As of January 31, 2005, Part 383.23 (c) (3) of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations prohibited a person with a CDL beginner’s permit from obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement (HME). Also, any applicant requesting a Hazmat endorsement (X or H) on an original CDL must submit fingerprints, submit to a background check and obtain security clearance from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before issuance of an original CDL that includes a Hazmat endorsement

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) implemented provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56 enacted by Congress on October 25, 2001) that apply to commercial drivers transporting hazardous materials.

The primary impact to CDL drivers is the need for a background records check before a hazardous materials endorsement can be issued or renewed. Drivers must submit a background records check application (HTAP Application) to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Transportation Security Administration will approve or disapprove the driver for a HME.

DMV cannot issue, transfer, renew or upgrade a commercial driver's license with an HME until the driver completes a new application, is fingerprinted and the background check is complete.SCDMV provides an information sheet (DL-400-IS) regarding the requirements for obtaining hazardous materials endorsements.