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Navigating the world of food delivery as a DoorDash driver can seem intricate at first glance.
Whether you’re curious about the sign-up process, requirements, or just pondering the safety aspect—this comprehensive guide will lead you through every step of the journey.
Starting with a brief overview to set the stage, we’ll delve deep into the nuances, ensuring by the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to kickstart your Dashing adventure.
Key Information
Simple Process
DoorDash offers an easy way to earn by delivering food orders. All you need is a mode of transportation and a smartphone.
Flexible Scheduling
Dashers enjoy a flexible schedule with two options: “Dash Now” during peak times or “Schedule a Shift” to plan in advance.
Safety & Requirements
DoorDash requires Dashers to meet strict requirements, including be 18+, have a valid license, insurance, a U.S. Social Security Number, and a clean driving record.
Application Steps
The signup process is simple and takes approximately 5 minutes. It involves providing personal details, choosing a vehicle type, and authorizing a background check.
Become a DoorDash Driver Now
DoorDash is a food delivery app that can help you earn money by driving, biking, or even walking food orders from restaurants to local customers.
- Enjoy a flexible schedule, choosing when, where, and how much you earn.
- A clear payment model allows you to quickly calculate how much you'll make.
- Getting started is simple. All that is needed to apply is a mode of transportation and a smartphone.
Before diving too far into the requirements and signup tutorial, let’s get a few commonly asked questions out of the way. Simply click or tap on each accordion below to unveil the answers.
Things to Understand to Become a DoorDash Driver
Is DoorDash Safe?
ANSWER
Yes, DoorDash is safe. It’s a legitimate food delivery service just like Amazon is a legitimate product delivery service.
Delivering food is low-risk by its very nature. You’ll simply walk into a restaurant, pick up your customer’s order, drive to the customer’s home or office, and then hand them their bag.
The company has also made liberal use of safety features such as contactless delivery to keep both drivers and customers safe.
Can I Start DoorDash Immediately?
ANSWER
You can start driving for DoorDash the moment you get through the application process and officially become a Dasher. This happens the moment you are approved, which can take some time to get through the approval process.
DoorDash drivers typically earn between $20 – $25 per hour.
Earnings can be influenced by location, bonuses from restaurants, and other incentives.
Dashers are paid weekly and can keep 100% of their tips.
Flexibility in setting hours.
No stress of maintaining an office space.
Earnings potential based on the number of deliveries.
Ability to work around other commitments.
If you’re looking for more reasons, check out our “How does DoorDash Work?” guide to learn more about the app at a granular level.
Requirements Every DoorDash Driver Must Meet
Considering a gig as a DoorDash driver? Here’s a comprehensive overview of the prerequisites to get you on the road.
While DoorDash shares similarities with other delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates, they have their specific criteria. Here’s a rundown:
DoorDash Driver & Vehicle Requirements
Age & Identification
You need to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license.
Personal Details
Provide your social security number to DoorDash.
Background Check
Grant DoorDash the permission to initiate a background check, which encompasses a Motor Vehicles scrutiny.
Vehicle
A working vehicle (be it a car, scooter, bicycle, motorcycle, or truck) is required.
Insurance
If your vehicle demands insurance, ensure it meets your state’s minimum coverage standards.
Tech Requirements
An iPhone or Android smartphone is essential to access the Dasher App.
How Old Do You Have To Be to DoorDash?
The minimum age to become a DoorDash driver in the United States (and Canada) is 18 years old. This age requirement does not change from state to state and must be adhered to by all workers. This is one year younger than Grubhub and Uber Eats, for which the minimum age is 19.
Can I Be a DoorDash Driver at 16?
Despite the minimum working age being as low as 14 in some states, DoorDashing requires all its workers to be at least 18 years old.
Can I Be a DoorDash Driver at 17?
While many individuals acquire a permit or license at 17 years old, they still cannot qualify to become a Door Dasher. This is most likely due to various child labor laws that restrict working hours for minors, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Can Someone Under 18 Help You With DoorDash Deliveries?
The DoorDash site does not specifically state that someone under 18 cannot help you with your deliveries, but this is implied.
Since no one under 18 is allowed to make deliveries, minors cannot legally help you with your work, although they are allowed to be in the car as a passenger. There is likely nothing against them holding the food bags, but they cannot hand the food to the customer.
Is There a Maximum Age Limit for DoorDash Drivers?
No, there is no maximum age limit for DoorDash drivers. As long as they are legally an adult at least or over the age of 18, anyone who meets the other requirements can become a driver.
Why Does DoorDash Have an Age Requirement for Drivers?
The primary reason DoorDash has a strict age requirement for its drivers is they cannot legally hire minors.
They don’t meet the requirements for a full-time job, but due to their independent nature, their classification prevents them from enforcing regulations and laws on their workers. DoorDash must retain its no-minors policy; otherwise, they would risk breaking several child labor laws.
Another reason DoorDash chooses to remain open to adults only is that their work revolves entirely around driving. With so many laws and regulations new drivers have to follow, it would be unwise to test their limits.
Furthermore, driving for long periods can be quite dangerous, especially for the inexperienced driver.
Is There a Way Around This Rule?
There is no loophole you can exploit to work around this rule. Even if you lie about your age, you will likely get caught eventually (most likely as a result of tax records) and face legal responsibility for your actions.
If you meet the requirements outlined above, you’re ready to proceed with the application.
Decoding the DoorDash Background Check
Becoming a Dasher hinges quite a bit on the background check. It looks closely at driving records and any run-ins with the law.
DoorDash teams up with Checkr for these checks, much like Uber, Postmates, and Lyft do. This deep dive reviews both your personal and legal records.
When you say “yes” to this check, you’re acknowledging a simple fact: if DoorDash finds something from your past records that sticks out as a red flag, they might not approve your application.
They’re especially watchful about criminal histories and, for those using vehicles, any blips on your driving record.
What Might Trip You Up?
Here are some things that, if they’ve happened in the past seven years, might pause your DoorDash plans:
- Thefts
- DUIs
- Felonies
- Sexual offenses
- Violent acts
- Damaging someone’s property
Remember, every Dasher’s story is different, so final decisions aren’t necessarily one-size-fits-all.
Vehicle Specs with DoorDash
DoorDash isn’t as picky as Uber or Lyft about your ride. Mainly, they want to see a clean driving slate and proper insurance. Whether it’s:
- Cars
- Trucks
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Scooters
…you’re good to go. And if you’re in a bustling place like Chicago, DC, LA, Denver, or NYC, you can even make those deliveries on foot.
DoorDash Insurance Requirements
If you’re driving a motorcycle, truck, or car for DoorDash, you must have at least liability coverage.
On the plus side, DoorDash provides additional coverage for its Dashers. This coverage is active when you’re on a delivery, covering up to $1 million for both property damage and bodily injury.
How to Become a DoorDash Driver [Step-By-Step]
Before you apply to become a DoorDash driver, you’ll need to make sure you have the correct documents.
What You’ll Need to Apply
The only two documents required to become a DoorDash driver are:
Valid driver’s license (if you’ll use a car, motorcycle, or truck)
Valid insurance on your vehicle
You don’t need your official social security card, but you will need to submit your social security number while signing up to drive as a Dasher.
How to Apply for DoorDash
Are you ready to start your application process to become a DoorDash driver?
Next, you’ll learn how to move through this process successfully. The application process with DoorDash is one of the simplest set of steps you’ll probably ever take to gain access to a money-making gig.
Total Time: 5 minutes
Step 1
Go to the DoorDash signup page (doordash.com/dasher/signup) & enter your email to register.
Step 2
Submit your name, phone number, and a password on the next page, then tap “Continue.”
Step 3
Select your vehicle type, then enter your driver’s license information and confirm that you have auto insurance.
Tap “Continue” once complete.
This step will look slightly different if your market allows DoorDash bike delivery or on-foot deliveries.
Step 4
Enter info required to submit a background check. This will include your birthday and Social Security number.
Step 5
Read through the background check disclosures and authorization message.
If desired, you can also opt to “Receive a free copy of my background check report.” Then, tap “Continue” to authorize the required background check.
Step 6
Download the DoorDash app from Google Play Store or the App Store. After that, you’re done!
What to Expect After Applying to DoorDash
Good job! You successfully applied to become the next DoorDash Dasher.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for DoorDash?
ANSWER
In most cases, the entire approval process takes anywhere from five to 10 business days. The part that often takes the longest is the background check. Most DoorDash background checks are processed within 5-7 days.
Over 3,000 counties exist in the United States and there isn’t any formal criminal records database that makes it easy to search all counties easily. If you have prior transgressions for Checkr to process, then expect your background check to take closer to 10 days.
Motor Vehicle record check processing times depend on the state you live in. Some states report back in a few days while others take longer than one week to produce a report.
One way exists to help speed up your background check. Make sure you don’t use any strange nicknames when signing up at the DoorDash website. Use your full legal name that appears on your tax returns, for example.
What Does the DoorDash Approval Process Entail?
ANSWER
The DoorDash approval process entails waiting for the background check to come back as approved. You’ll also go through a DoorDash orientation during this time frame.
You’ll have the option to schedule an in-person orientation for a specific time, drop by your local DoorDash office during open orientation hours, or simply request a DoorDash Activation Kit instead.
What if I Get on the DoorDash Driver Waitlist?
ANSWER
The waitlist just means that the company isn’t currently accepting DoorDash delivery drivers in your area. They’ve probably deemed the area as saturated. You’ll gain entry when other drivers quit, get deactivated, or demand for DoorDash goes up. You’ll need to remain patient as you wait.
What Happens if I Get Denied to Become a DoorDash Driver?
ANSWER
If you get rejected by the DoorDash background check and you know that you have a clean record, then ask for a report of the background check.
It’s your legal right to ask for and see the report. A mistake probably happened and you can show DoorDash that fact. Or, you may have gotten rejected for something as simple as a blurry driver’s license picture.
What Does a Dasher’s Schedule Look Like?
ANSWER
The DoorDash approval process entails waiting for the background check to come back as approved.You’ll also go through a DoorDash orientation during this time frame.
You’ll have the option to schedule an in-person orientation for a specific time, drop by your local DoorDash office during open orientation hours, or simply request a DoorDash Activation Kit instead.
After you submit your application, DoorDash asks you to go through an online orientation.
- Dash Now: During busy times, you can log into your dashboard and Dash as often as you please.
- Schedule a Shift: Qualify for Early Access Scheduling and schedule your time five or six days in advance. Through this feature, the DoorDash app lets you schedule in your desired blocks of hours.
Here are a few tips to make sure you get your desired hours and work enough to meet your financial goals:
- If you’re awake at midnight, check for hours at that time.
- If you didn’t get your desired hours scheduled in, then look for the Dash Now red zones and drive immediately in those zones.
- Claim scheduled orders (only available in select cities)
About the DoorDash Orientation
After you submit your application, DoorDash asks you to go through an online orientation. The orientation session teaches you everything you need to know about working as a Dasher:
- How to accept a delivery request
- How to place the order at each restaurant
- How to pay for the order
- How to deliver a DoorDash order to a customer
The orientation also provides tips about:
- Getting help from the support team
- How to obtain a consistent 5-star rating
- Best times to schedule your Dash times
- How to get paid
You’ll complete a quick quiz after going through the DoorDash orientation videos. Get this orientation and quiz completed while you’re waiting for the background check process to finish.
If you get the orientation step done immediately, it will speed up the overall DoorDash approval process for you.
If you choose the latter option — which is sometimes the only option — you’ll be able to skip the traditional DoorDash orientation and simply read a manual instead. This manual will be shipped to you, along with a complimentary hot bag and your DoorDash Red Card.
Once you’ve completed your orientation, you can download the DoorDash Driver app from the App Store or Google Play store, log on, and start receiving requests.
In the meantime, you can watch our guide to understanding what to expect when driving for DoorDash:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is being a DoorDash delivery driver easy?
Relatively speaking, yes, it’s easy to work as a DoorDash driver. You’re simply picking up and delivering food.
How many breaks can you take with DoorDash?
You can take up to 35 minutes of break time during each shift. You can take it in chunks of minutes or all at once. If you go on break past this amount of time, then your shift will end.
Can you get reactivated with DoorDash if you’ve been disqualified?
Unlike some other hardline gig apps, DoorDash offers a more lenient appeals process. You can file an appeal. Sometimes Dashers do get qualified to drive after getting disqualified at first.
How long do you have to wait for the restaurant during food pickups?
DoorDash asks that you always pick up food orders for customers. The app recommends that you call or text the customer to let them know that the restaurant is busy. Give them an indication of when you think you’ll have their order delivered to them.
If the wait becomes far too long, then you have the option to unassign from that particular order and wait for another trip to appear in your DoorDash driver app. Do your best to gauge when it’s appropriate to remove yourself from a trip.
Can DoorDash Drivers Have Passengers?
Unlike a few other delivery services, DoorDash does not have any restrictions on passengers. You are allowed to have as many people as you want to accompany you on your deliveries, just as long as they do not interfere with them.
It should also be noted that passengers are not allowed to do tasks for the delivery, such as picking up or delivering the food. While the company cannot technically track your actions, you can get in a lot of legal trouble if something does happen.
Wrapping Up
Are you getting excited about the possibilities now that you know how to become a DoorDash driver? Does this sound like the side hustle or full-time gig that you’re looking for?
When you’re ready to become a Dasher, make sure you take immediate action. The sooner you sign up as a driver, the sooner you can get out there making money.
Don’t forget to finish your new person orientation videos and quiz while you wait for the background check process to complete. Happy Dashing!
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How do I get active cause it says I’m not able to dash cause I’m not actve yet?