Does DoorDash Hire Felons In 2023?

DoorDash is a popular food delivery service that many people use to get their favorite meals delivered right to their door.

Due to this demand, it’s a convenient platform to help drivers earn some extra cash on their own terms.

But what if you have a felony record? Can you still apply?

In this article, we’ll explore the answer to the question you’ve all been wondering, “Does DoorDash hire felons?”

Then, we’ll provide some tips on how you can still apply to become a driver for DoorDash.

Does DoorDash Hire Felons?

People trying to rejoin the workforce often wonder, “does DoorDash hire felons?”

The short answer is yes.

The qualifications for this food delivery job only ask that applicants are over 18 years old, own an appropriate mode of transportation, and have a legal driver’s license.

There is nothing in DoorDash’s guidelines that says they disqualify anyone with a criminal record from working for them.

However, DoorDash does run background checks on delivery drivers before finalizing the hiring process.

DoorDash Policy on Hiring Felons

DoorDash doesn’t have a specific policy on hiring felons.

As with any job, they ask for information about your past.

If you’re a felon with a criminal charge in the past seven years, your application might get flagged.

But if these charges didn’t lead to an arrest or conviction, you should be in the clear.

Before DoorDash runs a background check, they need your permission, so you’ll know it’s coming.

They don’t just see criminal history on your background check and deny you, either.

As a food delivery service, it’s understandable that they take some violations more seriously.

Anything criminal involving your vehicle could prevent you from working for DoorDash.

These violations include:

• Driving under the influence
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Driving without a license
• Driving on a suspended license

DoorDash also doesn’t hire anyone who has had over three traffic incidents in the past three years.

Traffic incidents refer to getting into an accident, even if it wasn’t your fault.

Since you have to drive for DoorDash, they need to hire the safest drivers.

Has DoorDash Hired Felons in the Past?

Yes, DoorDash has hired felons in the past.

Even though they don’t have a specific policy or company information about this, you can find it online.

Many DoorDash employees comment on Reddit and other forums about how they were able to get employment after their release.

Does DoorDash Hire Drivers With Misdemeanors?

A misdemeanor is less serious than a felony.

Since it’s not as severe, DoorDash has no problem hiring offenders with misdemeanors on their records.

A misdemeanor will show up on your background check, but it shouldn’t keep you from getting the job.

Does DoorDash Have a Second Chance Policy Like Uber Does?

You have several chances to appeal your case with DoorDash.

If they reject you after initially reviewing your background check, you can get a copy of the report to look over.

You have 30 days to dispute anything that’s on your record.

But DoorDash doesn’t only run a record check when you’re an applicant.

They randomly check on their drivers to ensure everyone is safe and legal.

If they run a check on you while you’re employed, you can still face penalties.

DoorDash has a thorough Deactivation Policy to protect the company and its customers.

If they deactivate your account, you have a chance to appeal before they terminate your employment.

You’ll get an alert through the app and a detailed explanation of the deactivation via email.

You can start the appeals form online.

There is room to write information about your deactivation as well as attach photos or videos, if relevant.

People at DoorDash headquarters will review your information.

It usually takes several days before you’ll get a response.

They’ll send you a message whether they plan to allow you to return to work or uphold the deactivation.

What Are the Odds Somebody With a Felony Record Will Get Hired at DoorDash?

It’s hard to predict the likelihood that DoorDash will hire somebody with a felony.

The company reviews background checks on a case-by-case basis.

They’ll look at the severity of the felony and how long ago it happened.

They’ll also see what’s on your record since that date.

If you haven’t had any issues since a felony, you have a good chance of getting hired.

Having a great driving record also improves your odds.

But remember, you can always appeal their decision, so you have a lot of control over this situation.

Does DoorDash Run Background Checks on Drivers?

Any job you apply for will ask your permission to conduct a background check, and DoorDash is no different.

There’s a spot on the application for you to give consent.

Background checks involve your driving record and criminal record, so a felony conviction will show up.

If DoorDash flags your account, you can get a copy of the background check to look over.

The company gives you 30 days to start a claim and explain anything that’s keeping you from getting hired.

How Far Back Does the Background Check Go?

DoorDash goes back at least seven years for a background check.

Seven years is the average period for background checks in most states.

However, some states extend that time to 10 years depending on the severity of the conviction.

Felony Convictions That Might Prevent You From Getting Hired with DoorDash

DoorDash looks at the severity of the felony before they hire drivers.

Since the company wants to keep customers safe, proof of a violent crime or a sexual offense could disqualify you.

Though they’re not felonies in the United States, these driving-related charges could also prevent you from getting hired:

• More than three moving violations in the past three years
• A DUI or any charge involving driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Leaving the scene of an accident

There are no restrictions to what you can appeal regarding DoorDash’s decision.

But if you have any of the above charges on your report, it might be better to apply to another service.

Does DoorDash Drug Test Drivers?

No, DoorDash doesn’t drug test its drivers.

But it does randomly run background checks to make sure you’re in good standing as a dasher.

If you’ve gotten any charges, like a DUI, traffic violation, or anything relating to drugs, your account gets suspended.

Tips for Applying to DoorDash With a Felony Record

DoorDash is a great company to work for, and because they have no set restrictions against hiring a convicted felon, it’s a company to consider as you get back into the workforce.

1. Always Apply: It Never Hurts to Try

It’s better to apply and get denied than to not try at all.

Your background check will take five to seven days, and you can apply to other jobs in the meantime.

If DoorDash hires you, you can start working immediately.

If you’re turned down, you can look over your background check and file an appeal.

There’s nothing to lose.

2. Be Prepared to Explain Your Charges

When DoorDash flags your account because of your background check, they give you a copy to look over.

You can contact the company to explain any of the charges and ask them to reconsider your application.

Having evidence of the exact nature of your charges can help.

It’s also favorable to have proof of keeping a clean record ever since an older conviction.

3. If They Don’t Hire You, Be Nice and Look Elsewhere

Filing an appeal doesn’t mean DoorDash will hire you.

If they uphold their decision to reject you, it’s best to just cut your losses.

Arguing further will only waste your time.

Consider applying for some other delivery jobs so you can get back to work.

Wrapping Up

DoorDash is a great company to work for because they don’t discriminate against felons.

That being the case, working as a DoorDash driver could be a nice job to help ease you back into the workforce.

A dasher can set their own hours, be their own boss, and have a good time making money.

Since DoorDash has a fair discrimination appeals policy, a dasher stays in charge of their work situation.