Endorsements appear as letters or codes printed on the back of your CDL card

Your endorsements are listed on the back of your physical CDL, usually in a section labeled "Endorsements" or sometimes "Restrictions/Endorsements." They show up as single letters — H for hazmat, T for double/triple trailers, P for passenger vehicles, and so on — printed alongside any restrictions that explore to your license. If you have no endorsements, this section will be blank or say "None."

The exact location and format varies slightly by state, but every state DMV prints endorsements in the same general area on the back of the card. You do not need to look them up online or contact your state — they are right there on the card itself, visible to you and to any officer who pulls you over.

Understanding where to find them matters because you need to know what you are legally allowed to drive. Driving a vehicle that requires an endorsement you do not have — like hauling hazmat without an H endorsement — is a violation, even if you hold a CDL for other types of work.

Key Takeaways

  • Endorsements are printed as letters on the back of your CDL card in a dedicated section, not on the front.
  • Common endorsement letters include H (hazmat), T (double/triple trailers), P (passenger), N (tank vehicles), and X (hazmat and tank combined).
  • If you see no endorsement letter for a type of cargo or vehicle you want to haul, you do not have permission to transport it.
  • Your state DMV issues endorsements only after you pass the written and skills tests specific to that endorsement.

The standard endorsement codes and what they mean

Each endorsement letter represents permission to haul a specific type of cargo or operate a specific type of vehicle. H stands for hazardous materials — you need this to transport anything classified as hazmat by the Department of Transportation. T authorizes double and triple trailers, so without it you can only pull one trailer. P is for passenger vehicles — buses and vans carrying 16 or more people.

N authorizes tank vehicles carrying liquids or gases in bulk. X is a combined endorsement that covers both hazmat and tank vehicles, and some drivers get X instead of separate H and N endorsements. S authorizes school buses, and Z means you have taken hazmat training but are not yet fully endorsed — this is temporary and appears while your background check is being processed.

Your card will show only the endorsements you have earned. If you want to haul hazmat but your card shows no H, you are not authorized to do that work, even if you have a CDL. You would need to pass the hazmat written test and background check to add the H endorsement to your license.

Where exactly to look on your physical card

Turn your CDL over to the back side. Look for a section that says "Endorsements," "Endorsement Codes," or sometimes just a line with letters. In most states, this appears in the lower half of the back of the card, often near restrictions or medical certification information. The endorsement letters will be printed clearly, usually in a row or list format.

If the endorsement section is blank or says "None," you hold a CDL but have no endorsements. This means you can drive a Class A, B, or C commercial vehicle (depending on your class) for work that does not require hazmat, passenger, tank, or trailer endorsements — typically straight trucks or single-trailer combinations within your class limits.

Some states also print a short description next to each letter so you know what it means without memorizing codes. If your state does not, keep a reference card or take a photo of your license to remember what each letter authorizes.

How endorsements differ from restrictions

Do not confuse endorsements with restrictions. Endorsements are things you are allowed to do — they expand what you can legally drive. Restrictions are things you cannot do — they limit your driving. A restriction might say "No air brakes" or "Corrective lenses required" or "No hazmat," and these also appear on the back of your card, often in a separate section.

If you have a restriction that says "No hazmat," you cannot haul hazmat even if you have an H endorsement. The restriction overrides the endorsement. Similarly, if you have a restriction for air brakes, you cannot drive a vehicle with air brakes, even if the vehicle is otherwise within your CDL class.

Read both sections — endorsements and restrictions — to know the full picture of what you are legally permitted to drive.

Checking your endorsements before accepting a job

Before you take a driving job, look at your physical CDL and confirm you have the endorsement the job requires. If a company asks you to haul double trailers and your card shows no T, you cannot legally do that work. If they ask you to transport hazmat and you have no H, you are not authorized.

Many drivers keep a photo of their CDL on their phone for quick reference. This is useful when you are reviewing a job offer or when a dispatcher asks what you are authorized to haul. You can answer when ready instead of having to look up your card later.

If you discover you are missing an endorsement you need, you will have to study for and pass the written test for that endorsement, and in some cases (like hazmat) pass a background check. This takes time, so plan ahead if you know you want to expand your driving authority.

What to do if you cannot find your endorsements

If you have lost your CDL or cannot read the endorsement section clearly, contact your state DMV. They can tell you what endorsements are on record for your license number. You can usually do this by phone, online through your state's DMV website, or in person at a DMV office.

Do not assume you have an endorsement if you cannot see it on your card. If you are unsure, ask your state DMV to confirm in writing. This protects you if you are ever stopped by law enforcement — you will have documentation of what you are authorized to drive.

If your card is damaged or the endorsement section is illegible, request a replacement card from your state DMV. Most states charge a small fee for a duplicate license, and it usually arrives within one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a vehicle that requires an endorsement if I have not added it to my license yet?

No. You can only drive vehicles that match your current CDL class and endorsements. Driving without the required endorsement is a violation, even if you have taken the test or are waiting for your new card to arrive. Wait until your updated license is in hand.

Do I need a separate card to show my endorsements, or is the back of my CDL enough?

The back of your CDL is all you need. Law enforcement and employers will look at your physical card. You do not need a separate document. Keep your CDL with you whenever you drive commercially.

What if I have an endorsement but want to remove it?

Contact your state DMV and request that an endorsement be removed from your record. This is uncommon but possible. The DMV will update your license, and you will receive a new card without that endorsement. There is usually a small fee.

Can I see my endorsements online through my state DMV account?

Many states allow you to view your license information, including endorsements, through their online DMV portal if you create an account. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available. Your physical card remains the official record.

If I move to a new state, do my endorsements transfer?

Your endorsements transfer when you get a CDL in your new state, but you will need to pass the written tests for each endorsement again. Some states have reciprocity agreements that waive certain tests, but most require you to test in the new state before the endorsement appears on your new license.