Memorandum

Before we can proceed with any DOT-related services, you must be registered with the FMCSA Clearinghouse and have designated DATCO as your C/TPA.

To register, visit https://portal.fmcsa.dot.gov
For guidance, see https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov

TPA

All DOT employers — especially owner-operators — must designate a C/TPA in the FMCSA Clearinghouse to manage queries and report violations.

To designate DATCO:
Log in at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov, go to your Employer Dashboard, and search for DATCO under “Who is your C/TPA?”
Make sure to authorize us to perform the required functions, then click Save to send the request.

Designation is not complete until we accept it in the system.

Employer Facts

All employers of CDL drivers operating under FMCSA authority are required to register with the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

This includes owner-operators. Registration is mandatory before any DOT services can begin. Once registered, employers must also ensure their drivers are added to the system and queries as well.

Purchase Queries

All employers must purchase a query plan through the FMCSA Clearinghouse to run required queries on CDL drivers. C/TPAs cannot purchase this for you — only registered employers can.

To buy:
Log in at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov, go to Query Plan, and choose the number of queries you need. Each query costs $1.25. Payments are processed securely through Pay.gov.

Your query balance must be active before DATCO can run any queries on your behalf.

Driver Instructions

All CDL drivers must register with the FMCSA Clearinghouse to view records and respond to employer consent requests.

To register:
Go to https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register, create a login.gov account, and follow the prompts to complete your profile. You’ll need your CDL info on hand.

Owner-operators should register as employers, not drivers.
Questions? Visit https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/contact. Or call us at (530)-268-8101

Query Response

Drivers must respond to Clearinghouse consent requests before an employer or C/TPA can run a full query.

To respond:
Log in at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov and check your Dashboard for pending requests.

Delays in responding may hold up hiring or prevent you from performing safety-sensitive duties.

Driver Facts

If you hold a CDL or CLP and operate under FMCSA authority, you must be registered in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Drivers are responsible for giving electronic consent before an employer can run a full query. You must also be registered to view your own Clearinghouse record.

Registration is required and can be completed at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov.