DOT Drug Testing Locations Clayton, CA
Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Clayton, CA and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes who are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in Clayton, CA including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same day service is available in most cases.
Scheduling a DOT test is Fast and Easy, call our scheduling department or schedule your test online 24/7
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center.
5167 CLAYTON RD STE H 2.0 miles
CONCORD, CA 94521
3774 RAILROAD AVE STE C 5.0 miles
PITTSBURG, CA 94565
320 LENNON LN FL 2 5.3 miles
WALNUT CREEK, CA 94598
1001 PITTSBURG ANTIOCH HWY STE B 5.3 miles
PITTSBURG, CA 94565
2477 PACHECO ST 5.9 miles
CONCORD, CA 94520
1251 CALIFORNIA AVE STE 600 6.1 miles
PITTSBURG, CA 94565
2425 East Street, Suite 6 6.1 miles
Concord, CA 94520
1901 RAILROAD AVE STE B 6.1 miles
PITTSBURG, CA 94565
2540 EAST ST 6.1 miles
CONCORD, CA 94520
108 LA CASA VIA, STE 105 6.2 miles
WALNUT CREEK, CA 94598
2339 BUCHANAN RD 6.4 miles
ANTIOCH, CA 94509
2090 COMMERCE AVE 6.5 miles
CONCORD, CA 94520
2231 GALAXY CT 6.6 miles
CONCORD, CA 94520
3400 DELTA FAIR BLVD 6.7 miles
ANTIOCH, CA 94509
1981 N BROADWAY Ste 190 7.3 miles
WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596
2280 DIAMOND BLVD STE 520 7.3 miles
CONCORD, CA 94520
1425 S MAIN ST 7.5 miles
WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596
401 Gregory Ln, Ste 146 7.5 miles
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
609 GREGORY LN STE 100 7.9 miles
PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523
3901 LONE TREE WAY 8.4 miles
ANTIOCH, CA 94509
1805 ARNOLD DR 9.5 miles
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
3450 HILLCREST AVE 9.7 miles
ANTIOCH, CA 94531
4501 SAND CREEK RD 10.1 miles
ANTIOCH, CA 94531
827 ARNOLD DR STE 70 10.5 miles
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
6001 NORRIS CANYON RD Ste 142 11.4 miles
SAN RAMON, CA 94583
5601 NORRIS CANYON RD STE 140 11.4 miles
SAN RAMON, CA 94583
3237 ALHAMBRA AVE STE 2 11.4 miles
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
2301 CAMINO RAMON STE 108 11.5 miles
SAN RAMON, CA 94583
200 MUIR RD Hacienda Bldg, 1st Floor 11.5 miles
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
2400 BALFOUR RD Ste 230 12.3 miles
BRENTWOOD, CA 94513
3901 WALNUT BLVD STE A-2 12.8 miles
BRENTWOOD, CA 94513
1181 Central Boulevard, Suite C 12.8 miles
Brentwood, CA 94513
538 STONE RD STE G 14.0 miles
BENICIA, CA 94510
7667 AMADOR VALLEY BLVD 16.1 miles
DUBLIN, CA 94568
4000 DUBLIN BLVD STE 150 16.7 miles
DUBLIN, CA 94568
1100 ROSE DR ste 140 16.9 miles
BENICIA, CA 94510
2042 Columbus Pkwy, 16.9 miles
Benicia, CA 94510
5720 Stoneridge Mall Road, Suite 110 17.2 miles
Pleasanton, CA 94588
4847 HOPYARD RD STE 4-424 17.3 miles
PLEASANTON, CA 94588
7601 STONERIDGE DR FL 1 17.3 miles
PLEASANTON, CA 94588
4749 SURREY LN 17.5 miles
EL SOBRANTE, CA 94803
3128 SANTA RITA RD 17.6 miles
PLEASANTON, CA 94566
5635 W LAS POSITAS BLVD 17.7 miles
PLEASANTON, CA 94588
2224 DELUCCHI DR 18.0 miles
PLEASANTON, CA 94588
2 TERMINAL 18.1 miles
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94128
2324 SANTA RITA RD STE 4 18.2 miles
PLEASANTON, CA 94566
2450 ASHBY AVE 18.5 miles
BERKELEY, CA 94705
1517 GRAND AVE 18.6 miles
PIEDMONT, CA 94611
3200 BUSCH RD 18.8 miles
PLEASANTON, CA 94566
20400 Lake Chabot Rd Ste 101, 18.8 miles
Castro Valley, CA 94546
4069 PIEDMONT AVE STE 910 19.0 miles
OAKLAND, CA 94611
520 6TH ST 19.1 miles
RODEO, CA 94572
500 Alfred Nobel Drive, Suite 115 19.2 miles
Hercules, CA 94547
3000 LAS POSITAS RD 19.2 miles
LIVERMORE, CA 94551
13939 E 14TH ST 19.3 miles
SAN LEANDRO, CA 94578
3701 BROADWAY FL 5 19.4 miles
OAKLAND, CA 94611
3300 WEBSTER ST, STE 1110 19.6 miles
OAKLAND, CA 94609
350 HAWTHORNE AVE 19.7 miles
OAKLAND, CA 94609
7817 OAKPORT ST 19.8 miles
OAKLAND, CA 94621
7901 OAKPORT ST STE 4950 2ND FLOOR 19.8 miles
OAKLAND, CA 94621
1111 E STANLEY BLVD 20.0 miles
LIVERMORE, CA 94550
1133 E STANLEY BLVD Ste 151 20.0 miles
LIVERMORE, CA 94550
401 ROLAND WAY STE 205 20.2 miles
OAKLAND, CA 94621
2505 BATAAN ST STE O 20.2 miles
OAKLAND, CA 94607
2850 7TH ST STE 100 20.3 miles
BERKELEY, CA 94710
1700 BROADWAY STE 310 20.4 miles
OAKLAND, CA 94612
24326 MISSION BLVD STE 3 20.6 miles
HAYWARD, CA 94544
2587 MERCED ST 20.7 miles
SAN LEANDRO, CA 94577
6001 SHELLMOUND ST STE 850 20.7 miles
EMERYVILLE, CA 94608
243 GEORGIA ST STE B 20.8 miles
VALLEJO, CA 94590
2421 ENCINAL AVE STE A 20.8 miles
ALAMEDA, CA 94501
1555 DOOLITTLE DR STE 180 20.9 miles
SAN LEANDRO, CA 94577
384 EMBARCADERO W 21.1 miles
OAKLAND, CA 94607
300 HOSPITAL DR 21.1 miles
VALLEJO, CA 94589
17 Tennessee St 21.3 miles
Vallejo, CA 94590
975 SERENO DR 21.3 miles
VALLEJO, CA 94589
2111 Whitehall Place, Suite D 21.4 miles
Alameda, CA 94501
2970 HILLTOP MALL RD STE 203 21.6 miles
RICHMOND, CA 94806
3726 BARRETT AVE 21.7 miles
RICHMOND, CA 94805
5570 STOCKTON LOOP 21.8 miles
LIVERMORE, CA 94550
2000 VALE RD 22.0 miles
SAN PABLO, CA 94806
2425 CHURCH LN 22.0 miles
SAN PABLO, CA 94806
120 BROADWAY STE 23 22.4 miles
RICHMOND, CA 94804
27200 CALAROGA AVE 22.9 miles
HAYWARD, CA 94545
1411 Oliver Road, Suite 130 23.1 miles
Fairfield, CA 94534
901 NEVIN AVE BLDG B FLOOR 1 23.2 miles
RICHMOND, CA 94801
26250 INDUSTRIAL BLVD STE 32 23.3 miles
HAYWARD, CA 94545
2470 HILBORN RD STE 110 23.9 miles
FAIRFIELD, CA 94534
29000 HESPERIAN BLVD 23.9 miles
HAYWARD, CA 94545
3555 WHIPPLE RD 24.5 miles
UNION CITY, CA 94587
33077 ALVARADO NILES RD 24.7 miles
UNION CITY, CA 94587
33560 ALVARADO NILES RD 24.8 miles
UNION CITY, CA 94587
(Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)
Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our Clayton, CA Drug testing locations, Call us Today!
"When you need a test, choose the best"
How to schedule a DOT drug test in Clayton, CA
To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Clayton, CA call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.
The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center which performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smart phone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.
Our laboratories are SAMHSA certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).
In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in Clayton, CA , Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.
On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
What are the DOT drug testing requirements?
In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.
49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as part 40) explains:
- How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
- Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
- What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation
Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:
- The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
- Who is subject to comply with these regulations
- What type of testing is required
- When testing is required
- Consequences of non-compliance
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regards to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take affect on January 6, 2020.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.
For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (14 CFR Part 120)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG) (46 CFR Parts 4,5 and 16)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (49 CFR Part 382)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) (49 CFR Part 199)
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) (49 CFR Part 655)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (49 CFR Part 219)
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
- Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
- Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
- An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
- About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
- Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
- The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
- Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states.
In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)
DOT Compliance Checklist in Clayton, CA
DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)
- Pre-Employment Tests
- Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
- Substance Abuse Professional Process
- Regulations on File
- Random Pool Testing
- *Supervisor Training
- *Written Policy
- Post-Accident Testing Situations
- Previous Employers Checks
- Employee Education
- Record Keeping
- Removal of covered Employee
- Designated Employer Representative
* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)
If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.
The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.
To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.
What is a DOT Drug Test in Clayton, CA ?
On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opioids**
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Pre-employment
- Random
- Reasonable suspicion
- Return to Duty
- Post-Accident
- Follow Up
** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.
In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group
When is a DOT drug test required in Clayton, CA ?
All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:
What is DOT pre employment testing in Clayton, CA ?
As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.
Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.
What is random DOT Drug Testing in Clayton, CA ?
All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.
Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. | ||
DOT Agency | 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate | 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|---|---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] | 25% | 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] | 25% | 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] | 25% - Covered Service 50% - Maintenance of Way * | 10% - Covered Service 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
Federal Transit Administration [FTA] | 50% | 10% |
United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) | 50% | N/A |
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. |
DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] 25% 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] 25% 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] 25% - Covered Service / 50% - Maintenance of Way * 10% - Covered Service / 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
Federal Transit Administration [FTA] 50% 10% |
United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) 50% N/A |
What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in Clayton, CA ?
Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use
What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in Clayton, CA ?
If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.
Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.
What is DOT post accident drug testing Clayton, CA ?
If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.
If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.
Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.
What is DOT follow up drug testing Clayton, CA ?
DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in Clayton, CA simply call us at (800)221-4291
When you need a test, choose the best!
DOT Drug Testing Services Clayton, CA
(800)221-4291
For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here
For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here
Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Understanding DOT Drug Testing
DOT drug testing is a regulatory requirement enforced by the United States Department of Transportation to ensure that operators and safety-sensitive personnel in the transportation industry are compliant with federal drug-free workplace laws. This testing applies to millions of transportation professionals across various sectors, including aviation, trucking, railways, public transit, and pipelines.
Regulated Entities and Individuals
- Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers: Includes anyone operating commercial vehicles that require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Aviation Professionals: Applies to pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and aircraft maintenance personnel.
- Railroad Operators: Covers those who operate trains, prepare vehicles for service, and dispatch operations on the railway.
- Public Transit Workers: Encompasses bus drivers, mechanics, and any staff responsible for the safety of public transport operations.
- Pipeline Operators: Includes individuals involved in the operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities.
What Substances Are Tested?
The DOT drug testing program focuses on several major classes of drugs:
- Amphetamines and Methamphetamines
- Opiates, including heroin, codeine, and morphine
- Cocaine
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), found in marijuana
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Procedure of DOT Drug Testing
The testing process is standardized to prevent tampering and ensure consistent results:
- Sample Collection: Urine samples are collected under strict conditions to ensure that they are not tampered with or substituted.
- Screening Tests: Initial screenings are conducted using immunoassay techniques. If a test is positive, further confirmation is required.
- Confirmation Tests: Confirmatory testing using more precise methods like Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) confirms the presence of specific drugs.
- Review Process: An MRO reviews confirmed positive results to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation before reporting the result to the employer.
Implications of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with DOT drug testing regulations can lead to significant consequences:
- Removal from Safety-Sensitive Duties: Employees testing positive are immediately removed from their safety-sensitive duties.
- Rehabilitation and Return-to-Duty Testing: Before returning to duty, employees must undergo an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), complete any prescribed treatment, and have negative results on follow-up tests.
- Employment Consequences: Additional consequences may include job suspension, termination, or other disciplinary actions based on the employer’s policies.
DOT drug testing serves as a critical safeguard in the transportation industry, promoting a safe and responsible work environment while ensuring public safety and compliance with federal regulations.
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Local Area Info: Clayton, California
In 1857, the town of Clayton was laid out and founded by Joel Henry Clayton (1812–1872) and his two younger brothers. Clayton was born in Bugsworth, now Buxworth, in the United Kingdom, and emigrated to the United States in 1837. After years in other states he settled down with his wife Margaret (1820–1908) at his town at the foot of Mount Diablo, where he and his family prospered. Clayton was named after Joel Henry Clayton, although only by the flip of a coin. Joel Clayton and Charles Rhine cofounded the town, and each wanted to name it after himself. If Charles had won it would have become Rhinesville, but Joel Clayton won. Joel and his wife Margaret both died in Clayton, and were buried in Live Oak Cemetery in what is now Concord, CA.
Clayton prospered during the coal mining boom in eastern Contra Costa County. The post office opened in 1861. Following a previous incorporation attempt in 1960, Clayton incorporated in 1964 in order to stave off an annexation attempt in 1963 of the Cardinet Glen neighborhood by nearby Concord. After steady expansion during the 1970s to the east and west from its original boundaries, Clayton's land area more than doubled in 1987 to near its present-day boundaries with the annexations of the Dana Hills/Dana Ridge and Clayton Wood subdivisions, as well as the former Keller Ranch property that was developed during the 1990s with the Oakhurst Country Club.
On September 8, 2013, fire broke out on Mount Diablo. Called the Morgan Fire, it started at the mercury mine area of Morgan Territory Road. The fire grew quickly and threatened homes and livestock. Evacuations were ordered for several areas, including Oak Hill Lane and Curry Canyon. It took over 1000 firefighters and eight aircraft to extinguish it. Full containment was announced on September 14, 2013, having burned 1,259 ha (3,111 acres).