CLEARINGHOUSE

CLEARINGHOUSE

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FMCSA Clearinghouse Registration & Driver Query

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What is FMCSA Clearinghouse?

The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure online database maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It provides real-time access to information about commercial driver drug and alcohol program violations, including positive test results, test refusals, and return-to-duty status.

Launched in January 2020, the FMCSA Clearinghouse was created to improve road safety by preventing commercial drivers with unresolved drug or alcohol violations from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

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Who Needs to Register for the FMCSA Clearinghouse?

In general, you will need to register with FMCSA Clearinghouse if you are one of the following:

  • CDL drivers (Commercial Driver’s License holders)
  • Employers of CDL drivers
  • Owner-operators
  • Medical review officers (MROs)
  • Substance abuse professionals (SAPs)
  • TPAs (Third-Party Administrators)

FMCSA Clearinghouse Compliance is Mandatory

Failing to register or use the FMCSA Clearinghouse correctly can lead to fines and penalties. All DOT-regulated employers are required to use it when hiring new drivers and for ongoing compliance.

  • Employers must use the Clearinghouse to run pre-employment queries and annual checks on all CDL drivers.

  • CDL drivers must be registered to give electronic consent for an employer to view their records.

  • Violations stay in the Clearinghouse for at least 5 years or until successful completion of the return-to-duty process.

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FMCSA CLEARINGHOUSE FAQ

While registering with the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) is not mandatory for drivers, we strongly recommend it. Registration is necessary for drivers to grant consent for pre-employment/full queries and if any violations are reported on them. Essentially, drivers seeking new employment or with reported violations must register. Additionally, drivers are required to designate their Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) to assist with the return-to-duty process. Registered drivers can also access their information in the Clearinghouse.

 

The Clearinghouse contains records of:

  • Positive drug and alcohol test results

  • Refusals to test

  • Actual knowledge of use

  • Return-to-duty (RTD) status and follow-up testing

 

Employers must:

  • Conduct pre-employment queries before hiring a CDL driver

  • Run annual queries for current drivers

  • Report any drug and alcohol violations or actual knowledge of use

  • Use the system to ensure drivers complete the return-to-duty process

Violations remain in the Clearinghouse for five years or until the driver completes the return-to-duty process—whichever is longer.

Non-compliance can lead to:

  • Civil penalties and fines

  • Being placed out of service

  • Delayed hiring or disqualification of drivers

Yes. CDL drivers must register to:

  • Give electronic consent for queries

  • View their own records

  • Start and track the return-to-duty process if needed

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