---
title: "FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse"
description: "The Clearinghouse is FMCSA's online database of CDL drivers' drug and alcohol program violations. Employers of CDL drivers must query it before hiring and at least once a year, and drivers with a viol"
canonical: https://mydotcheck.com/fmcsa-clearinghouse
last_updated: 2026-10-16
---

# FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The Clearinghouse is FMCSA's online database of CDL drivers' drug and alcohol program violations. Employers of CDL drivers must query it before hiring and at least once a year, and drivers with a violation cannot drive a CMV until they finish the return-to-duty process.

## Who has to register

-   Employers of CDL or CLP drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles, including owner-operators who employ themselves
-   Drivers, when an employer needs their electronic consent for a full query
-   Consortia/third-party administrators and substance abuse professionals (SAPs) who report on behalf of employers
-   Medical review officers who report verified positive results

## The two query types

If a limited query shows that information exists, you must run a full query within 24 hours, with the driver's electronic consent, or remove the driver from safety-sensitive work.

| Query | When | Consent |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full query | Before a driver performs any safety-sensitive function for you (pre-employment) | Driver gives electronic consent inside the Clearinghouse |
| Limited query | At least once a year for every CDL driver you employ | General written consent, which can cover more than one year |

## Return-to-duty after a violation

A driver with a violation is prohibited from safety-sensitive functions until they complete the return-to-duty process: an evaluation by a substance abuse professional, the recommended education or treatment, a negative return-to-duty test, and a follow-up testing plan. Since November 2024, state licensing agencies also remove the CDL privileges of drivers in prohibited status.

MyDotCheck is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of the U.S. Department of Transportation or FMCSA. Data comes from public FMCSA datasets and may lag official records by a day or more. Government filings can be made directly with FMCSA at no charge.

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## FMCSA Clearinghouse questions

### How often do I have to query the Clearinghouse?

A full query before hiring each CDL driver, and a limited query at least once every year for every CDL driver you employ.

### Do owner-operators need the Clearinghouse?

Yes. An owner-operator who employs themselves must designate a consortium/third-party administrator to report violations, and must query their own record.

### How long does a violation stay in the Clearinghouse?

Five years from the date of the violation, or until the driver completes the return-to-duty process and follow-up testing, whichever is later.

---
Canonical URL: https://mydotcheck.com/fmcsa-clearinghouse
Title: FMCSA Clearinghouse: Queries, Consent and Return-to-Duty Explained