CDLIS Search: Find Every CDL a Commercial Driver Has Held
A CDLIS search shows where a commercial driver holds a license today.
Additionally, it reveals up to three prior CDL numbers and the states that issued them.
Therefore, you know exactly which state driving records to order next.
What Is a CDLIS Search?
CDLIS stands for Commercial Driver’s License Information System.
It is a nationwide pointer system for commercial driver records.
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) operates it on behalf of FMCSA.
Congress created the system through the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.
Since then, every state licensing agency checks CDLIS before it issues a commercial license.
As a result, each commercial driver should hold only one license and one complete record.
In fact, 49 CFR 383.21 bars a driver from holding more than one license.
However, some applicants still leave a prior state off the job application.
A CDLIS search for employers closes that gap before you hire.
CDLIS at a glance
- Operated byAAMVA, on behalf of FMCSA
- Created byCommercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986
- Federal law49 U.S.C. § 31309; 49 CFR Parts 383 and 384
- PurposeOne license and one record for each commercial driver
- Our price$24.50 per search
- TurnaroundNear-instant results
What a CDLIS Report Shows
Each CDLIS report gives you six key data points about the driver.
Current State and CDL Number
The report names the driver’s present jurisdiction and current license number.
Up to Three Prior CDLs
Additionally, it lists up to three previously held CDL numbers.
Name and AKA Information
The report also returns other names linked to the driver’s record.
Date of Birth
Furthermore, it confirms the date of birth on file with the state.
Social Security Number Match
It then shows whether the Social Security number matches the record.
Near-Instant Results
Most searches return within moments, so your hiring keeps moving.
A CDLIS report is a pointer, not a driving history
The report does not list violations, suspensions, or accidents.
Therefore, order a motor vehicle record (MVR) for each state the report reveals.
CDLIS Search and FMCSA Driver Qualification Rules
Federal rules require motor carriers to investigate every driver’s licensing history.
Consequently, a CDLIS check supports several driver qualification duties.
49 CFR 391.23
Driving Records From Every State
Carriers must request a record from each licensing authority.
Specifically, the inquiry covers every state where the driver held a license during the preceding three years.
Moreover, carriers must make it within 30 days after employment begins.
49 CFR 391.25
Annual MVR Review
Carriers must also review each driver’s record at least once every 12 months.
Therefore, you need the correct state of record every year.
49 CFR 383.21
One License Per Driver
No commercial driver may hold more than one license at any time.
A CDLIS search helps you spot a second license quickly.
Rule Update
§ 391.27 No Longer Applies
FMCSA removed the annual list of violations, effective May 9, 2022.
However, the annual MVR review under § 391.25 still applies.
Why Motor Carriers Run a CDLIS Check
A job application shows only what the driver chooses to disclose.
In contrast, a CDLIS report shows what state licensing agencies have on file.
- Catch prior licenses that the applicant did not list.
- Find the correct state of record before you order MVRs.
- Detect a driver who holds more than one license.
- Confirm identity with name, date of birth, and SSN match.
- Build a complete driver qualification file from day one.
Additionally, DOT-regulated employers must query the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
That query must happen before a driver starts safety-sensitive work.
Meanwhile, a Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report adds crash and inspection history.
Pair CDLIS with these searches
- Driving historyMVR check for employment, $15 + state fee
- State pricingMVR fees by state
- Criminal historyCounty criminal court search, $18 + court fees
- Full packageFCRA employment screening, $58
How to Order a CDLIS Search
CDLIS is a restricted employment screening product.
Therefore, we verify your business use before we enable it.
Open an Account
First, open a business account online.
You can also add optional Multiple Authentication Factor (MAF) security for every user.
Document Your Business Use
Next, contact us to complete the business-use documentation.
We then enable CDLIS on your account.
Get the Driver’s Authorization
Then give the driver a standalone FCRA disclosure.
Additionally, collect a signed written authorization.
Place Your Order
Finally, enter the driver’s details and submit the search.
Results usually appear within moments.
Sample CDLIS Report
The sample below uses a fictitious driver to show the report layout.
CDLIS Search Result
Previously held CDL numbers
Recommended next step
Order driving records from Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas to complete the file.
Sample only. The driver, license numbers, and results shown are fictitious.
CDLIS Search Questions and Answers
What is a CDLIS search?
A CDLIS search queries the Commercial Driver’s License Information System.
It returns the driver’s current state of record and CDL number.
Additionally, it lists up to three prior CDL numbers and any AKA names.
Does a CDLIS report show violations or accidents?
No, a CDLIS report works as a pointer and not as a driving history.
Therefore, it does not list violations, suspensions, or accidents.
Instead, order an MVR from each state the report identifies.
Does FMCSA require a CDLIS search?
FMCSA rules do not name the CDLIS search itself.
However, 49 CFR 391.23 requires a driving record from every state of licensure during the preceding three years.
Consequently, a CDLIS search is the practical way to find those states.
How much does a CDLIS search cost, and how fast is it?
A CDLIS search costs $24.50 per driver.
Moreover, most searches return near-instant results.
Who can order a CDLIS search?
Employers and their agents with a verified business use can order it.
Because CDLIS is a restricted product, we enable it after you complete business-use documentation.
Additionally, you need the driver’s written authorization under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Start Your CDLIS Search Today
Open your account now, and then contact us to complete the business-use documentation.
Questions? Call (800) 661-0278 or email support@usabackground.com.
BCS Background Screening LLC provides this page for general information only, and it is not legal advice. Therefore, consult qualified counsel about your FMCSA and Fair Credit Reporting Act duties.