The X endorsement on a commercial driver's license means you need both a Hazmat and Tanker endorsement at the same time

The X endorsement is a combination code that appears on your CDL when you have passed the written tests for both Hazmat (hazardous materials) and Tanker endorsements. You cannot get an X endorsement by itself — it is always the result of holding both endorsements together. If you drive a tanker truck carrying hazardous liquids, gases, or solids, your state's DMV will issue you an X instead of listing H and T separately.

This matters because certain cargo requires both endorsements to transport legally. A tanker carrying flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, or pressurized gases falls under both categories. Without the X (or without both H and T), you cannot legally haul that load, and your employer cannot legally assign you to that route. The endorsement is printed on your license card itself, so any officer or inspector can see at a glance what you are authorized to carry.

Key Takeaways

  • The X endorsement is issued when you pass both the Hazmat and Tanker written tests; it is not a separate endorsement you test for on its own.
  • You must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check to get the Hazmat portion, which includes fingerprinting and a federal records review.
  • Each state's DMV sets its own fee for endorsement testing, and the TSA background check fee is separate and set by the federal government.
  • Once you have the X endorsement, you can haul any cargo that requires either Hazmat or Tanker authorization, but you cannot haul both types in the same load without both endorsements active.
  • Your X endorsement can be suspended or revoked if you are convicted of certain crimes, fail a drug test, or violate hazmat transportation rules.

What you need to test for the X endorsement

To get an X endorsement, you must already hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) in your state. You cannot test for X as your first endorsement. You will need to pass two separate written tests at your state's DMV: one for Hazmat and one for Tanker. The tests cover different material — hazmat focuses on how to identify dangerous goods, placarding rules, and emergency procedures; tanker focuses on the physics of liquid surge, safe braking, and tank-specific handling.

Before you can take the Hazmat test, you must pass a TSA background check. This is a federal requirement, not a state one. You will be fingerprinted, and the TSA will review your criminal history, immigration status, and other federal records. The background check takes several weeks. If you are approved, the TSA issues you a clearance, and then you can schedule your Hazmat written test at the DMV. Only after you pass both the Hazmat and Tanker tests will your state issue the X endorsement.

The TSA background check process

The TSA background check is mandatory for anyone seeking a Hazmat endorsement on a CDL. You cannot skip it or test without it. The process begins when you go to an approved fingerprinting location — usually a police station, sheriff's office, or private fingerprinting service. You will provide your fingerprints, and they are sent to the TSA and FBI for review.

The TSA will examine your criminal record, any disqualifying offenses, your immigration and citizenship status, and other factors. Certain convictions — including felonies involving explosives, weapons, or violence within the past ten years — will disqualify you. The review typically takes four to six weeks, though it can be longer if additional investigation is needed. Once approved, you receive a notice, and you can then register for the Hazmat test at your DMV. If you are denied, you can request reconsideration, but the process is lengthy and requires documentation.

Testing fees and renewal timelines

Your state's DMV sets the fee for each endorsement test. Most states charge between $10 and $50 per test, so testing for both Hazmat and Tanker together typically costs $20 to $100 combined, though this varies. The TSA background check has a separate federal fee, usually around $85 to $97, though this amount changes periodically. Check your state's DMV website for current fees before you schedule.

The X endorsement appears on your CDL and renews on the same schedule as your main license — usually every four or five years, depending on your state. When you renew your CDL, you will need to renew your X endorsement as well. Some states require you to retake the written tests; others allow you to renew without retesting if you have not had violations. A few states require an updated TSA background check at renewal; most do not. Check your state's renewal requirements before your license expires.

What disqualifies you from getting or keeping an X endorsement

Certain criminal convictions will prevent you from obtaining a Hazmat endorsement in the first place. These include felonies involving explosives, weapons, arson, or violent crime within the past ten years. Convictions for fraud, forgery, or identity theft can also disqualify you. The TSA maintains a list of disqualifying offenses, and the background check is designed to catch them.

Once you have the X endorsement, you can lose it through suspension or revocation. A positive drug test, a DUI or DWI conviction, a serious traffic violation (such as reckless driving or fleeing police), or a violation of hazmat transportation rules can result in suspension. Revocation — permanent loss of the endorsement — typically follows a second major violation within a certain period or a conviction for a hazmat-related crime. Your state's DMV will notify you in writing if your endorsement is suspended or revoked, and you will have a chance to request a hearing.

The difference between X, H, and T endorsements

The H endorsement (Hazmat) allows you to transport hazardous materials — chemicals, explosives, radioactive materials, and other regulated goods. The T endorsement (Tanker) allows you to operate a tanker truck, which carries liquids or gases in bulk. A tanker truck itself is a specialized vehicle with unique handling characteristics, and the T endorsement ensures you understand how to brake, turn, and maneuver safely with a heavy, sloshing load.

The X endorsement means you have both H and T. You can haul hazmat in a tanker, or you can haul non-hazmat cargo in a tanker (though the latter is less common commercially). If you have only H, you cannot drive a tanker truck at all, even if the cargo is not hazardous. If you have only T, you cannot carry hazmat, even in a tanker. The X endorsement is the combination that allows the most flexibility for tanker drivers who regularly handle regulated materials.

How to prepare for the Hazmat and Tanker tests

Both the Hazmat and Tanker tests are written exams administered by your state's DMV. You cannot take them online; you must go to a DMV office in person. Most states allow you to study from the CDL manual, which covers all the material on both tests. The Hazmat section covers the Department of Transportation (DOT) hazmat regulations, placard identification, shipping papers, and emergency response. The Tanker section covers vehicle dynamics, weight distribution, braking on curves, and safe handling of surge.

Many drivers study the official CDL manual provided by their state, and some use third-party study guides or practice tests available online. The tests are typically 30 to 50 questions each, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You can retake a failed test, but you usually must wait a certain number of days (often one to seven days, depending on your state) before trying again. Plan to study for at least one to two weeks before testing, especially if you are new to tanker operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an X endorsement without a TSA background check?

No. The TSA background check is a federal requirement for any Hazmat endorsement, including the H part of the X. You cannot test for Hazmat or receive an X endorsement without passing the background check first. If you are denied the background check, you cannot get the endorsement.

What happens if I fail the Hazmat or Tanker test?

You can retake the test after a waiting period set by your state, usually between one and seven days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the test fee each time. Some states allow you to retake the test the same day; others require you to wait. Check your state's DMV rules before scheduling.

Do I need an X endorsement if I only drive tanker trucks with non-hazmat cargo?

You need the T endorsement to drive any tanker truck, regardless of cargo. You only need the H endorsement if the cargo is hazardous. If you drive tankers but never carry hazmat, you would have a T endorsement but not an X. The X is only issued when you have both H and T together.

Can my X endorsement be suspended without a conviction?

Yes. A positive drug test, a failed medical examination, or a serious traffic violation can result in suspension even without a criminal conviction. Your state's DMV can also suspend your endorsement if you accumulate too many moving violations in a short period. You will receive written notice and have the right to request a hearing.

How long does the TSA background check take?

The TSA typically completes the background check within four to six weeks of receiving your fingerprints. In some cases it takes longer if additional investigation is needed. You cannot schedule your Hazmat test until you receive approval from the TSA, so plan accordingly and do not wait until the last minute if you have a job important date.