---
title: Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse queries for employers
description: When carriers run a full query before a driver starts, how the annual limited query works, and how long to keep the records.
date: 2026-04-18
lastReviewed: 2026-10-21
canonical: /resources/guides/clearinghouse-query-basics
---
The **FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse** is the database where employers look up whether a driver subject to testing has a drug or alcohol program violation ([49 CFR 382.701](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-382/subpart-G/section-382.701)).

## Short answer



Before a driver performs a safety-sensitive function, run a **full query** with the driver’s specific consent. At least once a year, run a query on every driver you employ who is subject to testing. A **limited query** is enough for that annual check, and if it shows information exists, run a full query within 24 hours. Keep a record of each query for 3 years.



## Typical workflow



### 
  

### 
    Register with FMCSA’s Clearinghouse if you have not already.
  


  

### 
    A full query needs the driver’s specific consent. If the driver refuses, you
    must not permit them to operate a commercial vehicle for you.
  


  

### 
    Complete it before the driver’s first safety-sensitive function.
  


  

### 
    A limited query with the driver’s consent satisfies the annual requirement.
    That consent can cover more than one year.
  


  

### 
    If a limited query shows information exists, run a full query within 24
    hours, or take the driver off safety-sensitive work until you do.
  


  

### 
    Retain a record of each query and what came back for 3 years.
  





## What the query can block

An employer may not allow a driver to perform safety-sensitive work if a query shows a verified positive, adulterated or substituted drug test result, an alcohol result of 0.04 or higher, a refusal to test, or a reported on-duty or pre-duty use violation, unless the driver has completed the return-to-duty process and the follow-up testing plan.

## Example in DQid

Query records can be added to the driver file like other documents, so the date of each query sits beside the rest of the file.



Query timing remains the carrier’s responsibility.

## Sources

- [FMCSA — Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse](https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/)
- [49 CFR 382.701 — Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-382/subpart-G/section-382.701)
- [49 CFR 391.23 — Investigation and inquiries](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-391/subpart-C/section-391.23)