Driver License Certificates and Endorsements

Semi Side

In addition to a driver license (DL) of the appropriate class, drivers who transport passengers or hazardous cargo are also required to have a certificate or DL endorsement that allows them to do so.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for monitoring the driver record of people holding and applying for endorsements or certificates. DMV notifies employers of additions to the driver record and takes appropriate action to protect the public. When DMV refuses, suspends, or revokes a certificate or endorsement, a hearing is provided to a driver upon request, except for mandatory actions.

Certificate or Endorsement

A certificate is issued as a separate document that a driver must have, in addition to the DL, to operate specific vehicles.

An endorsement is not a separate document like a certificate. Instead, DMV places a mark directly on the physical DL and, if the license is revoked, the DL must be surrendered (in this case, a new DL application is required to get another DL).

Higher Standards

Each certificate and endorsement has different requirements related to the safe transportation of a specific passenger group or hazardous cargo. In general, each certificate or endorsement requires special training and testing. Each also requires higher medical standards and driver record standards than a class C non-commercial DL.

Below is a list of relevant certificates and endorsements along with their abbreviation/code.

Certificates & Endorsements

AbbreviationCertificate
AMBAmbulance
F/LFarm Labor
GPPVGeneral Public Paratransit Vehicle
HAMHazardous Agricultural Materials
RMRadioactive Materials
SCHSchool Bus
SPABSchool Pupils Activity Bus
VDDPVehicle for Developmentally Disabled Persons
YOBYouth Bus
TTDTow Truck Driver Clearance
CodeEndorsement
DDouble Trailer
HMHazardous Materials
TVTank Vehicle
PVPassenger Transportation
TTriple Trailer
FFirefighter

Firefighter Endorsement Information

Firefighter Endorsement Training Requirements

Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Starting on January 31, 2005, new federal regulations require a person who is applying for a California commercial driver license (CDL) with an original Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement to undergo a security threat assessment. The USA Patriot Act requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to complete a security threat assessment (background records check) before the DMV issues a HazMat endorsement.

Discretionary Action Criteria

Bus Driver, F/L, PV, HM

Ambulance Drivers

Under CVC §13372, DMV may refuse, revoke or suspend an ambulance driver certificate of any person who gives any cause, before or after issuance of the certificate, for discretionary refusal of certification. If there is an immediate risk to safety due to a physical or mental condition, an action under CVC §13953 may be taken.

HAM Certificate

The Hazardous Agricultural Materials Certificate (HAM) under CVC §12804.2 is required by persons who transport agricultural HM or waste without a CDL. Individuals who are qualified for the HAM certificate are exempt from the HM endorsement requirement which is normally required to transport HM or waste.