US Drug Test Centers Blog
What Is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
Understanding the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
If you're a CDL driver or manage a Department of Transportation (DOT)-regulated company, you've likely heard about the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. But what exactly is it, who needs to use it, and what role does it play in compliance?
At US Drug Test Centers, we help motor carriers, owner-operators, and consortiums navigate the Clearinghouse system with ease, from registration and queries to compliance support and training.
Here’s everything you need to know about the FMCSA Clearinghouse—and how we can help you stay compliant and audit-ready.
What Is the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure online database maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It tracks drug and alcohol testing violations of DOT drug and alcohol regulations for holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs).
Launched in January 2020, the Clearinghouse:
- Records positive drug/alcohol tests, test refusals, and return-to-duty (RTD) processes
- Ensures employers, state licensing agencies, and enforcement officers have real-time access to a driver’s drug and alcohol history
- Prevents drivers from concealing violations by changing jobs or applying in different states
Learn more at: DOT Clearinghouse Info
Who Is Required to Use the Clearinghouse?
Employers of CDL Drivers
Any company that employs drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) requiring a CDL must:
- Register for the Clearinghouse
- Conduct pre-employment and annual queries
- Report alcohol test and refusal violations
- Report return-to-duty negative drug test
- Report completion of follow up testing
CDL Drivers
All CDL/CLP holders operating CMVs must:
- Register with the Clearinghouse
- Provide electronic consent for pre-employment queries
- Monitor their own record for accuracy
Third-Party Administrators (TPAs)
TPAs managing drug and alcohol testing programs for owner-operators and small fleets must also register and perform required tasks on behalf of their clients.
Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) and Medical Review Officers (MROs)
These professionals must report evaluation and test result details directly into the Clearinghouse. The MRO is specifically required to report positive drug test results.
What Are Employers Required to Do?
1. Register in the Clearinghouse
You must create an employer account and link your company to a TPA (like US Drug Test Centers, if applicable).
2. Conduct Queries
- Pre-employment Full Query: Required before hiring any new CDL driver
- Annual Limited Query: Required for all current CDL drivers at least once per year
Note: Drivers must provide electronic consent for full queries.
3. Report Violations
Employers must report any:
- Positive alcohol tests
- Refusals to test
- Actual knowledge of substance use
- Return-to-duty negative result
- Completion of follow up tests
4. Keep Records
You must retain all query consent forms and testing documentation for specified time periods.
Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, including fines and disqualification from operating CMVs.
What Happens If a Driver Has a Violation in the Clearinghouse?
If a driver has a drug or alcohol violation reported in the Clearinghouse, they must complete a DOT return-to-duty (RTD) process, which includes:
- Evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
- Recommended education or treatment
- A directly observed RTD drug test
- A follow-up testing plan (6+ tests over 12–60 months)
The driver cannot resume safety-sensitive duties until this process is completed and reported in the Clearinghouse.
How US Drug Test Centers Can Help
At US Drug Test Centers, we offer complete Clearinghouse support for both employers and drivers to ensure full DOT compliance:
Clearinghouse Registration Assistance
Not sure how to register? We walk you through account creation and setup—whether you’re an employer, driver, or owner-operator.
Query Management
We perform all required queries on your behalf—pre-employment and annual limited queries—and handle driver consent tracking.
Reporting Support
We help ensure violations, return-to-duty results, and follow-ups are accurately reported to the Clearinghouse as required.
SAP and MRO Coordination
We connect you with DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) and Medical Review Officers (MROs) to manage every step of the RTD process.
Program Management for Owner-Operators
We act as your designated TPA, managing your entire DOT drug and alcohol testing program—including Clearinghouse compliance.
Need to get started? Enroll Now
Why Clearinghouse Compliance Matters
Non-compliance with FMCSA Clearinghouse rules can have serious consequences, including:
- Civil penalties up to $5,833 per violation
- Driver disqualification from operating CMVs
- FMCSA audits and investigations
- Loss of DOT operating authority
Whether you’re managing one driver or a fleet of 500, Clearinghouse compliance is not optional—and it requires ongoing attention, documentation, and systems.
Common Questions About the Clearinghouse
Does the Clearinghouse replace regular DOT testing?
No. The Clearinghouse is a reporting and query system, not a replacement for drug and alcohol testing. DOT testing requirements (pre-employment, random, post-accident, etc.) remain in full effect.
How long are violations stored in the Clearinghouse?
Violations remain on a driver’s Clearinghouse record for five years or until successful completion of the return-to-duty process, whichever is longer.
What’s the difference between a limited and full query?
- Full query: Reveals detailed information and requires driver consent
- Limited query: Confirms whether a record exists (no details); if one is found, a full query must follow
The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse was created to improve highway safety—and it’s working. But compliance can be confusing for employers and drivers alike.
That’s why US Drug Test Centers offers full-service Clearinghouse support. Whether you're just getting started or need a trusted partner to manage your entire program, we’re here to help you stay compliant, informed, and ready for any audit.
