What You Need to Drive for DoorDash
To drive for DoorDash, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name. DoorDash also requires a Social Security number to run a background check. You'll need a smartphone with the DoorDash Driver app, which runs on iOS or Android, and a working phone number to receive order notifications.
Your vehicle can be a car, truck, motorcycle, or scooter — DoorDash accepts most vehicle types. The insurance must be active and cover the vehicle you'll use for deliveries. Some states require commercial or rideshare insurance; check your state's rules before you start, because personal auto insurance may not cover delivery work.
You'll also need a bank account in your name to receive payments. DoorDash deposits earnings weekly, usually on Wednesdays or Thursdays depending on your bank.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number to pass DoorDash's background check.
- The background check takes three to five business days; you cannot accept orders until it clears.
- You choose when to work by turning the app on and off, and you see the order details — including pay and distance — before you accept each delivery.
- DoorDash pays weekly by direct deposit, and you can track your earnings in the Driver app in real time.
- Your vehicle insurance must cover delivery work in your state; personal auto policies often exclude commercial use.
The Background Check and Approval Process
After you submit your information through the DoorDash Driver app, the company runs a background check that typically takes three to five business days. DoorDash checks your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry. You will not be able to accept orders until the check clears and your account is activated.
If the background check is denied, DoorDash will send you a notice explaining why. You can dispute the result if you believe the information is wrong. Contact DoorDash support through the app to request a review or to ask what disqualified you.
Once approved, you can log into the Driver app and start accepting orders when ready. You do not need to schedule shifts — you turn the app on when you want to work and off when you stop.
How to Accept Orders and Get Paid
When you turn on the Driver app, DoorDash sends you order notifications. Each notification shows the restaurant, the delivery address, the estimated distance, and the pay amount before you accept. You can decline any order without penalty. Once you accept, the app gives you the restaurant's address, the customer's delivery address, and turn-by-turn navigation.
You pick up the order from the restaurant, follow the app's directions to the customer's address, and mark the delivery complete in the app. The customer can rate you and leave comments after each delivery. Your ratings affect which orders you see — higher-rated drivers get priority access to better-paying orders.
DoorDash pays you weekly by direct deposit. You can see your current earnings, completed deliveries, and customer ratings in the Driver app at any time. Some drivers also use the DoorDash Fast Pay feature to transfer earnings to their bank account before the weekly deposit, though a small fee applies.
Vehicle and Insurance Requirements by State
DoorDash allows cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles, but your insurance must cover the vehicle type you use. Most states do not require special insurance for delivery work, but some do — and personal auto insurance policies often exclude commercial use like food delivery.
Before you start, contact your insurance company and tell them you plan to use your vehicle for DoorDash deliveries. Ask whether your current policy covers this work or whether you need a commercial or rideshare rider. Some insurers offer low-cost add-ons; others may require you to switch policies. A few states have specific rules about delivery driver insurance — your state's Department of Insurance website lists those requirements.
If you use a motorcycle or scooter, check that your insurance covers that vehicle type for commercial use. Motorcycle policies are often cheaper than car policies but may have different coverage limits.
What Affects Your Earnings and Order Access
DoorDash does not may provide a minimum hourly rate. Your pay depends on the order value, distance, and any promotions running in your area. The app shows you the pay before you accept, so you can choose which orders to take. Longer distances and larger orders typically pay more, but you might earn less per mile on a busy day when many orders are available.
Your customer rating directly affects which orders you see. Drivers with ratings below 4.2 stars may see fewer orders or be deactivated. Ratings come from customer feedback after each delivery. To maintain a high rating, deliver orders on time, handle food carefully, and follow the customer's delivery instructions (for example, leaving the order at the door if requested).
DoorDash also runs promotions in your area — peak pay during busy times, bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries in a week, or surge pricing when demand is high. The Driver app notifies you of active promotions.
Deactivation and Account Suspension
DoorDash can deactivate your account if your rating falls below 4.2 stars, if you have too many customer complaints, or if you violate the Dasher Community Guidelines. Violations include accepting orders you do not complete, arriving late repeatedly, or damaging food during pickup or delivery.
If your account is deactivated, you will receive a notice in the app explaining why. You can appeal the decision by contacting DoorDash support. Some deactivations are permanent; others may be lifted after a set period if you correct the problem.
You are an independent contractor, not an employee, so DoorDash can end the relationship at any time. You can also stop driving whenever you want — there is no contract or notice period required.
Tax and Expense Tracking for DoorDash Drivers
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for paying taxes on your DoorDash earnings. DoorDash does not withhold taxes from your pay. You will receive a 1099-NEC form at the end of the year if you earned $600 or more, but you should track your income and expenses throughout the year.
Keep records of your mileage, fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and phone expenses — these are deductible business expenses that reduce your taxable income. Many drivers use mileage-tracking apps to log deliveries automatically. The IRS allows you to deduct either actual expenses or the standard mileage rate, which changes yearly.
Set aside a portion of each week's earnings for taxes. A tax professional or accountant can help you estimate what you owe and plan quarterly payments if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the background check take?
The background check typically takes three to five business days. You will receive a notification in the app when it clears. Some checks take longer if DoorDash needs additional information from you.
Can I drive for DoorDash and other delivery services at the same time?
Yes. Many drivers work for multiple platforms — DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and others — at the same time. You control your own schedule and can turn apps on and off as you choose. Just make sure your insurance covers delivery work for all platforms you use.
What happens if a customer reports that their order is wrong or missing?
DoorDash investigates customer complaints. If complaints pile up, your rating drops and you may see fewer orders. If a customer reports food missing or damaged, DoorDash may refund them. Repeated complaints can lead to deactivation, so take photos of orders at pickup and follow delivery instructions carefully.
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for DoorDash?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial license unless your state requires one for food delivery, which is rare.
Can I use a rental car or a car I don't own?
No. Your vehicle must be registered in your name. DoorDash verifies vehicle ownership during signup. If you use a rental or borrowed car, you will not be able to complete the registration.