How to Verify a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

CDL classes and endorsements

CDLs are issued by state DMVs under federal standards set by FMCSA. There are three CDL classes based on vehicle weight and type, plus endorsements for specialized operations.

Endorsements are printed on the CDL and are specific to the operations the driver has been tested and cleared to perform. Verify that the driver holds the correct endorsements for the work they will be performing.

CDLIS: the federal CDL database

The Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) is a federal database maintained by FMCSA that links CDL records from all 50 states. It ensures drivers can only hold one CDL (federal law prohibits holding CDLs from multiple states) and flags disqualifications, suspensions, and out-of-service orders.

Authorized parties (state DMVs, motor carriers) can query CDLIS. As an employer, the practical approach is:

1. Request the driver's CDL state and CDL number
2. Contact the issuing state DMV to request a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
3. The MVR will include CDL status, endorsements, restrictions, and disqualifications pulled from CDLIS
4. Third-party MVR services can pull records from all states with a single query

FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP)

FMCSA's PSP program (psp.fmcsa.dot.gov) provides access to a driver's 5-year crash history and 3-year inspection history from FMCSA's Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). This goes beyond the CDL record and covers federal-level safety data.

To run a PSP inquiry:

1. Create an account at psp.fmcsa.dot.gov
2. Obtain written consent from the driver (required by FCRA)
3. Submit the driver's information and pay the per-inquiry fee
4. Receive a report showing crashes, roadside inspection violations, and out-of-service events

Medical certification

CDL holders operating in interstate commerce must hold a valid Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical certificate issued by a licensed Medical Examiner on the National Registry (nrcme.fmcsa.dot.gov). Since 2014, medical certification is electronically linked to the CDL record.

When you pull a driver's MVR from the issuing state, the medical certification status (Certified, Not-Certified, or Excepted) will appear on the CDL record. Confirm the medical certification is current and the driver is in the correct certification category for the operation.

• Excepted Interstate: Driver qualifies for an exception from federal medical standards (e.g., vision, diabetes waiver)
• Non-Excepted Interstate: Standard FMCSA medical certification required
• Non-Excepted Intrastate: Subject to state medical standards only — check state requirements

Drug and alcohol clearinghouse

FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov) is a mandatory federal database for CDL holders in safety-sensitive positions. Employers must query the Clearinghouse before hiring a CDL driver and annually thereafter. The Clearinghouse shows:

• Positive drug or alcohol test results
• Test refusals
• Violations of DOT drug/alcohol policy
• Return-to-duty status after violation

Employers must register at the Clearinghouse and obtain driver consent for full-query access. A limited query can be done without consent but only confirms whether a violation exists — not the details.

Red flags

• CDL that cannot be verified with the issuing state DMV
• Expired CDL or expired medical certificate
• Missing endorsements required for the operation (no H endorsement for hazmat, no P for bus)
• CDL from a state where the driver no longer resides — CDL must be issued by state of domicile
• Disqualification or out-of-service order visible on CDLIS/MVR
• Active violation in FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
• Driver unwilling to provide written consent for PSP or Clearinghouse query

Verification checklist