What Is the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse?

The FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure online database that contains information about drug and alcohol program violations involving CDL and CLP holders subject to FMCSA regulations.

When a driver has a DOT drug or alcohol violation, the driver may be placed in a “Prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse. While prohibited, the driver cannot perform safety-sensitive functions, including operating a commercial motor vehicle, until the required Return-to-Duty process is successfully completed.

How Does a SAP Help With the Clearinghouse? 

A DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluates the driver and determines the education and/or treatment required as part of the DOT Return-to-Duty process.

The SAP reports required information to the FMCSA Clearinghouse as the driver progresses through the SAP process. After the driver successfully completes the SAP recommendation and follow-up evaluation, the SAP reports the required eligibility information so the driver can proceed to the next step of the Return-to-Duty process.

The SAP does not remove the violation from the Clearinghouse and does not perform the Return-to-Duty drug or alcohol test. Additional steps must be completed before the driver's Clearinghouse status can return to “Not Prohibited.”

How Do I Change My Clearinghouse Status From Prohibited? 

If your FMCSA Clearinghouse status is “Prohibited” because of a DOT drug or alcohol violation, you must complete the federally required Return-to-Duty process before you can return to DOT safety-sensitive work.

The process generally includes:

1. Select a DOT Qualified SAP in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.

2. Complete the initial SAP evaluation.

3. Complete the education and/or treatment recommended by the SAP.

4. Complete the SAP follow-up evaluation.

5. The SAP reports your successful completion of the SAP process in the Clearinghouse when the applicable requirements have been met.

6. An employer or C/TPA enters the required Return-to-Duty test information, and the driver must receive a negative Return-to-Duty test result before returning to safety-sensitive duties.

Can Gomez DOT SAP Services Help Me With My Clearinghouse Violation?

Yes. Gomez DOT SAP Services works with CDL drivers who need to complete the SAP portion of the DOT Return-to-Duty process following a drug or alcohol violation.

If you are currently listed as Prohibited in the FMCSA Clearinghouse and need to begin the SAP process, you can contact us to schedule an initial DOT SAP evaluation and receive guidance on the required next steps.

Will My DOT Violation Disappear From the FMCSA Clearinghouse?

Completing the Return-to-Duty process does not automatically erase the original DOT drug or alcohol violation from your Clearinghouse record. Instead, completing the required SAP process, Return-to-Duty test, and other applicable requirements allows your Clearinghouse status to change from “Prohibited” to “Not Prohibited” when the federal requirements have been satisfied.

A “Not Prohibited” status means the driver is no longer prohibited by the Clearinghouse from performing safety-sensitive functions. Employers must still follow applicable DOT requirements when hiring or returning a driver to safety-sensitive work.

What If I Don't Have an Employer Yet? 

You can begin the SAP process even if you are not currently employed. Completing the SAP evaluation and the SAP's education and/or treatment recommendation can move you through important portions of the Return-to-Duty process.

However, additional requirements apply before you can return to safety-sensitive duties. Gomez DOT SAP Services can explain which steps involve the SAP and which steps must be coordinated through an employer or other authorized party.

Ready to Start Your FMCSA Return-to-Duty Process? 

If your FMCSA Clearinghouse status is Prohibited and you need a DOT Qualified SAP, Gomez DOT SAP Services can help you begin the required SAP process.

We provide clear guidance through the SAP evaluation, education and/or treatment recommendation, follow-up evaluation, and required SAP reporting so you understand what is required at each step.