Deactivation from the DoorDash platform immediately disrupts a person’s income and professional routine. The primary concern is whether the decision is final or if there is a path back to delivering. Reactivation is possible, but it depends entirely on the specific circumstances of the deactivation. A successful appeal requires using a formal process and directly responding to the stated reason for the account suspension.
Understanding DoorDash Deactivation Policies
Deactivations generally fall into two broad categories based on the Independent Contractor Agreement (ICA). The first category involves severe violations of the ICA, often related to safety, fraud, or platform integrity. Examples include sharing accounts, manipulating the delivery process to fraudulently claim payment, or compromising the safety of customers, merchants, or other Dashers. These deactivations are usually permanent because they represent a fundamental breach of trust and policy.
The second category involves performance metrics that have fallen below accepted platform standards. DoorDash monitors metrics like the Customer Rating and the Completion Rate, which measures how often deliveries are successfully concluded. If the Completion Rate consistently drops below 80%, or if the Customer Rating falls too low, the account may be deactivated. Appeals are often more viable when the deactivation stems from a performance metric that can be factually disputed or shown to be an outlier due to external circumstances.
The Appeal Process: Your Path to Reactivation
The Independent Contractor Agreement grants the individual the right to formally dispute a decision to terminate that agreement. This mechanism is known as the Deactivation Appeals Process. It allows a Dasher to present their side of the situation to a specialized DoorDash team for a formal review of the circumstances. The process is not a guarantee of reinstatement.
Eligibility for an appeal is universal for any deactivated Dasher, but the likelihood of success varies considerably. Appeals are generally successful when the Dasher can demonstrate the deactivation was made in error, such as a misidentification or a technical glitch. A successful appeal relies on compelling evidence that directly contradicts the stated reason for the deactivation. This evidence must show that the Dasher acted reasonably and according to policy.
Navigating the Deactivation Appeals Form
Initiating the formal review begins with completing the official DoorDash Deactivation Appeals Form, found within the help section of the Dasher support website. This is the only accepted channel for submitting an appeal. The initial fields require precise identifying information, including the email address and phone number registered to the deactivated account.
The form mandates accurately recording the date of deactivation and the specific reason provided by DoorDash. This information is non-negotiable, and any discrepancy can delay or invalidate the appeal review. The most substantial portion of the form is the text box where the Dasher presents their case and details why the decision should be reversed.
When composing the appeal statement, maintain a professional tone and adhere strictly to the facts. The explanation should be clear, concise, and focused solely on refuting the stated deactivation reason. Avoid emotional language or irrelevant details. If the deactivation notice mentioned a specific order, date, or customer interaction, the response must directly address that instance with factual information before submitting any supporting evidence.
Essential Evidence for a Successful Appeal
The most persuasive appeals are supported by objective documentation that directly counters the platform’s decision. Dashers should gather all available records pertaining to the incident cited in the deactivation notice. Focus on evidence that includes precise time stamps and location data. This may include screenshots of in-app communications with the customer or DoorDash support that took place immediately before or after the delivery.
For instances involving alleged fraud or non-delivery, secure photographic proof of the drop-off, if possible. If deactivation was due to a late delivery, evidence must shift responsibility away from the Dasher. This could involve receipts from the merchant showing a delay in preparing the order or GPS timeline data confirming the Dasher’s immediate route to the customer.
Communication logs, especially those indicating a customer changed instructions or confirmed receipt, should be submitted as attached files. This documentation provides an objective, third-party view of the events. Evidence must be organized and easily verifiable to strengthen the case for reinstatement.
What to Expect After Submitting Your Appeal
Once the appeal form and supporting evidence are submitted, the waiting period for a review decision begins. The review process is not instantaneous and can take a significant amount of time, ranging from a few days to several weeks, depending on the volume of appeals. During this period, the appeal team thoroughly examines the provided evidence against the internal records of the incident.
Communication regarding the outcome will be delivered via the email address associated with the deactivated account. Dashers should monitor their inbox closely for a decision. The decision will either confirm the reinstatement of the account or affirm the permanent nature of the deactivation. Attempting to create a new Dasher account while an appeal is pending, or after deactivation, violates the ICA and results in the permanent deactivation of the new account.
When Deactivation Decisions Are Final
If the appeal results in a denial, the deactivation decision is considered final and permanent, exhausting the available administrative recourse. DoorDash generally provides only a single opportunity for a formal appeal review, meaning there is no subsequent process to challenge the rejection. Once the decision is affirmed, the individual is permanently barred from using the platform.