The Transportation Security administration has published a Federal Register notice indicating the agency is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget for Security Threat Assessments for CDL drivers applying for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement. The notice also requests public comments on the HME procedures.

The process involves collecting biometric and biographic information from the applicant that TSA uses to verify identity and conduct a Security Threat Assessment before issuing an HME.

The HME must be renewed every 5 years. The driver is required to submit an application that includes personal information including driver’s legal name; current and previous mailing addresses; date of birth; sex; height, weight, eye, and hair color; city, state, and country of birth; social security number (optional); immigration status; mental incapacity; criminal history; and biometrics, such as fingerprints.

When the STA is complete, TSA makes a final determination of eligibility for the HME and notifies the state of its decision. It may also notify the HME applicant. Most states and applicants will receive notification from TSA within 2 to 3 weeks of the submission of their completed applications.

If TSA identifies potentially disqualifying information, it will send a Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility letter to the HME applicant with instructions on how to proceed. If initially deemed ineligible by TSA, applicants will have an opportunity to apply for an appeal or waiver. Applicants must submit a request for an appeal or waiver within 60 days of issuance of the Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility. If a request for an appeal or waiver is not received by TSA within the specified amount of time, the agency may make a final determination to deny eligibility.