Getting started with DoorDash as a delivery driver (called a “Dasher”) takes about a day from signup to your first delivery. You’ll need to meet a few basic requirements, pass a background check, and download the Dasher app. Here’s everything you need to know to start dashing and actually make it work.
Requirements to Become a Dasher
DoorDash requires all Dashers to be at least 18 years old, though several states set the minimum at 19, and one sets it at 21. Beyond age, you’ll need a valid driver’s license (or another form of ID if you plan to deliver by bicycle), auto insurance if you’re using a car, and a Social Security number for the background check.
You can deliver with any car, scooter, or bicycle. Bicycles are only available in select cities, but there’s no restriction on the age, make, or model of your car. DoorDash doesn’t require a special commercial vehicle or any vehicle inspection.
How to Sign Up
Go to the DoorDash Dasher website or download the Dasher app and tap “Sign Up.” You’ll enter your name, email, phone number, and the zip code where you want to deliver. DoorDash will then ask for your driver’s license information and Social Security number to run a background check. The check typically takes a few days, though some Dashers report getting approved within 24 hours.
Once approved, you’ll get access to the Dasher app, which is separate from the customer-facing DoorDash app. There’s no orientation session or in-person meeting. DoorDash provides a short walkthrough inside the app to familiarize you with the interface before your first delivery.
How a Delivery Works, Step by Step
When you’re ready to work, open the Dasher app and tap “Dash Now” (if your area is busy) or schedule a time slot in advance. Once you’re active, the app will send you order notifications showing the minimum earnings for that delivery, the travel distance, and the number of items. You can accept or decline any order with no penalty.
After you accept an order, the app navigates you to the restaurant or store. When you arrive, show the order details to the staff and pick up the food. Use the app to confirm the pickup, making sure to check that all items are accounted for and that hot and cold items are separated.
The app then routes you to the customer’s address. If you need to reach the customer (a gate code, apartment number, or “leave at door” clarification), you can call or text them directly through the app without revealing your personal phone number. Once you’ve dropped off the order, confirm the delivery in the app, and you’re done. The whole process usually takes 15 to 40 minutes per order depending on distance and restaurant wait times.
How DoorDash Pay Works
DoorDash offers two pay structures: Earn by Offer and Earn by Time.
With Earn by Offer, you’re paid a set amount for each delivery you complete. The payout varies based on distance, estimated time, and demand. This mode gives you the most flexibility because you can cherry-pick orders that pay well relative to the effort involved.
With Earn by Time, you receive a guaranteed hourly rate for your “active time,” which is the time between accepting an order and completing the delivery. This includes wait time at the restaurant. If you value consistency and don’t want to worry about whether each individual order is worth it, this mode smooths out your earnings. Tips and promotions are added on top of your guaranteed rate in both modes.
DoorDash deposits your earnings weekly by default through direct deposit. You can also use the app’s instant cash-out feature (called Fast Pay) to transfer earnings to a debit card, though this comes with a small fee per transfer.
Practical Tips for Your First Week
Start during lunch or dinner rush hours, typically 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. These windows have the highest order volume, so you’ll spend less time waiting between deliveries. Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, tend to be the busiest.
Bring a phone charger and a decent insulated bag. DoorDash will offer to sell you an official hot bag, but any insulated delivery bag works. Keeping food warm matters for customer satisfaction and tips. A phone mount for your dashboard also makes navigation much easier and safer than glancing at a phone in your lap.
Track your mileage from your very first delivery. Every mile you drive for deliveries (and between deliveries while you’re logged into the app) is potentially deductible on your taxes. Free apps like Stride or Everlance can log miles automatically in the background.
Taxes When You’re a Dasher
DoorDash classifies you as an independent contractor, not an employee. That means no taxes are withheld from your pay. You’re responsible for reporting your income and paying both income tax and self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare contributions.
If you earn $600 or more from DoorDash in a calendar year, you’ll receive a Form 1099-NEC showing your total earnings. You report this income on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business), which you file alongside your regular Form 1040. Because no taxes are withheld, the IRS expects you to make quarterly estimated tax payments using Form 1040-ES if you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year. Missing these quarterly payments can result in a penalty.
The good news is that your business expenses reduce your taxable income. Common deductions for Dashers include:
- Vehicle costs: You can deduct either your actual expenses (gas, oil changes, tires, insurance, car payments, depreciation) or use the standard mileage rate, which gives you a flat per-mile deduction. Most Dashers find the standard mileage rate simpler and often more generous.
- Parking and tolls: Any parking fees or tolls you pay while delivering are fully deductible, even if you use the standard mileage rate.
- Supplies: Insulated bags, phone mounts, chargers, and any other gear you buy specifically for dashing.
- Phone expenses: The portion of your cell phone bill used for dashing. If you use your phone 40% for deliveries, you can deduct 40% of your monthly bill.
- Health insurance premiums: If you’re self-employed and not eligible for coverage through a spouse’s employer, you can deduct premiums you pay for medical, dental, and qualifying long-term care insurance.
Keep receipts or digital records of all expenses throughout the year. Good record-keeping makes filing straightforward and protects you if you’re ever audited.
What to Realistically Expect
Your earnings will vary significantly based on your market, the time of day, and how selective you are with orders. Dashers in dense urban areas with lots of restaurants tend to earn more per hour than those in suburban or rural zones. Tips make up a substantial portion of total pay, so delivering efficiently and keeping food in good condition directly affects your bottom line.
After factoring in gas, vehicle wear, and self-employment taxes, your take-home pay will be noticeably lower than the gross number the app shows you. A common rule of thumb is to set aside 25% to 30% of your earnings for taxes and track your actual vehicle costs so you’re not surprised at tax time. Many experienced Dashers treat the gig as supplemental income rather than a full-time replacement, though full-time dashing is certainly possible if you’re strategic about when and where you drive.