What Spark Drivers Do and How to get your free guide

Spark is Walmart's delivery service, and Spark drivers pick up orders from Walmart stores and deliver them to customers' homes. Unlike some gig platforms, you don't bid on jobs — Walmart assigns deliveries to you based on location and availability. The work is straightforward: log into the Spark app, accept available orders, drive to the store, load groceries or merchandise, and deliver to the address provided.

To become a Spark driver, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, pass a background check, and own a vehicle. The signup process takes place entirely through the Spark Driver app, which you read from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Most people complete the initial steps within a few days, though the background check can take up to two weeks.

Walmart does not require commercial insurance or a commercial driver's license for Spark deliveries. Your personal auto insurance is sufficient, though you should verify with your insurer that delivery work is covered under your policy — some personal policies exclude commercial use.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license, a vehicle, and a Social Security number to sign up for Spark.
  • The background check is the longest part of the process and typically takes one to two weeks after you submit your information.
  • Spark pays per delivery, not per hour, and rates vary by location and order size — you see the pay before you accept the job.
  • You can start accepting deliveries as soon as your background check clears, and there is no minimum number of deliveries you must complete.
  • Personal auto insurance usually covers Spark deliveries, but you should contact your insurer to confirm before you start.

Step-by-Step Signup Process

read the Spark Driver app and tap "Sign Up." You'll enter your email address, create a password, and provide your phone number. Walmart will send a verification code to your phone — enter it to confirm your number. This takes about five minutes.

Next, you'll enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Walmart uses the Social Security number to run the background check and for tax reporting (Spark sends you a 1099 form at the end of the year). You'll also provide your driver's license number and state of issue. Make sure the name on your license matches the name you enter in the app.

Then you'll add your vehicle information: year, make, model, and license plate number. You don't need to upload photos or insurance documents at this stage — Walmart requests those only if your background check raises questions. After you submit this information, Walmart begins the background check. You'll see a status screen in the app that says "Background Check in Progress."

Once the background check clears, you'll receive an email and a notification in the app. At that point, you can set your availability (the hours you're willing to work) and start accepting deliveries. The entire process from read to first delivery usually takes one to three weeks.

What the Background Check Covers

Walmart runs a criminal background check through a third-party company. The check looks at felony and misdemeanor convictions, driving violations, and sex offender registries. Walmart does not disclose the exact criteria for approval or rejection, but drivers with recent felonies, DUIs, or multiple traffic violations are often denied.

If your background check is denied, you'll receive an email explaining that you don't meet Spark's requirements. You can contact Spark support through the app to ask for details, though they typically provide only limited information. If you believe the denial was based on incorrect information, you can request that Walmart review the report from the background check company.

The background check does not include a vehicle inspection or emissions test. Walmart assumes your vehicle is roadworthy and insured. If you're in an accident or receive a traffic ticket while driving for Spark, Walmart may deactivate your account pending review.

How Spark Pays and What to Expect Earnings-Wise

Spark pays per delivery, not per hour. The app shows you the payment amount before you accept the job, so you know exactly what you'll earn. Payment typically ranges from $2 to $15 per delivery depending on the order size, distance, and your location. Larger orders and longer distances pay more. Walmart also occasionally offers bonus promotions — for example, "complete 5 deliveries this week and earn an extra $10."

You receive payment weekly, usually on Wednesday or Thursday, to the bank account you link during signup. Walmart deducts no fees from your earnings. You are responsible for tracking mileage and vehicle expenses for tax purposes — keep records of your deliveries and miles driven, as these are deductible business expenses when you file your taxes.

Earnings vary widely by location. Drivers in urban areas with high order volume typically earn more per hour than drivers in rural areas. The best way to estimate your potential earnings is to check the Spark app in your area before you sign up — you can see available deliveries and their pay rates without being an active driver.

Setting Your Availability and Accepting Deliveries

Once your background check clears, open the Spark app and tap "Availability" to set the hours you're willing to work. You can choose any hours — there's no minimum. Many drivers set availability during peak times (lunch and dinner hours) when order volume is highest, but you can work whenever suits you.

When a delivery matches your location and availability, the app sends you a notification. You have a limited time (usually 30 seconds to a few minutes) to accept or decline the job. If you accept, the app shows you the pickup location (always a Walmart store), the delivery address, the number of items, and the pay. You then drive to the store, check in through the app, load the order, and drive to the customer's address.

You are not required to accept every delivery. If you decline a job, it goes to another driver. Declining deliveries does not affect your standing with Walmart, and there is no penalty for being selective about which orders you take.

Vehicle Requirements and Insurance

Your vehicle must be in working condition and have valid registration and insurance. Walmart does not specify a minimum year or model, but your car should be reliable enough to complete deliveries without frequent breakdowns. If you're in an accident or your vehicle breaks down while on a delivery, you're responsible for getting it fixed — Walmart does not provide roadside information or vehicle coverage.

Check your auto insurance policy before you start. Most personal auto policies cover occasional delivery work, but some exclude commercial use entirely. Call your insurer and ask whether Spark deliveries are covered under your current policy. If they're not, you may need to add a commercial rider or switch to a policy that covers gig work. The cost of adding coverage is usually $10 to $30 per month.

Walmart provides no insurance coverage for your vehicle or personal injury while you're working. You are solely responsible for maintaining your vehicle and carrying adequate insurance.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

If your background check is taking longer than two weeks, contact Spark support through the app. Delays sometimes happen if the background check company needs clarification on your information. Providing clear, accurate details the first time speeds up the process.

If you're not receiving delivery offers after your background check clears, check that your availability is set to current hours and that you're in an area where Walmart operates Spark. Not all regions have Spark service yet. You can also try adjusting your availability to peak hours (typically 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) when order volume is highest.

If a customer reports a missing item or damaged order, Walmart investigates through the app. You may be asked to provide photos or details about what happened. Repeated complaints can lead to deactivation, so handle orders carefully and take photos of items before you leave the store if you're concerned about condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Spark?

No. A standard personal driver's license is sufficient. Walmart does not require a commercial license or commercial vehicle insurance for Spark deliveries.

What happens if I get deactivated from Spark?

Deactivation usually results from safety violations (accidents, traffic tickets), repeated customer complaints, or background check issues. Once deactivated, you cannot reactivate the same account. Walmart does not provide a formal appeals process, though you can contact support to ask why you were deactivated.

Can I use someone else's vehicle to drive for Spark?

The vehicle must be registered in your name or you must have written permission from the owner. Walmart asks for the vehicle's license plate during signup, and that plate is tied to your account. Using a different vehicle without updating the app violates Spark's terms.

How long does a typical delivery take?

Most deliveries take 20 to 45 minutes from pickup to drop-off, depending on distance and how busy the store is. Walmart stores sometimes have long waits during peak hours, which can extend the time. You're paid only for the delivery itself, not for wait time at the store.

Do I have to accept deliveries in bad weather?

No. You control your availability, so you can turn off the app or set your availability to "unavailable" during storms or hazardous conditions. Declining deliveries carries no penalty.