You must be at least 18 years old to work as an Instacart shopper. There are no exceptions for younger applicants, and the requirement applies to both full-service shoppers (who shop and deliver) and in-store shoppers (who only pick and pack orders inside the store). If you want to deliver alcohol, the minimum age jumps to 21.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Beyond turning 18, Instacart requires a few other things before you can start earning. You need legal authorization to work in the U.S., the ability to lift up to 40 pounds without accommodation, a smartphone that can run the Instacart Shopper app, and regular access to a reliable car. The car requirement applies to full-service shoppers who handle deliveries. In-store shoppers, who work inside a single retail location filling orders for other shoppers to pick up, don’t need a vehicle.
Instacart verifies your identity and age during the sign-up process through a background check. You’ll need to provide personal information that confirms you meet the minimum age threshold before you’re approved to shop.
Why Alcohol Delivery Requires Age 21
If you’re 18 or 19, you can shop and deliver groceries, but you won’t be eligible for orders that include alcohol. Instacart requires shoppers to be at least 21 to handle any alcohol orders on the platform. On top of the age requirement, you’ll need to complete Instacart’s Alcohol Module, a short training that covers the laws and procedures around alcohol delivery.
When delivering alcohol, shoppers must verify the customer’s ID at the door by scanning it or manually entering the details. This is a strict policy: if the customer can’t produce a valid ID, the shopper is expected to refuse the delivery of the alcohol items. Accepted forms of ID include a U.S. driver’s license with photo, state-issued ID card, U.S. military ID, U.S. passport, or green card (though passports and green cards aren’t accepted for Costco or Walmart orders).
Since alcohol orders often come with higher tips and batch pay, being under 21 does limit your earning potential somewhat. But plenty of batches involve only groceries, household items, and other non-restricted products.
Other Age-Restricted Deliveries
Alcohol isn’t the only product category with age rules. Several other items require the customer to be a certain age and show valid ID at delivery:
- Over-the-counter medications: Customers must be at least 18 and present an approved ID at delivery for certain age-restricted OTC items.
- CBD and THC products: Customers need a valid ID showing their birthdate.
- Diet pills and supplements: In some states, customers must be 18 or older and provide both an approved ID and a signature.
- Spray paint: Customers must be 18 or 21, depending on location, and show ID at delivery.
As the shopper, you’re responsible for checking and verifying the customer’s ID for these items. The app walks you through the process, prompting you to scan or enter the ID details before completing the delivery.
What if You’re Under 18?
There’s no workaround. Instacart does not hire shoppers under 18, and you can’t have a parent or guardian sign up on your behalf. The platform runs a background check tied to your personal information, so using someone else’s account would violate Instacart’s terms of service and could result in permanent deactivation.
If you’re 16 or 17 and looking for flexible gig-style work, Instacart isn’t an option yet. Some other delivery and retail platforms also require applicants to be 18, though a few have roles available to younger workers in limited capacities. Your best bet is to sign up as soon as you turn 18, since the approval process typically takes just a few days once you submit your information and pass the background check.