Fillable Printable Cdl Security Faq
Fillable Printable Cdl Security Faq
Cdl Security Faq
Informational Bulletin for Individuals
Effective February 27, 2012
Comparability between the Security Threat Assessments (STAs) for theHazardous Materials
Endorsement (HME) and
the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Page 1of 2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the background checks for an HME the same as the background checks conducted
for individuals applying for a TWIC STA?
oYes. They have the same eligibility requirements, share a consistent waiver and
appeal process, and leverage the same fingerprint-based criminal history
records check.As a result, the HME and TWIC STAs have been deemed
comparable.
Do applicants with HMEs have to repeat the STA if they are applying for TWICs?
oNo. Applicants who apply for a TWIC do not have to pay the full price forthe
TWICSTAif they apply successful clearance results from their most recentHME
STA, and as a result, the fee for the TWIC is reduced by $27.25. All TWIC
applicants must pay the fees that cover the other components of the TWIC
program, including enrollment and card issuance. Applicants are always offered
the option to apply for a full-fee TWIC STA if they determine it ismore cost- and
time-effective to do so.
Do applicants with TWICs have to repeat the STA if they are applying for HME STAs?
oEffective February 27, 2012, applicants who apply for an HME STA do not have
to pay the full price for an HME STA if they apply successful clearance results
from their most recent TWIC STA andthey obtain an HME in a State that can
offer comparability.Applicants must fill out the HME STA application online or
over thephone (depending on existing application procedures within the State
in which the individual is applying) and confirm the TWIC STA is valid and there
is at least one year remaining prior to the TWIC STA expiration date. Applicants
are always offered the option to apply for a full-fee HME STA if they determine
it is more cost- and time-effective to do so.
If an applicant already has a TWIC and qualifies for a comparable HME STA, what is
the application fee?
oOverall, the application fee is reduced by $22.25. The programmatic portion of
the threat assessment fee is reduced by $5, because this is the historical cost of
the portion of the threat assessment that is satisfied by previously conducted
TSA vetting services. In addition, the $17.25 FBI fee is not required because the
applicant is not submitting fingerprints for a criminal check.
oFor individuals licensed in the 38 States and the District of Columbia that use the
TSA-contracted agent for this program, the HME STA application fee is $89.25
(this fee covers the TSA threat assessment only and your State may charge
additional fees for the HME application process, including testing and license
issuance).If an applicant already has a TWIC and qualifies for a comparable
HME STA, the application fee is reduced by $22.25 to $67.00.
oAs of February 27, 2012, the only States offering comparability to their drivers
are part of the group of States serviced by the TSA-contracted agent. As States
not serviced by the TSA-contracted agent begin to offer comparability at a
Informational Bulletin for Individuals
Effective February 27, 2012
Comparability between the Security Threat Assessments (STAs) for theHazardous Materials
Endorsement (HME) and
the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Page 2of 2
future date, the HME STA fee will also be reduced by $22.25 (not including any
additional fees charged by those States for the HME application process).
oAll HME STA applicants must pay the fees that cover the other components of
the HME Threat Assessment Program (HTAP), including application fees and
any
other fees charged by theirrespective States for license testing and issuance.
oNote: Individuals should consider the expiration date of their current TWIC in
order to determine if it is more cost- and time-effective to apply for a full or a
comparable/reduced fee HME STA.
Since HME requirements are specific to the individual States, are all 50 States and the
District of Columbia offering individuals who hold TWICs a reduced fee when applying
for an HMESTA?
oNo.Due to specific State statutes, license cycles, and system limitations, not all
States will be able to offer a reduced fee for the HME STA to their HME
applicants as of February 27, 2012. Applicants in a State that can offer
comparability will be provided notice during the application process, and the
application itself will offer individuals the option to pay a reduced fee by
electing to use a comparable TWIC STA. As of February 27, 2012, the following
12 jurisdictions (including the District of Columbia) can support comparability:
1.
Arizona7. Nebraska
2.California8. North Carolina
3.
Delaware9. Oregon
4.
District of Columbia10. South Dakota
5.Hawaii
11. Utah
6.
Missouri12. West Virginia
If TWIC holders choose to use comparable HME STAs, when will their HMEs expire?
oThe HME will be issued with the same expiration date as the individual’s TWIC
STA. Therefore, individuals should consider the expiration date of their current
TWIC STA to determine if it is cost- and time-effective to apply for a comparable
HME STA.
How do TWIC holders who are applying for HME STAs know if the State where they
are applying for the HME STA offers comparability?
oPlease see the listing of States above. Applicants can ask States about
comparability during their application process, or they can contact the HazPrints
help desk at (877) 429-7746 (7AM-9PM Eastern, Monday - Friday). Effective
February 27, 2012, the online application (available at
//hazprints.tsa.dhs.gov) for the HME STA will also identify whether
particular States offer comparability once applicants specify the State in which
they are licensed.
