How to Designate a C/TPA in the Clearinghouse

By Evergreen ComplyLast verified November 2026Reviewed against the eCFR

The short answer

Sign in to the Clearinghouse. Open My Dashboard, then Manage, then C/TPAs. Search for your C/TPA, click Designate, check what it may do, and click Save. It is not active until your C/TPA accepts. 49 CFR 382.705

What a C/TPA is

A consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) runs drug and alcohol testing for employers. In the Clearinghouse it can report violations and return-to-duty results and run queries for you. You stay responsible for all of it.

Who has to name one

An owner-operator who drives under their own authority must name a C/TPA. A carrier with drivers may name one, but does not have to.

The six steps

  1. Sign in at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov with your Login.gov email and password.
  2. Under My Dashboard, go to Manage and click C/TPAs.
  3. Type your C/TPA’s name in “Who is your C/TPA?” and search.
  4. Check the address under the name. Then click Designate.
  5. Check what it may do for you: report violations, report return-to-duty information, and conduct queries. An owner-operator must let at least one C/TPA report violations.
  6. Click Save. The request is not sent until you do.

Then tell your C/TPA. It has to accept the request on its side.

Pending, Active, Rejected

Pending
Not sent yet, or your C/TPA has not answered. Delete Request cancels it.
Active
Your C/TPA accepted. Revoke Access removes it.
Rejected
Your C/TPA declined. Click Revoke Access to clear it, then try again.

Changed C/TPAs? Update the Clearinghouse within 10 days.

Queries cost extra

Queries are $1.25 each, and only you can buy the plan. Your C/TPA can run the queries once you have one.

Sources

This guide summarizes federal requirements and is not legal advice. Next: DOT random drug testing requirements.