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 may need to register and check this database as part of hiring, employment, or licensing requirements.
The Clearinghouse stores records of violations like speeding 15+ mph over the limit, reckless driving, improper lane changes, texting while driving, and railroad crossing violations. Employers and licensing agencies use it to make hiring and renewal decisions. Registration at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov lets you view your own record, set up monitoring, and understand what information is publicly available about your driving history.
You do not have to register to have a record in the Clearinghouse — violations are added automatically when reported by law enforcement or courts. Registration gives you access to see what is there and to receive notifications if new violations are added to your file.
Key Takeaways
- The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a federal database of serious traffic and safety violations for commercial drivers, and violations are recorded automatically by courts and law enforcement.
- Registration at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov lets you view your own violation record and set up alerts when new violations are added.
- You will need a valid email address and either a CDL number or your Social Security number to create an account.
- Employers and state licensing agencies can search the Clearinghouse during hiring and license renewal, so knowing what is in your record helps you prepare.
- Violations remain in the Clearinghouse for three years from the date of conviction, and you can request removal if a violation was dismissed or overturned.
How to create your Clearinghouse account
Go to clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov and select "Register" or "Create Account." You will be asked to provide your email address, create a password, and verify your identity. Have your CDL number or Social Security number ready — the system uses one of these to confirm you are the person whose record you are accessing.
After you submit your information, you will receive a verification email. Click the link in that email to confirm your address. Once confirmed, you can log in and view your violation record when ready. The process typically takes a few minutes, and there is no fee to register or view your own record.
If you do not have a CDL but operate a commercial motor vehicle under certain exemptions, you may still have a record in the Clearinghouse. Contact the FMCSA directly at 1-800-832-5660 if you are unsure whether you need to register or if you have trouble accessing your account.
What information appears in your Clearinghouse record
Your record shows serious traffic violations and safety violations recorded by state courts and law enforcement agencies. These include speeding 15 or more miles per hour over the posted limit, reckless driving, improper lane changes, texting or phone use while driving, railroad crossing violations, and failure to obey traffic control devices. Minor violations like parking tickets or low-speed speeding do not appear.
Each violation entry includes the date of the violation, the state where it occurred, the violation type, and the date it was convicted or adjudicated. The record also shows when the violation will be removed — violations stay in the Clearinghouse for three years from the conviction date.
You can read or print your record from your account dashboard. This is useful if you need to show a potential employer or licensing agency that your record is clear, or to dispute a violation you believe is incorrect.
Setting up monitoring and alerts
Once you are registered, you can turn on monitoring to receive email notifications whenever a new violation is added to your record. This helps you catch errors early and stay aware of what employers and licensing agencies will see about you.
To enable monitoring, log into your account, go to your profile settings, and select the option to receive alerts. You will get an email each time a new violation is recorded. If you see a violation you believe is wrong — for example, if the charge was dismissed or you were found not guilty — you can request that it be removed from the Clearinghouse.
Monitoring is free and does not affect your driving record or insurance. It is purely informational and helps you stay in control of your own data.
How employers and licensing agencies use the Clearinghouse
When you explore for a commercial driving job, the employer may search the Clearinghouse to review your violation history. State licensing agencies also check the Clearinghouse when you renew your CDL or explore for a new one. These searches are recorded, and you can see in your account who has looked up your record and when.
Employers are not required to hire or retain you based on what they find, and different companies have different policies about which violations disqualify a driver. Some violations may result in automatic disqualification under federal safety rules, while others are left to the employer's judgment. Knowing what is in your record before an employer sees it gives you a chance to explain or provide context if needed.
If you are explore for a job in transportation or a safety-sensitive role, ask the employer whether they will check the Clearinghouse and what their policy is on violations. This helps you understand the stakes and prepare your process accordingly.
Disputing or removing violations from your record
If a violation in the Clearinghouse is incorrect — for example, the charge was dismissed, you were acquitted, or the conviction was overturned — you can request removal. Log into your account, select the violation you want to dispute, and submit a removal request. You will need to provide documentation showing why the violation should be removed, such as a court order, dismissal letter, or acquittal notice.
The FMCSA reviews removal requests and typically responds within 30 days. If your request is approved, the violation is deleted from the Clearinghouse. If it is denied, you will receive an explanation and information about how to appeal.
You cannot remove a violation straightforward because you disagree with it or because time has passed. The violation must be factually incorrect, dismissed, or overturned by a court. Violations are automatically removed three years after the conviction date, so if a violation is old and you have a clean record since then, it will disappear on its own.
Troubleshooting login and account issues
If you forget your password, click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the email instructions to reset it. If you do not receive the reset email, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes — sometimes the email is delayed.
If you cannot log in after resetting your password, or if you get an error message saying your identity cannot be verified, contact the FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660 or email support through the Clearinghouse website. Have your CDL number, Social Security number, and email address ready when you call. The support team can help you verify your identity or troubleshoot technical problems.
If you believe someone else has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and contact FMCSA support to report the unauthorized access. They can help find your account and review the access history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register if I have a CDL?
No. Registration is optional and free. You have a record in the Clearinghouse automatically if you have been convicted of a serious traffic or safety violation, but you do not have to register to have that record. Registration straightforward lets you view your own information and set up alerts. Many drivers register so they know what employers will see.
How long do violations stay in the Clearinghouse?
Violations remain for three years from the date of conviction. After three years, they are automatically removed. If a violation is dismissed or overturned before the three years are up, you can request removal at any time by submitting documentation of the dismissal or acquittal.
Can I see who looked up my Clearinghouse record?
Yes. When you log into your account, you can view a list of searches performed on your record, including the date, time, and the organization that searched. This shows you when employers or licensing agencies have reviewed your information.
What if I was found not guilty or the charge was dismissed?
If you were acquitted or the charge was dismissed, the violation should not be in the Clearinghouse. If it is, submit a removal request with a copy of the court order or dismissal letter. The FMCSA will review it and remove the violation if the documentation supports removal.
Is there a fee to register or view my record?
No. Registration and viewing your own record are free. Employers and licensing agencies may pay a fee to search the Clearinghouse, but you do not pay anything to create an account or monitor your own information.