FMCSA Clearinghouse Timeline

▨ January 6, 2023

After this date, the paper previous employer checks process required by 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.25 will no longer be required. All queries to determine new driver past drug & alcohol violations will need to be done through the Clearinghouse.

▨ January 6, 2020

The Clearinghouse opens with mandatory queries of driver history and violations. Manual paper previous employer checks will still be required per 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.25. Annual queries of all existing employer drivers will be required.

▨ November 13, 2019

Orlando, Florida: NDASA sponsored workshop with Clearinghouse education and updates.  Presenters will include FMCSA officials and Patrice Kelly, Director of the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) in the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).  

▨ November 6, 2019

Phoenix, Arizona: NDASA sponsored workshop with Clearinghouse education and updates.  Presenters will include FMCSA officials and Patrice Kelly, Director of the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) in the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

▨ Fall of 2019

No exact date has been announced, FMCSA states in the fall of 2019 Clearinghouse users can register in the clearinghouse so that they can access it goes live on January 6, 2020.  Clearinghouse users will include FMCSA regulated employers, covered drivers, medical review officers (MRO), Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP), State Driver’s License Agencies and Consortium/Third-party Administrators (C/TPA).

▨ September 16–19, 2019

Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (SAPAA) annual conference in Philadelphia, PA with DOT and FMCSA officials attending and presenting.  Any updates regarding the Clearinghouse are expected.

▨ September 10, 2019

Des Moines, Iowa: The National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) sponsored a workshop with Clearinghouse education and updates.  Presenters will include FMCSA officials and Patrice Kelly, Director of the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) in the Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

▨ May 14, 2019

Clearinghouse Services, Inc (FCS) was incorporated in anticipation of the start date of the required reporting to the Clearinghouse – January 6, 2020.  The purpose of Clearinghouse Services, Inc is to help employers comply with the requirements of the Clearinghouse rule. Membership services are available for unlimited consultation with employer responsibilities for the clearinghouse.  FCS is also available for training, consulting and presentations regarding the Clearinghouse.

▨ December 5, 2016

The Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse final rule went into effect, implementation scheduled for January of 2020.