TSA HAZMAT Clearance Letter

About 4-5 weeks ago, I completed a TSA HAZMAT clearance check and was expecting to receive a letter in the mail stating that I am OK to haul hazardous materials. Some weeks passed and I never received a letter from TSA. I knew my clearance check was completed because I logged into the TSA website and was able to see the status. I finally called TSA yesterday and was told that they no longer issue clearance letters directly to applicants; rather, they send them directly to your state of licensing DMV. My local branch is also the main HQ/branch for the state I am licensed in, so I am not worried about it being sent to an auxiliary branch.

Anyway, I’m trying to find out if anyone has had this happen to them? How do you go about registering and sitting for the exam? I don’t want to go and attempt to register for the exam and they don’t allow me to sit for it because I don’t physically have my letter. I have tried reaching out to my DMV , but it’s basically impossible to get connected with a human. I’ve even tried pressing 0 to get connected with a clerk/rep and it just keeps repeating the menu options over and over, ad nauseum...frustrating.

Call them and see if they got it.

I’d add that I am located in Rhode Island.

Additionally, I did try to sit for the exam before having a TSA clearance check performed. I did not know that, at least in RI, you had to have the check done before sitting for the exam. At the window that day, the clerk asked where my letter was...hence why I am asking, and also confused, as to the whole thing about TSA sending notifications/letters directly to the DMV instead of applicants themselves.

In Pennsylvania it's pass the test and then get the clearance.

I would just go to the DMV and find out. Worst case scenario, you wasted a few hours. It's better than calling everyday and wondering if they got it.

I’d add that I am located in Rhode Island.

Additionally, I did try to sit for the exam before having a TSA clearance check performed. I did not know that, at least in RI, you had to have the check done before sitting for the exam. At the window that day, the clerk asked where my letter was...hence why I am asking, and also confused, as to the whole thing about TSA sending notifications/letters directly to the DMV instead of applicants themselves.

It's the same in Massachussetts...pass the background check,then go in for the exam

In Florida you take the hazmat test and then do the TSA background check. As a matter of fact, the fingerprints are taken at the DMV office.

I've been trying to get hired by FedEx for several weeks now. The main hang up is the HazMat certification. You apparently can now only prove your certification by getting a copy of your driving record from the state DMV. I have given them a copy of this that I paid for (6.99?), and now a copy of it "Official and certified" (9.99?). I have also called TSA, who said the proof is now by your driving record in your state. There is no longer a TSA Letter. FedEx wants more. I called state DMV who said the same thing, you just need a copy of your drivers record to prove this. On the official and unofficial printout, it shows I have a drivers license, a CDL License, and tanker and HazMat endorsement, and shows the date my license expires. But, it does not specifically show the HazMat expiration date. I re called DMV and was told the expiration date on the License is tied to my HazMat date because of my CDL. I have also printed out the document from the TSA site that shows your eligibility, but it prints on 2 sheets, so does not say specifically your name and HaZMat eligibility on one page. I have also sent an email to the TSA Help Desk on the matter, but have not gotten a response yet. Horribly frustrating. Hopefully this will help someone!