Moving to a new city or traveling for an extended period often requires Dashers to update their working location within the platform. The process varies significantly based on whether the change is a short-term relocation or a long-term move across different geographic areas. This guide details the steps necessary to successfully change your Dasher location for work.
Distinguishing Between Zones and Markets
DoorDash utilizes a two-tiered system of geographic boundaries to organize operations and scheduling for its delivery drivers. The smaller boundary is the Zone, a highly localized area within a city where a Dasher schedules shifts and performs deliveries. Zones are used for real-time operational management and density control.
The larger boundary is the Market, which is the metropolitan area or state tied to the Dasher’s primary profile and initial background check registration. Changes within Zones are simple and handled automatically by the app. Updating your Market, especially when crossing state lines, involves a formal administrative update to your account and legal registration.
Dashing Temporarily in a New Zone
Dashers traveling to another city within their currently registered Market can easily begin working in the new location without contacting support. The Dasher application automatically recognizes and displays all operational Zones within your primary Market registration.
To begin working temporarily, navigate to the ‘Schedule’ tab in the app and examine the map view. Select the desired new Zone to see available shift times or check for immediate opportunities using the ‘Dash Now’ feature. The application will then display the relevant heat map and scheduling options.
This temporary location change is entirely self-service and does not require administrative approval because your primary tax and legal registration remains tied to the original Market. You simply select the new Zone and proceed with scheduling or Dashing as normal. The platform defaults back to your primary location when you leave the temporary Zone.
Requesting a Permanent Market Change
A permanent relocation across major metropolitan areas or state lines necessitates a formal update to the primary Market registration. This procedure is required because the new location is tied to different regional regulations, tax requirements, and local insurance laws. This formal process begins by initiating contact directly with DoorDash support staff.
Dashers should use the official website help form designated for account updates or call the dedicated Dasher support line. Clearly communicate that the intent is for a permanent Market change, not a temporary Zone switch. This ensures the request is routed to the correct administrative team.
When submitting the request, several pieces of information must be provided for verification. The Dasher must specify their current registered city and state, the exact new city and state of the relocation, and the reason for the move.
The support agent will manually update the primary geographic identifier associated with the Dasher’s profile. This update establishes the new area as the default for scheduling and ensures all future tax documentation, such as the 1099 form, reflects the correct state or locality for compliance.
Required Information and Waiting Period
Following the submission of a permanent Market change request, the Dasher must update specific personal and legal information. A current residential address in the new Market must be provided for regulatory compliance and correspondence.
If the move crosses state lines, DoorDash may initiate a new background check to comply with local motor vehicle and insurance regulations in the new jurisdiction. This re-run is a regulatory check specific to the new state’s requirements.
The expected waiting period for approval and full access to the new Market typically ranges from two to five business days. The Dasher should ensure their insurance details and vehicle registration information are current for the new state, as this information may be cross-referenced. Once the new Market is activated, the Dasher can view and schedule shifts in all Zones within that new metropolitan area.
Potential Barriers to Changing Your Dasher Location
While most Market change requests are approved, a few specific issues can lead to delays or denial of the relocation. One common barrier is market saturation, where the target Market currently has a sufficient or excess number of active Dashers. In this scenario, the request may be temporarily queued until capacity opens up.
Another potential issue arises if the required re-run background check in the new state returns a negative result based on the new jurisdiction’s standards. Any outstanding account issues, such as unresolved legal inquiries or payment disputes tied to the previous location, must also be cleared before the transfer can be completed.
If the approval process exceeds the expected five-day timeline, the Dasher should proactively follow up with support via phone or chat for an update. Providing the original ticket number or case ID for the request will streamline the inquiry and help the support staff quickly locate the profile status.