Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Status and CDL Downgrades

Drivers with a “prohibited” Clearinghouse status are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The second Clearinghouse final rule (Clearinghouse-II) further supports this by ensuring that drivers with a “prohibited” Clearinghouse status do not continue to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

The Missouri Department of Revenue is implementing provisions of the federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) final rule on November 12, 2024. This is prior to the federal regulation final compliance date of November 18, 2024.

Commercial Driver License or Commercial Learner’s Permit Applicant

In accordance with 49 CFR §383, upon application for a CDL or CLP, the license agency will submit an inquiry to the DACH as part of any CDL or CLP application. If the response from the DACH indicates the applicant is in prohibited status, the new, renewal or duplicate application will be denied. The driver must complete return to duty requirements as required by federal regulation and have their status updated in the DACH to be eligible to complete a CDL or CLP application. Drivers who remain in a prohibited status will be limited to a noncommercial application only.

Current Commercial Driver License or Commercial Learner’s Permit Holders

Current CDL or CLP holders are also subject to the provisions of the DACH. The Department of Revenue will receive an automatic notice from the DACH when a current MO CDL or CLP holder is updated with a prohibited status. Upon posting of the status the driver is prohibited from operating a CMV. Upon notice of the prohibited status, the driver’s commercial status will be downgraded on the Missouri driver license record. Notice of the downgrade action will be mailed to the driver. The commercial status will remain downgraded until the driver completes the mandatory return to duty steps, and they are no longer showing as prohibited in the DACH. Upon completion of return to duty requirements an automatic notification will be sent to the licensing agency and immediate action will be taken to restore an otherwise eligible driver’s commercial status.

Prior CDL holders who remain in a prohibited status and apply for a noncommercial license at time of renewal; will be required to complete all knowledge and skills testing to obtain a CDL.

The Department of Revenue does not have authority over federal screening requirements, action taken within the DACH, or requirements for return to duty. The Department cannot override a DACH prohibition. The prohibited status must be removed within the DACH. If the prohibited status was determined to have been posted erroneously, the DACH will send a notice to the state and the drivers downgrade action and status will be removed.

FMCSA’s Clearinghouse website contains important resources, such as user brochures and instructional documents, including step-by-step registration instructions for all users.

Employers and others can visit https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov to access these resources.