Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles

More about background checks
Starting January 31, 2005, the Oregon DMV cannot issue a Hazmat endorsement to drivers who don´t yet have a current CDL with the endorsement until the applicant passes a security clearance background check. Drivers who apply for the first time on or after January 31 may be required to wait 60 to 90 days for completion of the background check. It is not known actually how long it will take for the checks and clearance through the Transportation Security Administration.

Background checks involve examining criminal, immigration, and FBI records to confirm each driver does not pose a security threat. The check will confirm that a driver has not been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of certain felonies, such as murder, arson, and robbery, in the past seven years, has not been incarcerated for such crimes in the past five years, is not wanted or under indictment for such crimes, or has not been found to be mentally defective (as defined by TSA).

In addition, a Hazmat endorsement can only be issued to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Although federal rules require drivers to submit proof of status when applying for the endorsement, the background check will also verify lawful presence in the U.S.

If a background check is not completed before a driver´s CDL expires, the driver still has the option of renewing the license without the Hazmat endorsement so he or she can continue to transport non-hazardous cargo. After receipt of a favorable clearance from the TSA, the driver may then reacquire the endorsement by paying the test fee and passing the Hazmat knowledge test.

Drivers failing a background check will not be able to obtain, retain, transfer, or renew a CDL Hazmat endorsement. However, TSA may grant a waiver, when requested and when circumstances associated with the crime lead it to believe the driver does not pose a security threat that warrants denial of the endorsement.

CDL holders with Hazmat endorsements who could not pass the background check are required, by rule, to surrender their endorsement. In Oregon, drivers may surrender the endorsement at any DMV field office.

Although an Oregon CDL may be valid for up to eight years, drivers with Hazmat endorsements will be required to resubmit fingerprints for additional background checks every four years. Oregon´s DMV will notify drivers 54 months before the CDL expiration date, and again six months before expiration, that the background check must be completed within six months. If the security clearance is not received within six months of the notice, all CDL driving privileges will be canceled. The driver can avoid cancellation of all CDL privileges if he or she appears at a DMV field office and voluntarily surrenders the Hazmat endorsement before the cancellation date.

Questions? Contact the Transportation Security Administration at 571-227-2829, or Oregon DMV Customer Service at 503-945-5400.

Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles