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DoorDash Background Check 2024: Exactly What To Expect

Key Takeaways

  • Overview: Conducted by Checkr, DoorDash background checks review criminal history and driving record.
  • Duration: Covers the past seven years, completed within 3 to 10 business days.
  • Disqualification: Includes DUI, sexual offenses, felonies, and moving violations.
  • Post-Hiring Checks: Ongoing checks for drivers; disputable within 30 days.

What is a DoorDash Background Check?

A DoorDash background check is a process used by the company to evaluate the criminal history and driving record of potential delivery drivers.

This check is similar to those conducted by other delivery apps like Postmates and Lyft.

The background check is carried out by Checkr, a third-party company, which requires legal consent from the applicant to conduct the check.

The key aspects evaluated include any major issues in the applicant’s criminal history or driving record.

If negative information is found during the background check, the applicant is notified and can request a copy of the background report to understand any potential issues that might hinder their ability to deliver for DoorDash.

What Does the Background Check Look For?

The DoorDash background check primarily focuses on two areas: criminal history and driving records. It involves screening through county and national criminal records to identify any major crimes in an applicant’s past.

Additionally, the applicant’s name is run through the National Sex Offender Registry.

For driving records, the check includes scrutiny of the motor vehicle records database. This part of the check looks for various driving-related offenses, such as:

  • DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offenses
  • Stoplight tickets
  • Drug-related traffic violations
  • Accidents
  • Driving without insurance
  • Speeding tickets

It’s important to note that any adverse actions will be reported in the check, regardless of whether they occurred in a different county or state from where the applicant currently resides.

In addition, DoorDash conducts periodic background checks on its existing Dashers, so maintaining a clean record in these areas is crucial even after being hired.

Disqualifying factors for a DoorDash driver can include:

  • Past DUI offenses
  • Sexual offenses
  • Criminal history, particularly felony convictions
  • Three or more moving violations
  • Issues related to drugs or alcohol

These criteria are continuously applicable, meaning that new offenses or violations that occur after onboarding could mean potential deactivation, with the ability to delivery with DoorDash being revoked.

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How Far Back Does the Background Check Go?

DoorDash’s background check process varies in duration for different aspects of an applicant’s history. While there’s no standard time limit for criminal record checks, DoorDash specifically reviews the past seven years.

An important exception to this rule is felony convictions, which are examined regardless of their date due to safety and reliability concerns for drivers on their platform.

In terms of driving records, the examination typically spans the last three years according to DMV data.

However, for more serious infractions like DUI offenses and drug-related driving offenses, the check extends to seven years, underlining DoorDash’s commitment to the safety and legal compliance of its drivers.

How Long Does a DoorDash Background Check Take?


A DoorDash background check typically takes between 3 to 10 business days. The duration can vary based on several factors:

  1. Application Accuracy: Ensure your application is filled out correctly with your full legal name. Using shortened or incorrect names can delay the process.
  2. Residential History: Having multiple addresses can extend the time, as Checkr, the background check provider, needs to conduct searches in different counties.
  3. Criminal History Check: The time for this can vary depending on the county where you intend to work. Counties have different processing speeds, and any criminal history can slow down the process.
  4. DMV Records Check: The speed of this check depends on the state you are in. Some states process motor vehicle database checks quickly, while others may take longer.

Pro tip: If you get put on the DoorDash waitlist, don’t panic. This is normal, and simply means that either DoorDash is not currently accepting new drivers in your area, or they need additional time to approve your application.

Understanding the Different Background Check Statuses

OK, you’ve filled out your application and you’re waiting anxiously waiting for an answer. What follows are the various statuses your application goes through.

doordash background check status email screenshot

1.Complete Status

The first step is the complete status.

This might sound counterintuitive because you’d think that a “complete” mark would indicate a finished procedure. However, Checkr uses the “complete” status as the indicator for when they receive the list of counties needed to check your criminal history.

2. Pending Status

Pending status indicates that the check is almost finished. Checkr is waiting on the last pieces of information to come through that provide a yes or no on your application.

3. Clear Status

The Clear status checkpoint is the positive news you’ve been waiting for. It indicates your application approval and moves you into “live” Dasher account status. The next step is to start driving and earn money.

4. Consider Status

Consider status means your report came back with violations that indicate red flags to DoorDash. You may have traffic issues from the DMV report that DoorDash needs to look into.

They’re considering your status and will decide to either approve you or reject your ability to work as a DoorDash driver.

5. Dispute Status

You can get your background check and look it over in detail during this status checkpoint. DoorDash gives you 30 days to dispute any red flag information that you think came back in error.

How to Check Status of Your Background Check

This is simple. Checkr provides you what they call an Applicant Checkr Portal when you’re a United States resident. It lets you enter your Social Security number, email address, phone number, and date of birth.

Click “Get status” and you’ll have your answer.

If you live in Canada, simply email Checkr at canadasupport@checkr.com and they’ll respond with your current status.

Alternatively, you can contact DoorDash customer service, but they likely won’t be of help due to the fact that they outsource the entire process to Checkr.

What Happens If I Get Disqualified?

You’ll receive a copy of your background check along with the disqualification letter.

Check the information from the report immediately and look for errors.

Contact DoorDash if you find errors and start the dispute process to see if you can get the decision reversed.

Taking some preemptive action is one of the best ways to avoid getting disqualified during the DoorDash application process.

Here are some ideas to help you.

Remove Points from Your Driving Record

Most folks don’t know this is possible.

If you think you might have too many moving violations to get approved by DoorDash, then you can ask your DMV if you’re eligible to have points taken off your driving record.

They might have you go to one of their approved driver improvement schools and then remove points for you after completing the class.

Expunge a Past DUI from Your Driving Record

Contact the local DMV or your attorney and ask about the DUI expungement process.

Every situation is different and several factors play into whether this becomes a viable option for you.

However, you might get the DUI eliminated from your driving record before applying for DoorDash and easily pass the application check.

Check Your Background Independently First

Do you have doubts about whether past transgressions might stop you from passing DoorDash’s checks into your history?

Go ahead and do a little digging yourself and find out if those arrests, convictions, or traffic violations still show up in your records.

Pay a small fee and run your name through one of the online background services.

You might want to request records from corrections departments or courts, too.

screenshot of checkr portal for doordash background check

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s deal with a few FAQs that come up often around the DoorDash application process.

Can Felons Work for DoorDash?

It’s possible to drive for DoorDash with a felony in your past. However, it’s something DoorDash looks at on a case-by-case basis.

If they spot a felony in your history, then your application goes into the “consider” status. During this time, DoorDash will make a decision on whether to hire you based on the specifics, the time lapse since your conviction, and whether they can determine if they deem you reformed.

Can I do DoorDash Without a License?

Yes, you can. Some cities allow you to work for DoorDash by walking or using a bike to make deliveries.

How do You Know if You Get Deactivated From DoorDash?

DoorDash notifies you by sending an email and showing an in-app notification if you’re ever deactivated from the platform. These messages will state the reason for deactivation, along with instructions for how to appeal their decision.

How Can I Clear my Background Check?

The easiest way to clear the check is to have a DMV and criminal history devoid of red flags.

These red flags include felony convictions, sexual offenses, DUI convictions, drug and alcohol problems, or more than three moving violations.

Are you clear of these issues? If so, then you shouldn’t have any trouble getting approved by DoorDash.

Does DoorDash do Random Background Checks After I Get Approved to Drive?

Yes, the company randomly checks the background of its drivers. This means you need to stay clear of felony, DMV, drug and alcohol, domestic violence, or traffic violations if you want to continue delivering for the platform.

Wrapping Up

Congratulations! You’re now fully educated about the DoorDash background check process and what it takes to get approved on the platform.

Do you think your past is clear of any violations that might get your application denied? If so, then start the application process immediately.

Have patience during the application check and get your vehicle an oil change so you’re ready to hit the ground running upon getting accepted.

The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll hit “clear” status and see DoorDash’s welcome message and activation kit show up. From there, enjoy making money as DoorDash’s next food delivery service driver!

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