What is the Clearinghouse?
The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is now fully operational, and mandatory use is now in effect. Drivers, employers, and service agents are required to use the Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse is a secure online database that gives employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs), and State law enforcement personnel real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations.
What has changed since the Clearinghouse launched
- 6 January 2023 — a pre-employment Clearinghouse query now satisfies the three-year inquiry requirement on its own. The parallel manual inquiry to previous employers is no longer required for that period.
- 18 November 2024 — under the second Clearinghouse rule, State Driver Licensing Agencies must downgrade the CDL or CLP of any driver in a Prohibited status until the return-to-duty process is complete.
- 27 April 2026 — people registering for certain Clearinghouse accounts, including SAP accounts, must complete identity verification before the account can be used.