PennDOT DL-288: PA HAZMAT Security Threat Assessment Form

PennDOT DL-288: PA HAZMAT Security Threat Assessment Form – Commercial drivers in Pennsylvania who need to transport placarded hazardous materials must obtain a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT or HME) endorsement on their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). A critical step in this process is completing the official PennDOT Form DL-288 – Hazardous Materials Endorsement Application for Security Threat Assessment. This form initiates the federal Security Threat Assessment required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under the USA PATRIOT Act.

This comprehensive guide covers everything U.S. drivers need to know about Form DL-288, including eligibility, current fees, required documents, the step-by-step process, and how to download the official form.

What Is PennDOT Form DL-288?

Form DL-288 is the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) application used by CDL holders to request a federal Security Threat Assessment for a new, renewed, or transferred Hazardous Materials Endorsement. Information from the form is forwarded to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the TSA.

The current version is DL-288 (12-24). Applicants must submit this form after successfully passing the HAZMAT knowledge test at a PennDOT Driver License Center. The form collects personal information, citizenship or immigration status details, employment data, and answers to required security questions about criminal history and mental competency.

Important note from the form: You must reapply and pay an additional fee if you do not complete the background process within six months of the initial application.

Download the official Form DL-288 here: Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-288 PDF.

Who Needs a Hazardous Materials Endorsement in Pennsylvania?

Any CDL driver who is 21 years of age or older and transports materials that require placarding under U.S. Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations must hold a valid HAZMAT endorsement. This includes new applicants, those renewing an existing endorsement, and drivers transferring a HAZMAT endorsement from another state.

Pennsylvania is one of several “non-agent” states. This means drivers apply through PennDOT rather than directly through the TSA enrollment system used in most other states.

Official eligibility information is available on the PennDOT Apply for a HAZMAT Endorsement page and the TSA HAZMAT Endorsement page.

Eligibility Requirements for Form DL-288 and HAZMAT Endorsement

To qualify, applicants generally must:

  • Hold a valid Pennsylvania CDL (or be in the process of obtaining one)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or have appropriate immigration status
  • Not have any permanently or temporarily disqualifying criminal offenses
  • Not have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution
  • Not pose a security threat to transportation or national security

Disqualifying offenses include certain felonies related to terrorism, espionage, murder, explosives, improper transportation of hazardous materials, and other serious crimes. Temporary disqualifications (generally 7 years from conviction or 5 years from release from prison) apply to offenses such as assault with intent to murder, kidnapping, robbery, and certain drug trafficking crimes. Full lists appear on the form and in PennDOT FAQs.

Waivers for some disqualifying offenses are handled exclusively by the TSA, not PennDOT. Details are available on the TSA website.

Current Fees for the Security Threat Assessment

As of the latest official Form DL-288 (12-24):

  • TSA Security Threat Assessment fee: $57.25 – Paid by check or money order made payable to “PennDOT” at the Driver License Center. This fee is non-refundable and is transmitted to the TSA.
  • Fingerprinting / FBI fee: Approximately $24.15 – Paid separately to Idemia (the fingerprint vendor) either online during pre-registration or at the fingerprint location by debit/credit card, money order, or cashier’s check payable to IDEMIA. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

Always confirm the exact current amounts on the official form, as fees can change. Refer to the DL-288 form and PennDOT HAZMAT FAQs for the most up-to-date information.

Step-by-Step Process to Complete Form DL-288 and Obtain Your HAZMAT Endorsement

  1. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements if applicable for new HAZMAT applicants.
  2. Pass the HAZMAT Knowledge Test – A 30-question test administered in English at a PennDOT Driver License Center. No appointment is required for knowledge testing.
  3. Complete Form DL-288 – Fill out the application accurately after passing the knowledge test. Type or print clearly in blue or black ink.
  4. Appear in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center – Bring the completed DL-288, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, and payment of the $57.25 TSA fee. You will receive a Fingerprint Authorization Letter (PUB 512).
  5. Pre-register for fingerprinting – Visit the PennDOT Applicant Fingerprinting Online Service or call 1-844-321-2101. The Service Code for Pennsylvania is 1KG87H.
  6. Get fingerprinted – Visit an approved Idemia location with your Fingerprint Authorization Letter, registration ID, and acceptable identification. Pay the fingerprint fee.
  7. Await TSA approval – Processing can take several weeks (TSA recommends applying at least 60 days in advance). PennDOT will issue the HAZMAT endorsement only after receiving federal approval.

Allow up to 90 days total for the full process. Once the $57.25 fee is paid, you must complete fingerprinting and the background check within six months, or the request closes and you must reapply with a new fee.

Required Documents for Form DL-288

You must provide proof of identity and citizenship or immigration status. Acceptable documents for U.S. citizens include:

  • U.S. birth certificate
  • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
  • Other documents listed on the form

Non-U.S. citizens must present appropriate immigration documents such as a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), Employment Authorization Card (I-766), or other listed forms. Full lists appear on the official DL-288 form and PennDOT’s proof of identity resources.

Bring original documents or certified copies as required when submitting the form in person.

Renewal and Transfer of HAZMAT Endorsement

PennDOT mails a HAZMAT recertification notice approximately seven months before your CDL expires. You must pass the knowledge test again (if required), submit a new DL-288, pay fees, and complete fingerprinting if your Security Threat Assessment has expired.

For transfers from another state, indicate “HME Transfer” on the form and provide prior state and CDL number information. Additional steps apply—check the official PennDOT transfer page.

Key Tips for Success with Form DL-288

  • Submit the form only after passing the HAZMAT knowledge test.
  • Ensure all information matches your current Pennsylvania driver’s license exactly (name, address, Social Security number).
  • Update your address with PennDOT before applying if you have moved.
  • Complete the process within six months of paying the TSA fee.
  • Keep copies of all documents and receipts.
  • Contact PennDOT Customer Care at 717-412-5300 (TTY: 711) for process questions—do not call the fingerprint registration line for general inquiries.

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