Endorsements appear in a dedicated section on the front or back of your CDL card, separate from your license class
Your endorsements are printed as letter codes in a specific area of your commercial driver's license — not mixed in with your personal information or license class. The exact location depends on your state's card design, but every state groups them together so they are straightforward to spot during a roadside inspection or when an employer checks your record.
Most states print endorsements on the back of the card in a section labeled "Endorsements" or "Restrictions and Endorsements." Some states use the front, usually in the lower right area. The key is that they are always separate from your Class A, B, or C designation, which appears elsewhere on the card.
When you renew your CDL or add a new endorsement, the DMV reprints your card with the updated codes. You cannot write endorsements on your card yourself — they must be issued and printed by your state's DMV or equivalent licensing authority.
Key Takeaways
- Endorsements are printed as letter codes (such as H for hazmat or T for double/triple trailers) in a dedicated section of your CDL card, separate from your license class.
- The location of endorsements varies by state — some print them on the back, others on the front — but they are always grouped together and clearly labeled.
- Endorsements are issued only by your state's DMV and printed directly onto your card during issuance or renewal; you cannot add them yourself.
- If you pass an endorsement test but your card does not show the new code within two weeks of renewal, contact your DMV to verify the endorsement was recorded.
Common endorsement codes and what they mean
Each endorsement is represented by a single letter on your card. The most common codes are H (hazardous materials), T (double and triple trailers), P (passenger), N (tank vehicles), and X (combination of hazmat and tank). Some states use additional codes for school bus (S) or other vehicle types specific to that state.
Your card will show only the endorsements you have earned and passed the test for. If you do not have a hazmat endorsement, no H will appear on your card. This matters because employers and law enforcement use these codes to verify you are legally permitted to operate the vehicle type you are driving.
A few states also print restrictions on the same section — for example, a restriction code might indicate you cannot drive at night or must wear corrective lenses. Restrictions are different from endorsements: restrictions limit what you can do, while endorsements expand what you are permitted to do.
How to read your endorsement section
Look for the section labeled "Endorsements," "Endorsement Codes," or "Special Qualifications" on your card. The endorsements will be listed as letters, sometimes with a brief description next to each one depending on your state's format.
Some states list endorsements in a single line (for example, "H, T, P"), while others stack them vertically. A few states use a checkbox or box format where each possible endorsement has a box, and only the ones you hold are marked or printed.
If you hold multiple endorsements, all of them will appear in this section. There is no limit to how many endorsements you can hold on a single CDL, though you must pass a separate knowledge test and skills test for each one.
State-by-state differences in endorsement placement
Most states follow a standard format — endorsements on the back, clearly labeled — but some variations exist. California and Texas print endorsements on the back in a dedicated box. New York lists them on the front in the lower section. Florida uses the back with a "Endorsements" header.
The safest approach is to check your own card and locate the section. If you cannot find your endorsements or they do not match what you believe you hold, your state's DMV website will show you a sample card layout for your state. You can also call your local DMV office and ask them to confirm what endorsements are recorded under your license number.
If you recently passed an endorsement test and your new card has not arrived yet, the endorsement may not be printed until your card is reissued. Some states add endorsements to your record when ready but do not print them on your physical card until your next renewal or reissuance.
What to do if your endorsements are missing or incorrect
If you passed an endorsement test but the code does not appear on your card, contact your state's DMV within two weeks of receiving the card. Bring your test results or the receipt showing you passed the exam. The DMV can verify whether the endorsement was recorded in their system and issue a corrected card if needed.
If the endorsement is in the system but was not printed on your card, the DMV will reprint and mail you a corrected card at no charge. If the endorsement is not in the system at all, the DMV will investigate whether your test results were processed correctly. This can take a few days to a week.
Do not drive with a vehicle type that requires an endorsement you do not hold on your card. Even if you believe you passed the test, you are not legally permitted to operate that vehicle until the endorsement is printed on your physical CDL. Driving without the required endorsement can result in a citation and fines.
Endorsements versus restrictions: how to tell them apart
Endorsements and restrictions both appear in the same section of your card, but they mean opposite things. An endorsement (usually shown as a letter code like H or T) means you are permitted to do something extra — haul hazmat, pull double trailers, or carry passengers. A restriction (often shown as a letter code like L or K) means you are not permitted to do something — for example, you cannot drive at night or cannot drive automatic transmissions.
Your state's DMV will label them clearly on your card. Some states use separate sections for endorsements and restrictions; others list them together but with different formatting or symbols to distinguish them. If you are unsure whether a code on your card is an endorsement or a restriction, your DMV's website will have a key that explains every code used in your state.
Restrictions are usually placed on your CDL by the examiner or DMV if you fail part of the skills test or have a medical condition that limits your driving. Endorsements are only added when you pass the required test. If you believe a restriction on your card is incorrect, you can request a retest or a medical review through your DMV.
How endorsements change when you renew or transfer your license
When you renew your CDL, your endorsements carry over to your new card automatically — you do not have to retake the endorsement tests unless your state requires periodic renewal of hazmat endorsements (which some states do every few years). All other endorsements remain valid for the life of your license unless you let your CDL expire.
If you move to a new state and transfer your CDL, the new state will recognize your endorsements from your old state. However, some states require you to pass their own endorsement tests before they will print the endorsements on your new card. Check with your new state's DMV before you move to understand their transfer rules.
If you let your CDL expire and then renew it, you keep your endorsements as long as you renew within a certain window (usually one to five years, depending on your state). If your license has been expired longer than that, you may have to retake endorsement tests to restore them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add an endorsement to my card without getting a new card printed?
No. Endorsements must be printed directly onto your CDL card by the DMV. Once you pass the endorsement test, the DMV records it in their system and then reprints your card with the new code. You cannot write or add endorsements yourself, and a card without the printed code is not valid proof that you hold that endorsement.
What if I have an endorsement but I am not sure which letter represents it?
Your state's DMV website has a key that explains every endorsement code used in your state. You can also call your local DMV office and read them the codes on your card — they will tell you what each one means. Knowing your endorsements is important because you need to know what you are legally permitted to drive.
Do endorsements show up on my driving record when an employer checks it?
Yes. When an employer or law enforcement requests your driving record, the endorsements on your CDL will be included. Your physical card is the primary proof of your endorsements, but your record will also reflect them. This is why it is important to make sure your endorsements are correct and up to date.
If I move states, do I have to retake my endorsement tests?
It depends on your new state's rules. Most states recognize endorsements from other states and will print them on your new card without retesting. However, some states require you to pass their own endorsement tests before they will issue the endorsement on your new card. Contact your new state's DMV before you move to find out their specific policy.
How long does it take for a new endorsement to show up on my card?
After you pass an endorsement test, the DMV records it in their system when ready, but your new card with the printed endorsement usually arrives within one to two weeks. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, contact your DMV to check the status. You cannot legally drive with that endorsement until the code appears on your physical card.