DoorDash, a technology platform that connects customers with local businesses, relies on a network of independent contractors known as Dashers to complete deliveries. The role offers flexibility, allowing individuals to choose their own hours and work schedule. Becoming a Dasher requires meeting a defined set of criteria designed to maintain the platform’s standards for safety and reliability. Understanding these prerequisite requirements is essential for navigating the application process.
Core Eligibility Requirements
The most fundamental criterion for becoming a Dasher is meeting the minimum age requirement, which is generally eighteen years old across most operational areas. Some regions enforce a higher minimum, such as nineteen or twenty-one in specific markets like California, due to varying local regulations. Applicants must possess the legal right to work in the country where they intend to dash and provide documentation to verify this status during the application.
Prospective Dashers must also hold a valid identification document. This is typically a domestic driver’s license if they plan to use a motorized vehicle for deliveries. Individuals choosing to deliver via bicycle or on foot may use a state-issued photo ID instead. Dashers operate as independent contractors, responsible for their own taxes and expenses, a distinction made clear during the enrollment process.
Vehicle and Transportation Requirements
DoorDash maintains a flexible approach regarding the mode of transportation a Dasher can utilize. While most deliveries are made using a car, the platform also accommodates scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles in many service areas. In high-density metropolitan centers, a Dasher may even be approved to make deliveries on foot.
If a motorized vehicle is used, the applicant must carry valid personal auto insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements for their state or province. This insurance is mandatory, as the Dasher’s personal policy serves as the primary coverage in the event of an accident. The motorized transport must be in safe working condition and legally operable on public roads.
Technology and Equipment Needs
To manage and execute deliveries, a Dasher must possess a reliable smartphone capable of running the dedicated Dasher application. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems, generally requiring at least iOS 11 or Android 7.0 or newer to function properly. A constant and reliable internet connection through a cellular data plan is necessary for receiving new orders, navigating to pickup and drop-off locations, and communicating with customers.
The Dasher app utilizes the phone’s Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities for order routing and navigation assistance. An insulated delivery bag, often referred to as a hot bag, is necessary to maintain food temperature standards. DoorDash typically provides an initial activation kit to approved Dashers, which includes an insulated bag and a prepaid card for certain orders.
Understanding the Background Check Process
The screening process is a mandatory component of the application designed to ensure public safety. It is conducted by a third-party consumer reporting agency, most commonly Checkr. This check focuses on two primary areas: the applicant’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and their criminal history. Consent for this screening must be explicitly granted by the applicant during the sign-up sequence.
The MVR review scrutinizes the applicant’s driving history for major moving violations over the past seven years. Disqualifying offenses typically include severe infractions such as driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or a history of multiple minor moving violations within a short timeframe. The criminal history check searches national, state, and local databases for records of felony convictions and certain misdemeanors. Common disqualifiers include violent felonies, sexual offenses, property damage, and theft. Pending charges may also delay the approval process until the legal matter is officially resolved.
The Dasher Application Steps
The application process begins with an online sign-up on the DoorDash website or through the Dasher app. The applicant enters their zip code to confirm service availability in their area. Following this initial step, the prospective Dasher provides personal information, including their full legal name, email address, and phone number, to create a profile. They then select their intended mode of transportation, which dictates subsequent documentation requirements.
The next stage involves providing consent for the background check and submitting necessary documentation, such as a driver’s license and proof of insurance for motorized vehicles. Applicants must provide their Social Security number for identity verification and the background screening process. Once all information is submitted, the application enters a waiting period while the background check is processed, which can take a few days to a week. Upon approval, the final steps involve setting up banking information for direct deposit and receiving the official activation kit to begin accepting delivery requests.