The amount of time it takes for a result to be returned depends on the type of query being conducted and the driver.
Employers are required to perform queries on new hires and all drivers on an annual basis. The pre-employment query is always a full query. Every full query requires the driver to provide electronic consent inside the Clearinghouse system. In order to provide consent, the driver must be registered in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH).
For any assistance with the FMCSA Clearinghouse, a private company, ClearinghouseServices.com is available to provide you with expert assistance, consultation or training. Call (877) 345.2425 or Click to Contact. ClearinghouseServices.com can provide assistance with employer required queries and with driver registration.
How Long does it Take to get back a Query Result from the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
A Pre-employment Query and any Full Query requires the driver to be registered with the DACH and log in to provide electronic consent. The time it takes to receive this result will depend on if the driver is already registered and how long they wait to provide the consent. The Queries do not expire and will be visible on a driver’s dashboard until the driver addresses it (either provides consent or denies it) or until the employer cancels the request. The employer is credited back the query in their account for a cancelled query. I recommend cancelling any query that exceeds 30 days without consent.
If the driver is registered and provides immediate consent, the query result will come back right away. It is important to inform your applicant drivers to immediately register for the Clearinghouse and watch for the e-mail notification for the required electronic consent.
An Annual Limited Query requires the driver to have signed a paper consent form kept on file in the employer’s office. The result of a Limited Query can be returned almost immediately if the driver is not prohibited from driving. This process can take longer with a bulk request due to processing time. If there is information about a driver in the Clearinghouse the employer will be notified that a Full Query is required to be conducted within 24 hours. This is not an indication that the driver is prohibited from driving but only that there is information regarding violations and any return to duty processes on that driver that need to be disclosed.
For efficiency and faster turnaround on the Annual Limited Query; order a limited to full query. With this option if there is a hit on the limited query it will automatically convert to a full query.For expert assistance with FMCSA Clearinghouse queries, visit ClearinghouseServices.com or call 877-345-2424.
