The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a federal database that tracks drug and alcohol program violations for CDL drivers regulated under 49 CFR Part 382. Launched in January 2020, it was designed to prevent drivers from hiding violations by moving from employer to employer. Every regulated employer, C/TPA, and MRO is required to report violations to the Clearinghouse — and every employer must query it before bringing on a new CDL driver.
A critical rule change took effect on January 6, 2023: limited pre-employment queries are no longer sufficient. Employers must now conduct a full query with the driver's electronic consent before the driver performs any safety-sensitive function for the first time.
What the Clearinghouse Contains
The Clearinghouse holds records of all DOT drug and alcohol program violations since January 6, 2020, including:
- Verified positive drug test results
- Verified positive alcohol test results (0.04 BAC or higher)
- Refusals to test (including adulterated and substituted specimens)
- Return-to-Duty (RTD) test results
- Completion of follow-up testing program
- SAP evaluations and compliance status
Records remain in the Clearinghouse for 5 years from the date of violation (or until the driver completes RTD and follow-up testing, whichever is later).
Full Query vs. Limited Query: What Changed in 2023
| Query Type | What It Shows | Driver Consent Required? | When Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Query | Complete violation history with details | Yes — electronic consent required | Pre-employment (required); can also be used for annual queries |
| Limited Query | Only whether a violation record exists (yes/no) | No | Previously used for annual queries; now being phased out for annual requirements |
Since January 2023, employers must use a full query for pre-employment. Employers who previously used limited queries for annual checks should transition to full queries to remain compliant as FMCSA has signaled a full transition to full queries for all purposes.
Getting Driver Consent for a Full Query
A full query requires the driver's electronic consent provided through the Clearinghouse itself. You cannot use a paper consent form. The driver must log into their own Clearinghouse account at fmcsa.dot.gov/clearinghouse and grant consent for your specific employer query. This means both the driver and the employer must have active Clearinghouse accounts before the hiring process begins.
Walk new-hire candidates through this process early in the hiring workflow — waiting until the last minute can delay start dates when drivers take time to set up their accounts.
What to Do if a Violation Is Found
If a full query reveals a violation record, you cannot hire the driver for safety-sensitive functions until they have:
- Completed a SAP evaluation and the recommended treatment/education program
- Received a follow-up evaluation from the SAP confirming compliance
- Produced a negative return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test
- A Clearinghouse record showing RTD completion
Learn more about the complete process in our Return to Duty guide.
Annual Query Requirements for Current Employees
In addition to pre-employment queries, employers must conduct at least one query per year for every CDL driver currently employed in a safety-sensitive position. This annual query ensures you stay informed if a driver accumulates a violation while working for another employer simultaneously, or if a violation from a previous employer becomes visible in the database.
How to Register and Query Cost
Employers register at fmcsa.dot.gov/clearinghouse. After registering, you can designate a C/TPA to conduct queries on your behalf. The cost per full query is $1.25. There is no charge for the driver to consent or for employers to report violations (reporting is mandatory, not fee-based).