Before a CDL driver can operate a commercial motor vehicle for your company, FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 391.21 requires a completed employment application that captures specific information about the driver's background, experience, and driving record. Here is exactly what that application must contain.
Required information on a driver application
- personPersonal informationThe applicant's full name, current address, and date of birth.
- homeAddress history (3 years)Every address where the driver has lived during the preceding 3 years.
- badgeDriver's license detailsThe license (or permit) number, the state of issue, and the expiration date for each license currently held.
- work_historyEmployment history (10 years)A complete 10-year employment history for CDL drivers, including the name and address of each employer, dates of employment, reason for leaving, and whether the work was subject to FMCSA or DOT drug & alcohol testing regulations.
- car_crashAccident record (3 years)A list of all motor vehicle accidents the applicant was involved in during the preceding 3 years, including date, nature, and any fatalities or injuries.
- gavelTraffic violations & license actionsAll traffic convictions and forfeitures (other than parking) for the past 3 years, plus any denial, suspension, or revocation of a license, permit, or privilege to drive.
- local_shippingDriving experienceThe classes of vehicles the driver has operated, the type of equipment, and the approximate dates and total time for each.
- drawCertification & signatureA statement, signed and dated by the applicant, certifying that all information provided is true and complete to the best of their knowledge.
Note: This page summarizes 49 CFR 391.21 for general guidance and is not legal advice. Requirements change over time — confirm current rules at fmcsa.dot.gov or with qualified counsel before relying on any application form.
Why a compliant application matters
The employment application is the foundation of the Driver Qualification file. If it is missing required fields, unsigned, or incomplete, the entire DQ file is non-compliant — and that is one of the most frequently cited violations in DOT audits. Capturing the right information the first time, from every driver, saves hours of follow-up and protects your authority. For the full list of documents that accompany the application, see our DOT Driver Qualification File checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How many years of employment history does FMCSA require?
For CDL drivers operating commercial motor vehicles, the application must capture the previous 10 years of employment history. The most recent 3 years are also subject to written safety-performance inquiries to prior DOT-regulated employers.
Does the driver have to sign the application?
Yes. The application is not complete until the driver signs and dates a certification that the information is true and accurate. An unsigned application is a common audit finding.
Can drivers complete the FMCSA application online?
Yes. A digital application with an electronic signature satisfies the requirement as long as it captures all required information and the signed record can be reproduced. Online forms also reduce errors and missing fields compared to paper.