The following information applies specifically to Minnesota CDL holders that are already HAZMAT certified, but I share it here to provide an idea of what's coming to drivers in all states. Check your own state to see how the new TSA rules will affect you.
I am glad to see that the required fingerprinting can be done in a number of states. It's not something we'll have to return to Minnesota to do. The term "threat assessment" instead of background check betray an attitude many people in government now have regarding the citizens they supposedly serve. Isn't it great! Loyal citizens like us with exemplary records now get to demonstrate our cooperation by showing up for a threat assessment and paying $105 or so for the privlige.
It's exactly like someone else said in this forum (don't recall who), Government agents are rising everywhere saying, "Show me your papers."
From the Minnesota Driver Services web site:
Questions and Answers for Minnesota Drivers
Q. I have a HME, but I don’t use it. Do I have to be fingerprinted?
A. If you wish, you can drop the endorsement when you apply for another license. If you want to keep the endorsement, you must be fingerprinted before renewal.
Q. How much will the threat assessment cost? Who pays for it?
A. The exact cost has not yet been determined, although initial estimates are around $105. The driver is responsible for the cost.
Q. Where do I have to go to be fingerprinted?
A. Minnesota is waiting for approval to use the authorized TSA agent. Once approval is given, Minnesota will work with the agent to determine locations and schedules for fingerprint collection.
Q. What if I’m on the road when I have to be fingerprinted?
A. You can go to the TSA agent in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming.
Q. Can I go to my local law enforcement office to be fingerprinted?
A. No. Your fingerprints must be collected by an authorized TSA agent.
Q. Do I still have to take the HME knowledge test before I renew my CDL?
A. Yes, you are still required to pass the HME knowledge test before renewing your CDL with HME.
Q. What happens if I’m not fingerprinted at least 30 days before my CDL expires?
A. Minnesota can renew your CDL, but cannot issue you the HME until TSA gives approval. That means that you will not be able to transport HM loads in the meantime.
I am glad to see that the required fingerprinting can be done in a number of states. It's not something we'll have to return to Minnesota to do. The term "threat assessment" instead of background check betray an attitude many people in government now have regarding the citizens they supposedly serve. Isn't it great! Loyal citizens like us with exemplary records now get to demonstrate our cooperation by showing up for a threat assessment and paying $105 or so for the privlige.
It's exactly like someone else said in this forum (don't recall who), Government agents are rising everywhere saying, "Show me your papers."
From the Minnesota Driver Services web site:
Questions and Answers for Minnesota Drivers
Q. I have a HME, but I don’t use it. Do I have to be fingerprinted?
A. If you wish, you can drop the endorsement when you apply for another license. If you want to keep the endorsement, you must be fingerprinted before renewal.
Q. How much will the threat assessment cost? Who pays for it?
A. The exact cost has not yet been determined, although initial estimates are around $105. The driver is responsible for the cost.
Q. Where do I have to go to be fingerprinted?
A. Minnesota is waiting for approval to use the authorized TSA agent. Once approval is given, Minnesota will work with the agent to determine locations and schedules for fingerprint collection.
Q. What if I’m on the road when I have to be fingerprinted?
A. You can go to the TSA agent in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming.
Q. Can I go to my local law enforcement office to be fingerprinted?
A. No. Your fingerprints must be collected by an authorized TSA agent.
Q. Do I still have to take the HME knowledge test before I renew my CDL?
A. Yes, you are still required to pass the HME knowledge test before renewing your CDL with HME.
Q. What happens if I’m not fingerprinted at least 30 days before my CDL expires?
A. Minnesota can renew your CDL, but cannot issue you the HME until TSA gives approval. That means that you will not be able to transport HM loads in the meantime.
