What the FMCSA Clearinghouse registration does

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse is a federal database that records safety violations, crashes, and medical certification status for commercial drivers. When you register at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register, you create an account that lets you view your own record, respond to violations, and manage your medical certification information.

Registration is free and separate from your commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal. You need your own login to see what's in your file — employers and safety officials can see your record without your permission, but you cannot see theirs without logging in first.

The Clearinghouse launched in December 2020 and became mandatory for all commercial drivers in February 2022. If you drive a truck or bus for hire, or operate a vehicle that requires a CDL, you should have a Clearinghouse account.

Key Takeaways

  • You register at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register using your Social Security number, date of birth, and state of licensure to create a free account.
  • The Clearinghouse stores your crash history, safety violations, and medical certification status in one place that employers and safety officials can check.
  • You can view your own record, respond to violations you believe are incorrect, and upload proof of medical certification renewal.
  • Registration takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid email address you can access when ready to confirm your account.
  • Your account stays active as long as you hold a CDL; you do not need to renew it separately each year.

What information you need to register

Gather these details before you start: your Social Security number, date of birth, the state that issued your CDL, and your CDL number. You will also need a valid email address that you can check right away, because the FMCSA sends a confirmation link you must click within a set time to complete registration.

Have your CDL itself nearby so you can enter the number correctly. The system will not accept a registration if the CDL number does not match the state and date of birth you provide. If you have held a CDL in more than one state, register under the state where you currently hold your license.

Step-by-step registration process

Go to clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register and select "Register as a Driver." You will see a form asking for your personal information: full name, Social Security number, date of birth, state of CDL, and CDL number. Enter each field exactly as it appears on your license.

Next, create a username and password. The password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @). Write this password down or store it in a password manager — you will need it every time you log in.

Enter your email address and answer two security questions. The FMCSA will send a confirmation email to that address. Open your email, find the message from the FMCSA, and click the confirmation link. Your account becomes active once you click that link.

After confirmation, log back in with your username and password. You will see your Clearinghouse record, which shows any crashes, violations, or medical certification status the FMCSA has on file. If the information is wrong, you can dispute it through your account.

What happens after you register

Once your account is active, your employer or a prospective employer can search the Clearinghouse using your name and CDL number. They will see your crash history, safety violations from the past three years, and whether your medical certification is current or expired. You cannot prevent them from seeing this information.

You can log in anytime to check what is in your file. If you see a violation or crash you believe is incorrect, you can submit a dispute through your account. The FMCSA will review your dispute and update your record if they find an error.

If your medical certification is expiring soon, you can upload proof of renewal to your Clearinghouse account. This updates your status when ready so employers see that your certification is current. You do not need to wait for a new CDL card to arrive in the mail.

Disputing information in your record

If your Clearinghouse record shows a crash or violation that you believe is wrong, log into your account and select the entry you want to dispute. Explain why the information is incorrect and upload any supporting documents — a police report, a court order, or a letter from your employer, for example.

The FMCSA reviews disputes within 30 days. If they find that the information was entered in error, they will remove it from your record. If they find that the information is correct, your dispute will be denied and the entry will remain on your file. You can dispute the same entry only once.

A dispute does not remove the entry from your record while it is being reviewed. Employers can still see it during that time. If you believe a violation was issued unfairly, you may need to challenge it through your state's CDL appeals process rather than through the Clearinghouse.

Keeping your account find and current

Change your password every 90 days and never share your login with anyone else. Your Clearinghouse account is personal to you, and logging in on someone else's behalf or letting them use your credentials can create legal problems if violations are later disputed or if your record is accessed without your knowledge.

Update your email address if it changes. The FMCSA may send important notices about your record to that address. If you no longer have access to the email you registered with, contact the FMCSA to update it before you lose access to your account.

If you let your CDL expire or switch to a non-commercial license, your Clearinghouse account remains in the system but becomes inactive. If you renew your CDL later, you can log back in with the same username and password.

What the Clearinghouse does not cover

The Clearinghouse records only violations and crashes reported to the FMCSA by law enforcement, your employer, or a state motor vehicle agency. It does not include traffic tickets for non-commercial vehicles, parking violations, or minor infractions that do not involve a commercial vehicle.

The Clearinghouse also does not replace your driving record with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Employers may check both — your state record for your overall driving history and the Clearinghouse for commercial safety violations specifically. You can request your state record separately from your DMV.

Medical certification status in the Clearinghouse shows only whether your current certificate is valid. It does not show the results of your medical exam or any conditions noted by the medical examiner. Those details stay between you and your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forget my username or password?

Go to clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register and select "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password." The system will ask you to verify your identity using your Social Security number and date of birth, then send a reset link to your registered email address. Click the link and create a new password.

Can I register if I have a CDL from another country?

No. The Clearinghouse is for drivers who hold a U.S. commercial driver's license. If you have an international CDL or a license from a foreign country, you cannot register in the Clearinghouse unless you also hold a valid CDL from a U.S. state.

Do I need to register if I only drive occasionally for work?

If you operate a vehicle that requires a CDL under federal law, you should register. This includes trucks over 26,001 pounds, buses carrying passengers, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials. If you are unsure whether your vehicle requires a CDL, check with your state's DMV or your employer.

How long does it take for my medical certification to show as current after I upload it?

The Clearinghouse updates your medical certification status within one business day of receiving your upload. Make sure you upload the correct document — the FMCSA accepts the Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5875) or a state-issued medical certificate that meets federal standards.

What if an employer sees incorrect information about me in the Clearinghouse?

Log into your account and file a dispute for any entry you believe is wrong. Send your employer a message explaining that you have disputed the information and that the FMCSA is reviewing it. While the dispute is pending, the incorrect entry will still be visible to them, but they will know you have challenged it.