DoorDash Driver Requirements

Thinking about becoming a DoorDash delivery driver but not sure where to begin?

Gig work offers the flexibility to create your own schedule and earn extra income, and it’s pretty easy to get into, as long as you meet the basic driver requirements. 

Let us walk you through everything you need to prepare as far as personal, vehicle, and insurance requirements go. You can also skip straight to the sign-up steps for how you become a Dasher.

Basic DoorDash requirements to get started

To get started with your application, you must meet the following personal requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old. Note that in selected states, the DoorDash age requirement is raised to 19 due to regional regulations (Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, West Virginia). Double-check based on your location.
• Have a valid Social Security number and a bank account. 
• Have access to a car, motorcycle, scooter or bike, depending on how you want to deliver (not all states allow all vehicle types listed, find out more below in the DoorDash vehicle requirements). 
• Have a valid U.S. driver’s license, along with commercial auto insurance and a clean driving record (if you plan to deliver by car). 
• Own an iOS or Android smartphone to operate the Dasher app. The company recommends using a newer phone with at least 3GB of RAM. Otherwise, the Dasher app may crash and freeze often.
• Pass a criminal and driving history background check.

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DoorDash background check process

As an aspiring Dasher, you have to pass the background check to move forward with your application. 

How does it work: The whole process takes place online via an external company, so it’s very convenient. 

What do they check for: DoorDash will look at both your driving and criminal record. If you plan to deliver on bike, the driving history will not be investigated. 

How long does it take: The process can take anywhere between a day and a week. You can log into your Dasher app to check your background check status. 

For a detailed guide on the DoorDash background check, take a look at our other article. 

What to do if your application is rejected

Your application may be rejected or suspended if your background check is not cleared or DoorDash requires more information.

If denied, you’ll receive a Pre-Adverse Action notice via email, which gives you instructions on how to dispute the background check’s accuracy.

Doordash will inform you via email if you need to provide additional information, so keep an eye on your inbox. Responding promptly can help move your application forward faster. 

DoorDash vehicle requirements

DoorDash is pretty flexible about the vehicle you use to make your deliveries. As long as you have a clean driving history and meet the insurance requirements, you can start dashing with any type of vehicle.

Eligible vehicles include cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters.

Note: Keep in mind that some of those alternatives to cars may be limited to certain geographic areas. 

DoorDash car requirements

There are no specific car requirements for DoorDash, but a Motor Vehicle Report is included in the background check portion of your application. 

It highlights vehicle events like traffic citations, suspended license, DUI convictions, or accident reports. 

DoorDash scooter requirements

Note: Deliveries via scooters aren’t allowed in all markets. You have to sign into the DoorDash app and check eligibility in your area. 

Dashing on a scooter is a budget-friendly alternative to driving a car. Plus, your state’s moped laws may be less restrictive than car laws. You may not even need a driver’s license, so it’s a good option for prospective Dashers who don’t drive. You could even rent a scooter to get started and earn some extra money. 

It’s also worth noting that DoorDash and local police departments in major cities like Boston and D.C. are cracking down on illegal and unsafe scooter activities, including revoking app access. So it’s important to ensure you understand and obey the laws in your area.

DoorDash bike requirements

You can make DoorDash deliveries with standard bikes and e-bikes, as long as they’re approved in your city. Seasoned Dashers agree that some areas are particularly bike-friendly for deliveries. A 2024 study discovered that the best cities for dashing via bike include Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

You can find eligible cities by logging into the Dasher app. 

DoorDash insurance requirements 

To become a Dasher, you must carry any type of insurance required by your state. For starters, DoorDash does require an auto insurance policy that meets your state minimums. 

However, as an independent contractor, you may also need separate general liability insurance. Check with your State Corporation Commission for any specific requirements.

The insurance policy provided by DoorDash

The company provides delivery drivers with a third-party auto liability insurance policy covering up to $1 million in bodily injury and property damage to third parties if the accident occurs while you’re making a delivery. 

Additionally, DoorDash has covered U.S. Dashers with an occupational accident policy since late 2019. This provides financial protection if you become injured or disabled while performing your delivery services.

The policies vary by state. Read our insurance guide to learn more about DoorDash’s insurance requirements and coverage.

Step-by-step: How to sign up as a Dasher

If you meet the basic DoorDash requirements, you’re ready to start the signup process. Here’s what to expect throughout each step.

Step 1: Register through the signup link
You’ll just need to enter your email, phone number, and zip code to get started.
Step 2: Create a profile
Provide your name and an account password. 
Step 3: Download the app
From here, you can log in and continue with the signup process. The app is available for either iOS or Android. Once you’re in, you’ll start by adding your vehicle type and necessary documentation.
Step 4: Verify your identity 
DoorDash requires you to upload a snapshot of a government ID, along with a selfie. 
Step 5: Complete the background check
The process also includes a background check as the last step, which entails a Motor Vehicle Report and a Criminal History Report.

What happens after you apply to DoorDash

The background check is the last step before you’re approved to become a Dasher. 

If you’re approved, you’ll be prompted to choose how and when you want to get paid. You’ll also connect your bank account to enroll in direct deposit. And then you’re good to start dashing! 

Note: DoorDash has recently begun to re-verify some Dasher identities each week. You may be prompted to submit a real-time selfie in order to eliminate account sharing. 

Earnings with DoorDash and how to maximize them 

As a Dasher, you’ll earn a base pay, with potential tips and pay incentives on top. How much you can realistically earn will depend on the delivery time and distance, overall demand in your area, and how saturated it is with drivers already. 

We encourage you to take the figures below as estimates and test the app first in your given market.

Base pay: According to DoorDash, you can earn between $2-$10 per delivery. 

Tips: You get to keep all of your tips. They will vary (for example, the tipping potential might be lower for fast food restaurant joints), but they can’t be revoked or decreased. 

Pay incentives: You can get better orders and higher rates during peak and high-demand times. DoorDash offers a rewards program as well, but eligibility is largely determined by high customer ratings and acceptance rates. You may want to test it out to see if the extra effort is reflected in your actual earnings. 

Save more money with tax deductions

Remember to track delivery-related expenses like your phone, vehicle costs, and mileage to use as a tax deduction. This will reduce your tax bill when it’s time to file. 

If you deliver by car or scooter, the wear and tear on your vehicle means maintenance costs will rack up pretty quickly. Automatically tracking your mileage with an app can save you a lot of money in the long run. 

See our earnings guide for a more detailed breakdown of how much Doordash pays and other ways to maximize income as a Dasher. 

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