Creating a DoorDash Dasher account takes about 10 minutes of active work, though the background check that follows can add a few days before you’re fully approved. The entire process happens through the DoorDash website and the Dasher app, and you don’t need any special equipment to get started.
Age and Vehicle Requirements
You need to be at least 18 years old in most states, but the minimum is higher in some locations. Several states require you to be 19, and one requires new applicants to be 21. If you’re right on the edge, check DoorDash’s requirements page for your specific state before signing up.
You can dash using a car, bike, e-bike, motorcycle, or scooter, depending on your market. If you plan to deliver by car, you’ll need a valid U.S. driver’s license and personal auto insurance. Bike and scooter dashers don’t need a driver’s license but may have fewer vehicle-type options depending on their city. DoorDash does not provide insurance for you. You’re classified as an independent contractor, so you’re responsible for maintaining whatever coverage your state requires.
Step-by-Step Signup Process
Start at the DoorDash Dasher signup page. You’ll enter your zip code, email address, and phone number. Then create your profile by providing your full legal name and setting a password.
Next, download the Dasher app on your iPhone or Android phone. The app picks up where the website left off. You’ll be prompted to select your vehicle type (car, bike, etc.) and enter your home address.
The final signup step is identity verification. You’ll upload a photo of a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and then take a selfie so DoorDash can match your face to the photo on your ID. Make sure you’re in a well-lit area and that the text on your ID is legible in the photo. Blurry uploads are a common reason for delays.
The Background Check
After you submit your identity documents, DoorDash runs a background check through a third-party company called Checkr. This review looks at your driving record and criminal history. You don’t need to do anything extra for this step; it kicks off automatically.
Most background checks take a few days, but some can stretch longer if Checkr needs to verify records across multiple jurisdictions. You can check your status anytime by visiting the Checkr Candidate Portal and entering the phone number, email, Social Security number, and date of birth you used during signup. Here’s what each status means:
- Clear: You passed and can move to the next step.
- Pending: The check is still being processed.
- Consider: Checkr found something and has sent the results to DoorDash for an internal review. This doesn’t automatically mean you’re disqualified, but DoorDash will make the final call.
- Canceled: Checkr couldn’t complete the check with the information you provided. You’ll likely need to resubmit your details.
- Disputed: You’ve filed a dispute with Checkr and it’s under review.
If your background check comes back with a “Consider” status, DoorDash reviews it internally. You’ll receive an email with the outcome. If you believe the report contains errors, you have the right to dispute it directly through Checkr’s portal before DoorDash makes a final decision.
Waitlists in Busy Markets
Even after your background check clears, you might not be able to start dashing immediately. In certain locations where there are already plenty of active Dashers, DoorDash places new signups on a waitlist. If this happens, you’ll need to wait for a welcome email before you can accept deliveries. There’s no guaranteed timeline for clearing a waitlist, and DoorDash doesn’t offer a way to jump ahead. If you’re waitlisted, the app will let you know your status.
Your Welcome Gift and Red Card
New Dashers don’t need to wait for any physical materials before starting. Once your account is active, you can begin accepting delivery offers right away through the app.
After you complete your first delivery and have a mailing address on file in the Dasher app, DoorDash sends a free welcome gift to your home. The package includes a hot bag for keeping food warm during deliveries, a Red Card (a prepaid card DoorDash loads with funds for orders at certain restaurants that require you to pay at pickup), and a getting started manual. You’ll be prompted to enter your mailing address when you first log in to the app, so make sure it’s accurate.
Some deliveries require the Red Card, but many don’t. Until yours arrives, you can still dash. The app simply won’t assign you orders that need the card.
Getting Your Account Fully Ready
Before your first dash, set up your payment method in the app. DoorDash pays weekly by default via direct deposit, so you’ll need to link a bank account. If you want faster access to your earnings, DoorDash also offers instant cashouts to a debit card, though those come with a small fee per transfer.
Double-check that your vehicle information and insurance details are current in the app. If your license or insurance expires while you’re an active Dasher, your account can be paused until you upload updated documents. Keeping these current from the start saves you from unexpected interruptions later.