DoorDash offers individuals a flexible opportunity to earn income by delivering meals, groceries, and other items from local businesses to customers. This work, performed by independent contractors known as Dashers, fits well into various schedules, making it a popular option for those seeking supplemental earnings. Understanding the requirements to join this delivery network is the necessary first step for a prospective applicant. The primary eligibility criteria, documentation, and vehicle standards are all part of the sign-up process that determines who can actively begin accepting delivery requests.
The Minimum Age Requirement to Deliver
The minimum age to become a Dasher in most regions of the United States and Canada is 18 years old. This standard is in place because 18 is the age at which an individual is legally considered an adult and can enter into binding contracts, which is fundamental to the independent contractor agreement with DoorDash. However, this requirement is not universal across all markets. Certain states have set a higher age floor for new applicants, such as 19 years old in Arizona, Texas, and New Jersey, and 21 years old in California. The 18-year-old minimum applies regardless of the chosen delivery method.
Required Documentation and Background Checks
Once the age requirement is met, the applicant must satisfy the documentation and screening requirements. Anyone planning to use a motorized vehicle, such as a car, scooter, or motorcycle, must possess a valid domestic driver’s license. For applicants in the United States, providing a Social Security number is mandatory, as it is used solely to facilitate the required background check and to report earnings to the Internal Revenue Service.
The background check is a required step in the application process, run by a third-party service like Checkr. This screening reviews two main areas: the Motor Vehicle Report and a Criminal History Report. The motor vehicle review looks for major infractions over the past seven years, like reckless driving citations or driving under the influence convictions, to ensure a safe driving history. The criminal history check scans county records for offenses related to theft, violence, or sexual misconduct.
Vehicle and Insurance Standards
Prospective Dashers must have access to a reliable mode of transportation, though DoorDash does not impose specific vehicle requirements regarding the make, model, or age of the car. If a car is used for delivery, it must be registered, and the driver must maintain their own personal auto insurance coverage. This personal policy must meet the minimum coverage limits mandated by local laws, as it serves as the primary coverage.
DoorDash provides an excess commercial auto insurance policy that covers up to $1 million in third-party bodily injury and/or property damage, but this coverage only applies during an active delivery. Drivers should verify with their personal insurance carrier whether their policy covers commercial or “for-hire” use, as standard personal policies often exclude accidents that occur while delivering. If a Dasher is using a non-motorized option, such as a bicycle or walking, they do not need a driver’s license or auto insurance.
Steps to Become an Active Dasher
The process of becoming an active Dasher begins with an online application where the individual provides their personal details, including their email, phone number, and zip code. Following this initial sign-up, the applicant selects their intended vehicle type and completes an identity verification process, which usually involves uploading a government ID and taking a selfie. The most time-intensive step is consenting to and submitting the background check, which is initiated after the initial profile setup.
While many background checks are completed within a few days, the process can take longer if additional information is required for review. Once the background check clears, the account is activated, and the new Dasher is prompted to choose their preferred payout method. New Dashers are sent an activation kit after completing their first delivery. This kit typically includes an insulated hot bag for keeping food warm and a Red Card, which is a prepaid debit card used to pay for certain customer orders.
Meeting the 18-plus age requirement is the necessary first step, followed by providing the required documentation and successfully passing the background and motor vehicle checks. With a reliable vehicle and sufficient insurance in place, a prospective Dasher is ready to move through the final procedural steps, which quickly lead to account activation and the opportunity to begin earning.