• Limited queries require written consent forms provided by the motor carrier and signed by the driver.
• Full queries require consent by the driver through the driver’s personal Clearinghouse account.

The regulations do not specify the contents or format of the written consent needed for a limited query. Such a consent form:

• Must include a statement signed by the driver that the person agrees to the release of specific information (i.e., confirmation that a Clearinghouse record exists) to a specific person or organization at a particular time (such as annually, or more frequently if desired);
• Can be obtained annually or can be effective for more than one year — even the length of employment — so employers may wish to have drivers sign such a consent form at the time of hire;
• Can be a standalone document or may be included on an application or other form;
• May be paper or electronic (390.32); and
• Must be kept on file until three years after the date of the last query authorized by the consent.

Consent for a full query is done within the Clearinghouse portal. A full query can only be accessed by the motor carrier if the driver has a Clearinghouse account. When a motor carrier requests a full query, the driver must log into a personal Clearinghouse account and give consent to the report.

This is the part in the process where slowdowns can occur. Drivers are encouraged to register for the Clearinghouse so they can respond to requests for consent quickly. If drivers are not registered, requests and responses must be handled via regular mail using the address on the driver’s license, which will delay the process.