Driver License Certificates and Endorsements

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