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CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
FMCSA to Launch Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse on November 18, 2024

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH)

The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) is a secure online database operated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). DACH provides employers, state driver licensing agencies, and state law enforcement personnel real-time information about Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations.

The DACH contains records of drug and alcohol prohibition violations, including positive drug or alcohol test results and test refusals. When a driver completes the return-to-duty process and follow-up testing plan, this information will be recorded in the Clearinghouse.

Drivers holding CLPs or CDLs are subject to this federal requirement and should be registering with the DACH. Non-CDL holders and their employers are not subject to DACH requirements and should not be registering with the Clearinghouse.

 

DRUG AND ALCOHOL CLEARINGHOUSE STATUS AND CDL DISQUALIFICATION

As established in the first Clearinghouse final rule, drivers with a “prohibited” Clearinghouse status are prohibited from operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) on public roads. 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).

Beginning November 18, 2024, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) will be required to remove commercial driving privileges from the Driver's License of an individual subject to the CMV driving prohibition. This would result in the license being disqualified until the driver completes the return-to-duty (RTD) process.

 

Return to Duty

If a CDL holder is in a prohibited status and wishes to return to duty, they must complete the Return to Duty Process. Find out more information about the Return to Duty Process.

DACH is an FMCSA program that is not administered by the Vermont DMV. For more information, visit the FMCSA clearinghouse website or call the FMCSA information line at 1-800-832-5660.

Get a more detailed FMCSA overview of the DACH process for employers.

FAQs.

How can I get a new photo on my License, Permit or ID?

You must get a new picture taken at least once for every other renewal. You may get a new photo at any time for any reason (for a fee). Complete the required documents and schedule an appointment to visit an office.

What is REAL ID?

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes are:

  • Accessing Federal facilities
  • Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
  • Entering nuclear power plants
Will CDL drivers be required to surrender their unexpired license if they renew early?

No. The current license will be voided and handed back. You should carry the old license with your temporary until the new license arrives. 

Can a driver holding a valid out-of-state license (either CDL or non-CDL) drive a Type II School Bus in the State of Vermont?

If the driver meets all qualifications for a Vermont Type II School Bus endorsement a card will be issued to the individual allowing them to drive a Type II School Bus in this state. These requirements include attending a Vermont school bus clinic, passing all required tests (knowledge, vision, and skill tests), and submitting a medical form.

Can a school bus endorsement be added to an out-of-state CDL?

No, the school bus endorsement must be added by the state that issued the CDL.

Can a driver holding an out-of-state CDL drive a school bus for a Vermont school?

Yes, if their license has both an "S" (school bus) and "P" (passenger) endorsement. There are no additional requirements.