buses, shuttle vans, and large tour vehicles. You must pass a written test covering passenger safety, emergency procedures, and vehicle operation. Some states also require a skills test. If you drive a bus with fewer than 16 seats, you do not need this endorsement.
S (School Bus) allows you to drive a school bus. This endorsement requires a written test, a skills test, and often a background check and medical examination. Some states require fingerprinting. School bus endorsements are heavily regulated because the job involves transporting children. You may lose this endorsement if you are convicted of certain crimes or if your medical condition changes.
T (Double/Triple Trailers) allows you to tow two or three trailers at once. You must pass a written test on the handling and braking differences of multi-trailer combinations. A skills test is usually required. This endorsement is common in western states where long-haul trucking over open roads is typical.
N (Tank Vehicle) allows you to haul liquids or gases in a tank trailer. The test covers tank-specific handling, weight distribution, and emergency procedures. Tank vehicles behave differently from box trailers because the liquid shifts during acceleration and braking.
X (Hazmat and Tank) is a combination endorsement that covers both hazmat and tank vehicles. It requires passing both the H and N tests and the TSA background check. Some drivers get X instead of getting H and N separately.
How to get an endorsement
The process varies slightly by state, but the basic steps are the same. First, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm which endorsements you need and what tests are required. Some states let you schedule tests online; others require you to visit in person.
Next, study the endorsement test material. Most states provide a free study guide or manual specific to each endorsement. For hazmat, you will also need to complete the TSA background check process before your test date — this can take one to two weeks. Do not wait until test day to start the background check.
Then, take the written test at your DMV. You usually must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it, but you may have to wait a few days or pay a retest fee. Some endorsements also require a skills test, which is performed by a DMV examiner or an approved third-party tester. The skills test involves demonstrating that you can safely operate the vehicle or handle the cargo.
Finally, once you pass all required tests, the DMV will issue you a new license with the endorsement code printed on it. This usually happens within a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state's processing time. You can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the physical card.
Endorsement restrictions and medical requirements
Some endorsements come with restrictions that limit how you can use them. A restriction is different from an endorsement — it is a limitation on your license. For example, you might have an H endorsement but with a restriction that says you cannot haul certain types of hazmat. Restrictions are shown as codes on your license, just like endorsements.
Medical requirements explore to certain endorsements. School bus drivers must pass a medical examination and meet vision and hearing standards. Passenger endorsements may require a medical exam in some states. Hazmat endorsements do not require a medical exam, but the TSA background check is mandatory.
If your medical condition changes — for example, if you lose significant vision or hearing — you may lose an endorsement even if your regular CDL remains valid. The DMV can suspend or remove an endorsement without suspending your entire license.
Renewing and removing endorsements
When you renew your driver's license, you can renew your endorsements at the same time. You will need to retake the written test for each endorsement, and you may need to retake a skills test depending on your state's rules. Some states waive the skills test on renewal if you have held the endorsement for a certain number of years without violations.
If you no longer need an endorsement, you can request that the DMV remove it from your license. This does not cost anything and does not affect your CDL. You straightforward tell the DMV you want it removed, and they will issue a new license without that code.
If you want to add an endorsement to an existing license between renewal dates, most states allow this. You will pay a fee — usually $10 to $50 depending on the endorsement and your state — and you must pass the required tests. You do not have to wait until your license expires.
Endorsements across state lines
A driver's license endorsement is valid in every state. If you have an H endorsement in Texas, you can haul hazmat in California, New York, or any other state. The endorsement code means the same thing everywhere.
However, some states have additional rules about how endorsements can be used. For example, one state might allow a school bus endorsement holder to drive a passenger bus, while another state requires a separate P endorsement. Before you drive across state lines with an endorsement, check the rules in the state where you will be driving.
If you move to a new state, you will need to get a new driver's license from that state. You can usually transfer your endorsements by taking the same tests in your new state. Some states have reciprocity agreements that waive certain tests if you already hold the endorsement in another state, but this is not may provide. Contact your new state's DMV to find out what you need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an endorsement if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the endorsement and the crime. School bus and passenger endorsements may be denied if you have certain convictions. Hazmat endorsements are subject to TSA background checks, which can result in denial for criminal history, immigration issues, or other security concerns. Contact your state DMV to learn about your specific record disqualifies you.
How long does it take to get a hazmat endorsement?
The TSA background check takes one to two weeks. The written test can be scheduled within days of submitting your process. Once you pass the test and the background check clears, the DMV issues your license within a few days to a few weeks. Total time is usually three to four weeks, but it varies by state.
Do I lose my endorsements if my CDL is suspended?
Yes. If your CDL is suspended, all endorsements are suspended with it. If your CDL is revoked, your endorsements are revoked too. When your suspension ends and your CDL is reinstated, your endorsements return automatically — you do not have to retake the tests.
What happens if I fail an endorsement test?
You can retake it. Most states allow you to retake the test after a waiting period of a few days to a week. You may have to pay a retest fee. There is no limit to how many times you can retake an endorsement test, though some states charge a fee each time.
Can I have multiple endorsements on one license?
Yes. You can hold as many endorsements as you need and can pass the tests for. A driver might have H, P, S, and T all on the same license. Each endorsement is tested separately, so you can add them one at a time or all at once.