DoorDash connects customers with local businesses and independent contractors, known as Dashers, who facilitate delivery. The Dasher role provides flexible income opportunities, allowing individuals to work on their own schedule. This article details the personal, legal, and operational requirements necessary to begin and maintain active Dasher status.
Minimum Age Requirements for DoorDash
The standard age requirement for becoming a Dasher in the United States and Canada is 18 years old. This minimum age is primarily set because the role involves entering into a legally binding contract with the company. Since the Dasher is classified as an independent contractor, they must be of legal age to sign the Independent Contractor Agreement.
Some regions, however, have higher minimum age requirements due to local regulations or insurance liability considerations. For example, in certain states like Arizona, Colorado, and Texas, the minimum age is 19 years old, and in California, new applicants must be at least 21 years old. Applicants must also possess the legal right to work in the country where they apply.
Essential Dasher Eligibility Criteria
Beyond the age requirement, prospective Dashers must meet several baseline criteria to ensure compliance and reliable service, particularly when using a motor vehicle. These requirements focus on safety, documentation, and the ability to operate the necessary technology. Meeting these standards is necessary before the application process can move forward.
Valid Driver’s License and Driving History
A valid, unexpired domestic driver’s license is required for anyone planning to deliver using a car, scooter, or motorcycle. The license must be issued by the state or province where the individual intends to dash. Unlike some commercial driving positions, DoorDash does not require a commercial license or specific years of driving experience.
All applicants must consent to a comprehensive background check, which includes a review of their driving record. This process is typically handled by a third-party service, such as Checkr, and focuses on identifying major infractions over the past seven years. Disqualifying events often include convictions for driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving citations, and excessive moving violations.
Auto Insurance and Vehicle Requirements
Dashers using a motor vehicle must maintain valid personal auto insurance that meets the minimum coverage limits required by their state or province. This personal policy serves as the primary insurance coverage in the event of an accident. DoorDash’s own commercial auto insurance policy only provides excess third-party liability coverage, meaning it activates after the Dasher’s personal insurance is exhausted and only during an active delivery.
The vehicle itself is subject to very few restrictions; any make, model, or year is generally acceptable, provided it is in safe working condition and meets all local legal requirements. There is no requirement for the vehicle to have special commercial branding or markings. The flexibility in vehicle type allows Dashers to use cars, trucks, motorcycles, or scooters, depending on their location and preference.
Smartphone Access
The ability to operate the DoorDash platform hinges entirely on access to a compatible smartphone. Dashers must own a smartphone, either an iOS or Android device, capable of running the Dasher application reliably. This application is the central tool for managing all aspects of the job, including accepting delivery requests, navigating to pick-up and drop-off locations, and communicating with customers and support. The phone’s functionality is necessary for instant communication and GPS-based tracking, which are integral to the delivery workflow.
The DoorDash Application and Onboarding Process
The process of becoming an active Dasher begins with creating an account through the official sign-up page or the Dasher app. Applicants must provide basic personal information, including their email, phone number, and zip code, to verify service availability in their area. Following the initial registration, the applicant submits necessary documentation, such as a government-issued photo ID, and their Social Security Number for the background check.
The most time-consuming part of the process is waiting for the background check to clear, which reviews both driving and criminal history. While some checks are completed within a day, others can take up to a week or longer depending on the results and jurisdiction. Once approved, the applicant is prompted to set up their payment method, typically linking a bank account for weekly direct deposits. The final step often involves requesting an activation kit, which commonly includes a specialized insulated bag and a Red Card for certain purchases.
Delivery Method Variations
The standard requirements shift significantly for Dashers operating in densely populated urban areas where alternative modes of transportation are permitted. DoorDash allows delivery using bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and even walking in select markets. These options are market-dependent and are available only in locations where this type of delivery is practical.
For those delivering by non-motorized methods like bicycle or walking, the requirement for a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance is eliminated. However, the minimum age requirement of 18 years old still applies, and applicants must still pass the criminal history portion of the background check. Selecting a method like bicycle delivery in the app ensures the Dasher receives orders that are appropriately sized and distanced for that mode of transport.
Managing Legal and Contractual Requirements
Dashers operate as independent contractors, which establishes a distinct legal and financial relationship with DoorDash. This status means they are classified as self-employed workers and receive a 1099-NEC form, not a W-2, if they earn $600 or more annually. The independent contractor classification grants Dashers control over their schedule and delivery methods.
This self-employed status places the entire burden of tax responsibility onto the Dasher. DoorDash does not withhold federal or state income taxes from earnings, requiring Dashers to account for these obligations themselves. Furthermore, Dashers are responsible for the full 15.3% self-employment tax, which covers both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes.
To remain compliant and avoid penalties, Dashers who expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year must make quarterly estimated tax payments to the Internal Revenue Service. Accurate record-keeping is therefore essential for tracking business income and expenses. Dashers should meticulously log mileage and other costs, such as phone expenses and insulated bags, as these can be claimed as tax deductions to reduce taxable income.