Clearinghouse prohibitions and CDL downgrades
What a prohibited status means, how the return-to-duty process works, and why state restoration is a separate step.
Source review: September 30, 2026. Confirm your individual transaction with the licensing agency.
What changed on November 18, 2024
Under Clearinghouse II, state licensing agencies must remove commercial driving privileges for drivers shown as prohibited and must check status during covered licensing transactions. This affects commercial privileges even if the physical credential has a later expiration date.
The path back to eligibility
Use the Clearinghouse to check your record and designate a qualified substance abuse professional (SAP). Follow the SAP’s evaluation and prescribed education or treatment, then the follow-up evaluation. An employer arranges the required return-to-duty test; a negative result must be reported before prohibited status can be removed. Follow-up testing obligations can continue after return to duty.
Restore the credential with your state
Once eligible in the Clearinghouse, contact the state licensing agency for reinstatement requirements, fees, and confirmation that commercial privileges are active. The federal record and the state credential serve different functions. Keep following the employer’s follow-up testing plan.
Find your state’s next steps
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