What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is a federal database that tracks drug and alcohol program violations for every CDL and CLP holder who performs safety-sensitive work. Employers, state licensing agencies, and FMCSA now share real-time visibility into a driver's violation history.
200,000+
CDL holders in prohibited status nationwide, early 2026
Who has to comply?
Drivers & Owner/Operators — anyone holding a CDL or CLP who performs safety-sensitive functions.
Employers — required to register, query the Clearinghouse, and report violations.
Substance Abuse Professionals — evaluate drivers and confirm successful completion of the return-to-duty process.
C/TPAs — manage testing programs, especially for owner-operators who can't self-administer.
Medical Review Officers — verify and report drug test results.
No current or prospective employer?
FMCSA permits a driver without a current or prospective employer to register in the Clearinghouse as an owner-operator and designate a C/TPA for the limited purpose of completing the return-to-duty process. The designated C/TPA can direct the driver to take the return-to-duty test and report the negative result to the Clearinghouse.