What the FMCSA Clearinghouse is and why you need to register

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse is a federal database that tracks serious safety violations and crashes for commercial drivers. If you operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) — a truck, bus, or other vehicle requiring a commercial driver's license — you or your company must register with the Clearinghouse and report certain safety events to it.

The Clearinghouse launched in December 2020 and is now mandatory for all motor carriers and commercial drivers. It replaced the older paper-based system and allows the FMCSA, law enforcement, and employers to access safety records in real time. Registration itself is free and happens at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov.

You do not need to register if you drive a personal vehicle or a commercial vehicle that does not require a CDL. The requirement applies to anyone operating a vehicle that falls under FMCSA jurisdiction — generally vehicles over 10,001 pounds that carry cargo or passengers for compensation.

Key Takeaways

  • Motor carriers and commercial drivers must register at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov; registration is free and required by federal law.
  • You will need your USDOT number (for carriers) or driver's license number and state (for drivers) to set up an account.
  • The Clearinghouse tracks serious safety violations, crashes, and medical certificate information for all registered commercial drivers.
  • After registration, you must report certain safety events — such as crashes, traffic violations, and medical disqualifications — within 30 days.
  • Employers and drivers can both query the database to check safety records before hiring or employment decisions.

Who must register: carriers, drivers, and third parties

Motor carriers (companies that operate commercial vehicles) must register as an organization. The person registering should have authority to act on behalf of the company — typically a safety manager, compliance officer, or owner. You will need your USDOT number, which is issued by the FMCSA when you first register as a carrier.

Individual commercial drivers can also register directly. A driver registration allows you to view your own record and receive notifications when your information is queried. You will need your driver's license number and the state that issued it.

Third-party service providers — such as insurance companies, brokers, or safety consultants — can register to query records on behalf of their clients, but they cannot report events. Only the carrier or the driver can submit reports to the Clearinghouse.

Step-by-step registration at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov

Go to clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov and select whether you are registering as a motor carrier, a driver, or a third party. Each path is separate.

For a motor carrier, you will create a login using your email address and a password. You will then enter your USDOT number and company information. The system will verify your USDOT number against the FMCSA database. If your company is not yet registered with the FMCSA, you must obtain a USDOT number first through the FMCSA's online registration system.

For a driver, enter your driver's license number, the state that issued it, and your date of birth. Create a login with your email and password. The system will verify your information against state motor vehicle records.

Once your account is created, you can add additional users (for carriers), set up reporting permissions, and begin querying or reporting records. The registration itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, but account verification can take up to one business day.

What events you must report and the 30-day important date

Motor carriers must report the following events within 30 days of occurrence: serious traffic violations (such as speeding 15 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving, or improper lane changes), crashes, and medical certificate suspensions or revocations. Drivers can also report their own violations and crashes if the carrier has not done so.

A crash must be reported if it involves a CMV and results in injury, death, or property damage. Minor fender-benders that do not meet these thresholds do not require reporting, but when in doubt, report it — the Clearinghouse allows you to correct or clarify entries later.

The 30-day window starts from the date the violation occurred or the crash happened, not the date you learned about it. If you miss the important date, the event can still be reported, but late reporting may be noted. Failure to report required events can result in fines and out-of-service orders.

How to query records and what information is visible

Once registered, you can search the Clearinghouse for any driver's record. Motor carriers typically query before hiring or during employment to monitor their drivers' safety history. Drivers can query their own records to verify accuracy.

A query returns the driver's name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a list of all serious violations, crashes, and medical disqualifications on file. The record shows the date of each event and the state where it occurred. You cannot see the details of why a violation occurred or the outcome of any legal proceedings — only that the event was reported.

Queries are logged, and the driver is notified when their record is accessed. This transparency is intentional: drivers have the right to know who is looking at their safety history.

Correcting errors and disputing information in your record

If you find an error in the Clearinghouse — such as a violation reported under the wrong date, a crash that did not involve your vehicle, or a duplicate entry — you can request a correction. The process differs depending on who reported the information.

If a motor carrier reported the event, contact that carrier first and ask them to submit a correction through their Clearinghouse account. If you reported it yourself and made a mistake, you can log in and amend the report. The Clearinghouse does not allow you to delete entries, only to correct factual errors.

If you believe a violation or crash was reported in error and the reporting carrier will not correct it, you can file a dispute with the FMCSA. This process is separate from the Clearinghouse itself and requires documentation. Contact the FMCSA's Office of Safety Analysis for guidance on filing a formal dispute.

Common registration problems and how to fix them

The most common issue is a mismatch between the information you enter and what is on file with the FMCSA or your state's motor vehicle department. If your account verification fails, double-check your USDOT number (for carriers) or driver's license number and state (for drivers). Spaces, hyphens, and leading zeros matter.

If you have recently changed your name, address, or driver's license state, update your information with the FMCSA or your state DMV first, then attempt Clearinghouse registration. The Clearinghouse syncs with these databases, but the sync can take a few business days.

If you forget your login password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the Clearinghouse homepage. You will receive a reset link at the email address associated with your account. If you no longer have access to that email, contact the FMCSA Help Desk at 1-800-832-5660 or through the contact form on clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register if I only drive a commercial vehicle occasionally?

Yes, if you hold a commercial driver's license and operate a CMV that falls under FMCSA jurisdiction, you must be registered in the Clearinghouse. The frequency of driving does not matter. Your employer (the motor carrier) is responsible for ensuring you are registered and for reporting your safety events.

What happens if I don't register or report events on time?

Motor carriers that fail to register or report required events can be fined and placed out of service by the FMCSA. Drivers who do not register may find themselves unable to work for carriers that check the Clearinghouse before hiring. Registration and reporting are mandatory, not optional.

Can I see what other drivers' records look like before I register?

No, you must have a registered account to query any record, including your own. Once you register, you can view your own record when ready and query other drivers' records if you have a business reason to do so (such as hiring or employment decisions).

How long does information stay in the Clearinghouse?

Serious traffic violations and crashes remain on record for three years from the date of the violation or crash. Medical disqualifications remain until they are lifted. After three years, violations and crashes are automatically removed from the searchable database, though historical records are retained by the FMCSA.

What if my company already has a USDOT number but has never registered with the Clearinghouse?

Go to clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov, select "Motor Carrier," and enter your existing USDOT number. The system will pull up your company information automatically. You will then create a login and set up your account. No new USDOT number is needed.