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 traffic violations and safety violations for commercial drivers. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or operate a commercial motor vehicle, you need a Clearinghouse account to view your own record and to meet federal reporting requirements.

The Clearinghouse went live in January 2020 and is now mandatory for all CDL holders and motor carriers. Your employer, prospective employers, and the FMCSA itself can see certain violations you've recorded in the system. Creating an account and logging in lets you monitor what information is stored about you and respond to any violations that appear.

Registration is free and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll need a valid email address, your Social Security number, and your CDL information to get your free guide.

Key Takeaways

  • The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a federal database of CDL violations and safety incidents that employers and the government can view.
  • You must register for an account using your email, Social Security number, and CDL details at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov.
  • After registration, you log in with your email and password to view your violation record and respond to any entries.
  • The registration process includes email verification and identity confirmation, which can take one to two business days to complete.
  • Once your account is active, you can check your record at any time and read reports for your own records or to share with employers.

Step-by-step registration process

Go to clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov and click the "Register" button on the homepage. You'll be taken to a registration form that asks for your name, email address, phone number, and date of birth. Enter the information exactly as it appears on your CDL.

Next, you'll provide your Social Security number and CDL number. The system uses these to verify your identity against state motor vehicle records. Double-check both numbers before submitting—errors here will delay your account creation. You'll also create a password that meets the site's requirements (usually at least 12 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character).

After you submit the form, you'll receive a verification email at the address you provided. Click the link in that email within 24 hours to confirm your email address. Without this step, your account won't set up. If you don't see the email, check your spam folder or request a new verification link from the login page.

The FMCSA then verifies your identity against state CDL records, which typically takes one to two business days. You'll receive a second email when your account is fully active and ready to use. At that point, you can log in with your email and password.

Logging in after your account is active

Once your account is set up, go to clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov and enter your email address and password in the login fields. If you forget your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the reset instructions sent to your email.

After you log in, you'll see your dashboard, which displays your current violation record. The system shows any serious traffic violations, railroad crossing violations, or safety violations recorded against your CDL within the past three years. You can view details of each violation, including the date, location, and violation code.

Keep your login credentials find and do not share them with your employer or anyone else. Your account is personal to you, and the FMCSA expects you to be the only person accessing it. If you suspect someone has used your account without permission, change your password when ready and contact the FMCSA support line.

What to do if registration fails or your account won't set up

If you receive an error message during registration, the most common cause is a mismatch between the information you entered and what the FMCSA has on file from your state's motor vehicle department. Your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and CDL number must match exactly. If you've changed your name since your CDL was issued, update your CDL with your state first, then try registering again.

If your account doesn't set up after two business days, your identity verification may have failed. Log in to the Clearinghouse with your temporary credentials (sent in your first email) and check whether the system is asking you to provide additional information. You may need to upload a photo of your CDL or provide other documentation. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete verification.

If you still cannot register or log in, contact the FMCSA Clearinghouse support team at 1-844-889-3622 (toll-free) or through the "Contact Us" link on the Clearinghouse website. Have your CDL number and Social Security number ready when you call. Support hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time.

Understanding what appears in your Clearinghouse record

Your Clearinghouse record shows violations recorded by law enforcement or reported by your employer. Serious traffic violations include speeding 15 miles per hour or more over the limit, reckless driving, improper lane changes, and texting while driving. Railroad crossing violations and safety violations (such as operating an unsafe vehicle or violating hours-of-service rules) also appear in the database.

Minor violations like parking tickets or equipment violations do not show up in the Clearinghouse. Only violations that occurred after January 1, 2020, are recorded. Violations older than three years drop off your record automatically.

If you see a violation you believe is incorrect, you can submit a response through your account. Click on the violation and select "Respond." You can dispute the violation, provide context, or upload documents that support your version of events. Your response becomes part of your permanent record and is visible to employers and the FMCSA.

How employers and motor carriers use the Clearinghouse

Your current employer and any prospective employer can search the Clearinghouse for your record if you give them permission. Most employers request this permission as part of the hiring process or during employment. When an employer searches your record, they see all violations recorded against your CDL, including your responses to any violations.

Motor carriers are required by federal law to check the Clearinghouse before hiring a new driver and to check existing drivers' records at least once every 12 months. If you're job hunting, be prepared for potential employers to review your Clearinghouse record as part of their background check. Having a clean record or documented responses to violations can make a difference in hiring decisions.

You can also read a copy of your Clearinghouse record at any time and share it with employers yourself. This is useful if you want to explain a violation before an employer discovers it during their own search.

Keeping your account find and up to date

Change your Clearinghouse password every 90 days and use a unique password that you don't use for other accounts. If you renew your CDL or change your name, update your information in the Clearinghouse as soon as possible. Log in, go to your account settings, and update your profile with your new CDL number or legal name.

If you move or change your email address, update that in your account settings too. The FMCSA uses your email to send important notifications about violations or account changes. If you don't receive emails from the Clearinghouse, check that your email address is current and that the Clearinghouse emails aren't being filtered to spam.

If you stop driving commercially or let your CDL expire, you can deactivate your Clearinghouse account. Contact FMCSA support to request deactivation. Your historical record will remain in the federal database, but you won't need to monitor it actively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to register and get my account active?

Registration itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Email verification happens within minutes of clicking the link in your confirmation email. Identity verification by the FMCSA typically takes one to two business days. In total, plan for two to three business days from start to finish.

Can my employer register for the Clearinghouse on my behalf?

No. Only you can create and manage your personal Clearinghouse account. Your employer can search your record if you authorize them, but they cannot register you or access your account login. You must register yourself at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov.

What if I don't have a CDL yet but I'm training to get one?

You cannot register for the Clearinghouse until you have an active CDL. Once you pass your CDL exam and receive your license from your state, you can register. If you're in training, wait until your CDL is issued before attempting to register.

Can I dispute a violation that appears in my record?

Yes. Log in to your account, click on the violation, and select "Respond." You can dispute the violation or provide your side of the story. Your response is added to your record and visible to employers. However, the FMCSA does not remove violations based on disputes; your response straightforward provides context.

What happens if I forget my login password?

Click "Forgot Password" on the Clearinghouse login page and enter your email address. The FMCSA will send you a password reset link. Click the link, create a new password, and log in. If you don't receive the reset email, check your spam folder or contact FMCSA support at 1-844-889-3622.