Step-by-step RTD (unemployed driver → owner-operator → pick C/TPA)

2A) Log in to Clearinghouse

• Go to Clearinghouse and log in using his Login.gov account.
  
• He’ll land on his Driver Dashboard.

2B) Add an Employer role (as Owner-Operator)

1. In the menu/dashboard, choose “Add Role” / “Register as Employer”.
   
2. Select Employer.
   
3. When asked the employer type, choose Owner-Operator.
   
   • FMCSA says owner-operators must have both roles if they’re self-employed or unemployed completing RTD.

2C) Complete employer registration even if he has no USDOT number

• The system asks for a USDOT number, but regulations allow registration without one; FMCSA may instead verify identity another way.
  
• So he should:
  
  • Enter a USDOT number if he has one, OR
    
  • Continue and provide the alternate identity info the site requests if he doesn’t.
    

He’s now an owner-operator employer in the system solely to finish RTD.

Then he selects/designates the C/TPA

3A) Contact a C/TPA first

FMCSA advises contacting them before designating.  Ask:

• “Do you handle RTD for unemployed/owner-operator drivers?”
  
• “Can you accept my Clearinghouse designation and order/report RTD?”
  
• “What’s the total fee and how do you schedule?”
  

Get their exact Clearinghouse-registered business name.

3B) Designate the C/TPA in Clearinghouse

1. Switch to Employer Dashboard (he’ll now have a tab/role switch).
   
2. Go to Manage → C/TPA.
   
3. Search/select the C/TPA by their exact name.
   
4. Authorize them for RTD reporting. (Check whatever boxes let them report RTD info at minimum.)
   
5. Click Save/Submit.
   
6. Wait for the C/TPA to accept so status shows Active.