The FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is a mandatory step in hiring CDL drivers. Before a driver performs any safety-sensitive function, and every year afterward, you must check the Clearinghouse for unresolved violations. Here is exactly what employers are required to do.
Employer requirements in the Clearinghouse
- how_to_regRegister in the ClearinghouseEmployers of CDL drivers must create an account in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse (or designate a consortium/third-party administrator to query on their behalf).
- person_searchRun a pre-employment full queryBefore a driver performs any safety-sensitive function, you must run a full pre-employment query and receive a result showing no unresolved drug or alcohol violations.
- event_repeatRun annual queriesYou must query the Clearinghouse at least once a year for every CDL driver you employ. A limited query is allowed for annual checks, escalating to a full query if a record is found.
- verified_userObtain driver consentA full query requires the driver’s specific electronic consent in the Clearinghouse. Limited queries require general written consent, which you keep on file.
- reportReport violationsEmployers must report actual knowledge of violations, positive tests, and refusals to test to the Clearinghouse, generally by the close of the third business day.
- lock_clockKeep records for 3 yearsRetain query results and driver consent records for at least 3 years as part of your DOT compliance documentation.
Note: This page is a general overview and is not legal advice. Clearinghouse rules and deadlines change — confirm current requirements at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov or with qualified counsel.
Where it fits in your hiring process
The pre-employment query happens after the driver applies but before they drive for you. You’ll pair it with the driver’s safety performance history investigation and a compliant driver application, then file everything in the Driver Qualification file. For the complete sequence, see our guide to hiring a truck driver.
Frequently asked questions
What is the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse?
The Clearinghouse is a secure online database maintained by FMCSA that gives employers real-time information about CDL drivers’ drug and alcohol program violations. Employers must query it before hiring and at least annually thereafter.
What is the difference between a full and limited query?
A limited query tells you only whether there is any information about the driver in the Clearinghouse. A full query shows the detailed violation information and requires the driver’s specific electronic consent. Pre-employment checks must be full queries.
How often do I have to query the Clearinghouse?
You must run a full pre-employment query for every new CDL driver, and at least one query per year for each CDL driver you continue to employ.