MARCH 17, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today reminded commercial drivers that a fingerprint and federal background check will be required for a hazardous materials endorsement renewal beginning May 31.

The Department of State is mailing about 300 letters a week to commercial drivers to make them aware of the USA PATRIOT Act requirements. Drivers applying for their first hazardous materials endorsement had to comply as of Jan. 31. The requirements apply to all states and are part of a move to strengthen homeland security and protect against terrorist threats.

"The men and women who drive commercial vehicles are to be commended for the service they provide," Land said. "It takes skill and training to handle these vehicles responsibly. On today’s busy roads, the challenge is even greater – especially for those who transport hazardous materials. These new federal regulations will help safeguard the state and nation by ensuring that hazmat drivers are properly accounted for and credentialed to drive."

Under the requirements, drivers must preregister by submitting an application by Internet or telephone. The online application is available on the Traffic Safety Administration’s (TSA) Hazmat Web site at www.hazprints.com. Telephone applications can be submitted by calling toll-free at (877) 429-7746. The $94 processing fee

may be paid with a credit card or an electronic check when preregistering or by money order when the fingerprints are collected.

Once the application is submitted, drivers must appear in person at a company authorized to collect fingerprints. They must provide the 10-digit confirmation number

identification, such as a U.S. passport or Social Security card. The process fee is due if it has not already been paid. Only a money order made payable to Integrated Biometric Technology, LLC will be accepted at this point.

Drivers who have failed to preregister will be asked to call in their application information to the toll-free phone center before any further action is taken.

The TSA estimates that most background checks will be completed within 30 days. However, the process could take 45-60 days. The TSA will notify all drivers in writing of the results. Drivers must bring the written TSA approval to a Secretary of State office before a hazardous materials endorsement can be issued.

Drivers who have not received TSA approval at the time they renew can present the fingerprinting receipt at a Secretary of State office to receive a temporary operator’s permit. This will allow them to continue driving until their federal background check is approved. Once the TSA approval is received by the Department of State, a photo license with the endorsement will be issued.

Fingerprints are collected at Examination Management Services Inc., 27260 Haggerty Road, Suite A21, Farmington Hills. As additional companies and locations are identified by Integrated Biometric Technology to do fingerprints, that information will be added to the department’s Web site.

The Department of State issues about 250 new and 1,200 renewed hazardous materials endorsements each month. A hazardous materials endorsement allows drivers to haul products, such as flammable solids, liquids and gases, explosives, poisons or radioactive materials, which pose a risk to health, safety and property during transportation.

For more information about the USA PATRIOT Act requirements, visit the department’s Frequently Asked Questions page < http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-12539---F,00.html >