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CDL Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What is the CDL Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse?​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admini​stration Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse​ is an online database that tracks violations of the U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing program for commercial driver license or commercial learner permit holders.

How can I get disqualified in the clearinghouse?

If you have a prohibited status in the clearinghouse, you are unable to operate a commercial motor vehicle. The clearinghouse will electronically notify the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles of any clearinghouse status changes. NCDMV is required to: 

  1. Disqualify drivers for a minimum of 30 days until successful completion, assessment and treatment by a substance abuse professional  
  1. Return to duty test with a negative result.  

​Additionally, NCDMV is required to check the clearinghouse before the issuance, renewal, replacement or upgrade of a commercial driver license. If you have a prohibited status in the clearinghouse, you are ineligible for a commercial driver license or commercial learner permit. NCDMV does not have the authority to change your driver's status, accelerate the return to duty process or remove a prohibited status in the clearinghouse. 

How can I return to duty? 

The return to duty process is a series of steps drivers in a prohibited status must complete to regain their commercial driving privileges. This includes: 

  1. Meeting with a USDOT qualified substance abuse professional for an evaluation 
  1. Completing the educational and/or treatment programs recommended by the substance abuse professional 
  1. Substance abuse professional reevaluation and establishing a follow-up testing plan 
  1. Successful completion of the return to duty drug and alcohol test
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​​​​​​Will I need a substance abuse professional?

A substance abuse professional is an individual certified by USDOT to oversee a commercial driver’s progression through the return to duty process.  

If you violate the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's drug and alcohol policies, your employer is expected to provide you with a list of substance abuse professionals. You have the option to choose from this list or find your own substance abuse professional.   

You must log into your clearinghouse account and designate which substance abuse professional you will be using. The substance abuse professional will then begin their evaluation to determine what programs are necessary for you to regain commercial driving privileges.

​What else do I need to know?

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  • How Do I Access the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

    ​It can be accessed by visiting the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse website. Registration​ is required to use the clearinghouse.

  • What happens if I do not follow the return to duty process and remain in a prohibited status?

    ​You will not have the option to reinstate your commercial driver license or commercial learner permit again until the return to duty process is completed.



  • What happens after I complete the return to duty process?

    ​You can return to NCDMV to reinstate your commercial driver license and or commercial learner permit.​

  • What documentation do I submit to NCDMV?

    ​No documentation will need to be submitted to the NCDMV at any point in the process. Everything is handled through the clearinghouse.​

  • Will NCDMV notify me about my status ?

    ​Yes, but only when your status is initially put into a prohibited status. All subsequent updates will be provided through your clearinghouse account. ​

  • Should I notify the NCDMV upon completing the return to duty process?

    ​NCDMV will be automatically notified by the clearinghouse. No action is needed on your part.​

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11/2/2025 1:34 PM

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