Trucking Division
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Setup
The FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is a mandatory database that tracks CDL driver drug and alcohol program violations, and employers must register and query it on a defined schedule.
What It Is
Clearinghouse registration is required for every employer of CDL drivers, including single-truck owner-operators acting as their own employer.
Employers must run pre-employment queries before hiring and annual queries on all current drivers.
Violations recorded in the Clearinghouse must be resolved through a Return-to-Duty process before a driver may resume safety-sensitive functions.
Who Needs It
- • Any company employing CDL drivers, including owner-operators self-employing under their own authority
- • New motor carriers completing FMCSA onboarding
- • Carriers due for annual query compliance
Requirements Checklist
- Employer Clearinghouse account registration
- Designation of Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA) if applicable
- Driver consent records for queries
- Annual query schedule tracking
Timeline
Employer registration completed same-day; ongoing query compliance is managed on an annual cycle.
Request Clearinghouse
Get a written scope and fixed price for clearinghouse setup.