How long does it take to get Haz-Mat endorsement in TX?

I am trying to remember if you need the background check before or after the written test.

IF I remember correctly, Mine was on as soon as I got the results back from the background check, which did not take very long at all.

 

You have to get the background check done BEFORE you take the test.
You go either to the DMV or to the nearest fingerprinting contractor's office (don't know which in Texas), fill out a form, pay about 80 bucks, get fingerprinted, then wait to be notified if you passed the background/printing check.
Once you get notified that you passed, you can take the written test. If you pass that, you'll have your HAZMAT right then.

 

Thanks AppalachianTrucker, been a couple years since I got my last background.

 

You can take the test first or do the fingerprinting/DHS background check first, but you will need the ORI number from the DPS office in order to schedule the fingerprinting, so taking the hazmat test first is more appropriate if you do not already know the ORI number, which will be given to you at the time of your written test. It is not a unique number, just a code to identify what needs to be done with the fingerprints, IE hazmat endorsement. Best to do both around the same time frame since the HM endorsement will not be added to your CDL until you have passed both the written test and DHS background check. From the time you complete the fingerprinting/DHS check and take the written hazmat test, it may be about 2-3 weeks before the HM endorsement is added to your CDL.

All three times I have had to obtain/renew my hazmat endorsement here in Texas, I always took the written test first.

 

Always good to hear it from someone in the state for which the question is being asked....

 

True, because Texas does the fingerprinting through a third party vendor, where some other states handle it in house.

 

Here in Utah we have to go up to a specific office in Salt Lake and have it done, not exactly who runs it, but, it gets done.

 

That wasn't my experience here in Virginia. It was background check, then test.
It makes logical sense that they want people to clear the background check before they take the test.
Things have changed and keep changing, so the best bet is to walk into the DPS or DMV or whatever it's called in your state and just ask. They'll set you straight.

 

Each state many handle the process differently, but ultimately everyone must have their fingerprints sent to the DHS to do a background check before a hazmat endorsement can be added to their CDL. I prefer to take the written test first because it is more time consuming (waiting in line at the driver's license facility) than the fingerprinting. I set up an appointment and am in and out of the fingerprinting location in under 10 minutes.