What Is the Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure, centralized database of drug and alcohol program violations for CDL holders. Employers use it to run pre-employment and annual queries on drivers, and to report violations when they occur. It has been mandatory for all employers of CDL drivers in interstate commerce since January 6, 2020, and there is no size exemption and no opt-out.
Who Needs This
Any employer of one or more CDL drivers operating in interstate commerce, including motor carriers, passenger carriers, and school bus companies. Owner-operators must register as both the employer and the driver, and designate a Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA) in the system.
Why It Matters
Employers must query the Clearinghouse before hiring a new CDL driver and at least once a year for every current driver, and must report any drug or alcohol program violation. Skipping a required query or failing to report a violation is a compliance failure FMCSA can cite during an audit or investigation. We keep your registration active and your queries on schedule.