Hazmat Fingerprinting in CT: Where To Get It Done (And Why We Don't Provide It)
- info9689301
- Dec 5, 2025
- 5 min read
If you've called our office at Fingerprints 101 & More asking about hazmat fingerprinting in Connecticut, you're definitely not alone. We get dozens of calls every month from folks who need this specific type of fingerprinting service. Here's the thing though: we don't provide hazmat fingerprinting, and I want to explain exactly why, plus point you in the right direction so you don't waste time calling around.
Let me clear up the confusion once and for all and help you get to the right place for your hazmat fingerprinting needs.
What Makes Hazmat Fingerprinting Different?
Hazmat fingerprinting isn't your typical background check fingerprinting. When you're applying for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) on your Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a specific type of security threat assessment that includes fingerprinting.
This process involves:
TSA-approved facilities only - Not just any fingerprinting service can handle this
Specific background check requirements - The TSA runs extensive security clearance checks
Direct submission to TSA - The prints go straight to federal authorities, not through state channels
Specialized equipment and software - The systems must integrate directly with TSA databases
Unlike standard employment or licensing fingerprinting that we handle every day, hazmat fingerprinting requires federal authorization and specialized infrastructure that most local fingerprinting services simply don't have.
Why We Don't Provide Hazmat Fingerprinting
Here's the straight answer: we're not authorized by the TSA to conduct hazmat fingerprinting. To offer this service, a company needs specific federal contracts and approvals that go far beyond standard fingerprinting certifications.
The authorization process for hazmat fingerprinting involves:
Federal security clearances for staff members
Extensive background checks on the business itself
Specialized software that integrates with TSA systems
Regular audits and compliance checks
Significant upfront investment and ongoing fees
We've built our business around providing excellent, affordable fingerprinting services for employment, licensing, and background check purposes. Adding hazmat fingerprinting would require a complete restructuring of our operations, which doesn't align with our current service model.
Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, we focus on what we do best: fast, accurate, and convenient fingerprinting for the services we're fully authorized to provide.
Where to Get Hazmat Fingerprinting in Connecticut: Identogo
The company you need to contact for hazmat fingerprinting in Connecticut is Identogo. They're the TSA-approved vendor that handles hazmat fingerprinting throughout the state.
Identogo operates multiple locations across Connecticut and specializes in government-required fingerprinting services, including:
Hazmat endorsement fingerprinting
TWIC card applications
Federal employment background checks
Immigration-related fingerprinting
Important note: Neither the Connecticut State Police nor local police departments provide hazmat fingerprinting services. This is a common misconception that causes a lot of confusion. While police departments can handle many types of fingerprinting, hazmat endorsements fall under federal TSA jurisdiction.
How to Schedule with Identogo
To get your hazmat fingerprinting done through Identogo:
Visit their website - Search for "Identogo Connecticut hazmat" to find their official scheduling system
Choose your location - They have several Connecticut locations including Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven areas
Bring required documentation - You'll need your CDL, proof of identity, and any paperwork from your hazmat application
Pay the fee - Hazmat fingerprinting typically costs more than standard services due to the federal processing requirements
The process usually takes about 30 minutes, and results are transmitted directly to the TSA for your security threat assessment.
What We DO Provide at Fingerprints 101 & More
While we can't help with hazmat fingerprinting, we handle just about every other type of fingerprinting service you might need in Connecticut:
Employment Background Checks
FBI background checks for employment
State of Connecticut background checks
Teacher certification fingerprinting
Healthcare worker clearances
Financial industry compliance (FINRA, banking)
Licensing and Certification
Real estate licensing
Insurance licensing
Security guard licensing
Notary applications
Professional licensing boards
Personal Services
Name change documentation
Adoption proceedings
Immigration applications (non-federal)
Volunteer background checks
Personal records requests
We offer both ink fingerprinting and live scan digital fingerprinting, depending on what your specific application requires. Our mobile service means we can come to your location for groups or individuals who can't make it to our office.
Why the Confusion Happens
The confusion around hazmat fingerprinting is completely understandable. Here's why so many people call us:
Similar terminology - "Fingerprinting for licensing" sounds like it should all be the same, but federal endorsements are in a different category entirely.
Limited providers - Since only TSA-approved vendors can do hazmat prints, there are fewer options, and people naturally start calling around to fingerprinting services.
Outdated information - Some websites and forums still reference police departments for hazmat prints, which was never accurate in Connecticut.
One-stop shopping expectation - People reasonably assume that a fingerprinting service should handle all types of fingerprinting.
Before You Get Your Hazmat Fingerprinting
If you're planning to get your hazmat endorsement, here are some things to know before you contact Identogo:
Timing Considerations
Start early - The security threat assessment can take several weeks to complete
Check CDL status - Make sure your regular CDL is current before applying for hazmat endorsement
Plan for delays - Federal background checks sometimes take longer than expected
Required Documentation
Valid CDL - Your commercial driver's license must be current
Proof of identity - Usually your CDL plus one additional form of ID
Hazmat application - Complete your state DMV hazmat application first
Payment method - Bring cash, check, or card as accepted by the specific location
Cost Expectations
Hazmat fingerprinting costs significantly more than standard fingerprinting due to the federal processing requirements. Budget for fees that are typically 2-3 times higher than regular employment fingerprinting.
What Happens After Hazmat Fingerprinting
Once Identogo completes your fingerprinting:
Your prints go directly to TSA for the security threat assessment
TSA conducts the background check using federal databases
Results go to Connecticut DMV for your hazmat endorsement processing
DMV contacts you about next steps for your endorsement
The entire process typically takes 4-8 weeks from fingerprinting to endorsement approval, assuming no issues arise during the background check.
Need Help with Other Fingerprinting Services?
While we can't help with your hazmat endorsement, we're here for virtually every other fingerprinting need you might have. Our team at Fingerprints 101 & More specializes in making the fingerprinting process as smooth and convenient as possible.
Ready to schedule for non-hazmat services? You can book online or request mobile services if you need us to come to you.
Have questions about what we do provide? Check out our complete services page or give us a call. We're always happy to help you figure out exactly what type of fingerprinting you need and whether we're the right fit for your requirements.
The key is making sure you get to the right provider for your specific needs: and for hazmat endorsements in Connecticut, that provider is Identogo, not us. We'd rather send you to the right place than waste your time with services we can't provide.
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