What Instacart Shoppers Do and How Pay Works
Instacart shoppers pick groceries from store shelves, bag them, and deliver them to customers' homes. You work as an independent contractor — Instacart does not employ you as an employee. You set your own hours, choose which orders to take, and use your own vehicle.
Pay comes from two sources: a base amount per order (which varies by location and order size) plus customer tips. Instacart shows you the base pay and tip before you accept an order, so you know what you will earn. You receive payment weekly through direct deposit to your bank account. The base pay alone is often low — $7 to $15 per order depending on your region — so most shoppers depend on tips to make the work worthwhile.
You are responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, gas, and insurance. Instacart does not provide a vehicle or cover fuel costs. Some shoppers use a personal vehicle; others use a rental or a car-sharing service. You will also need a smartphone with the Instacart Shopper app installed to receive and complete orders.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and pass a background check to become an Instacart shopper.
- The sign-up process takes place entirely online through the Instacart website, and approval typically takes one to two weeks.
- You need your own vehicle, a smartphone, and a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to begin work.
- Instacart shows you the base pay and customer tip for each order before you accept it, so you can choose which orders to take.
- You are responsible for all vehicle costs, and you must maintain your own auto insurance that covers commercial use or rideshare activity.
Requirements to Become an Instacart Shopper
You must meet several basic requirements before Instacart will consider your process. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license from any U.S. state, and be authorized to work in the United States. Instacart will ask for your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number during sign-up.
A background check is required and is conducted by a third-party screening company. The check includes a review of your driving record and criminal history. Instacart's standards vary by region, but generally they will not approve applicants with serious felonies, multiple DUIs, or a pattern of reckless driving convictions within the past seven years. You will receive notice of the results, usually within one to two weeks of submitting your process.
You must also have access to a vehicle that is in working condition and insured. The vehicle does not need to be new or in perfect condition, but it must be safe and reliable enough to make deliveries. Some shoppers use personal vehicles, rentals, or car-sharing services like Turo. Your auto insurance must cover commercial use or rideshare activity — standard personal auto policies often exclude this type of work, so check with your insurance provider before you start.
How to Sign Up Online
The entire sign-up process happens on the Instacart website at instacart.com/shopper. You will create an account, provide your personal information, and upload required documents. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and mailing address. You will also upload a photo of your driver's license (both front and back), a photo of yourself, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Instacart accepts a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form as proof. Make sure the photos are clear and the documents are not expired.
After you submit your process, Instacart will run the background check. You will receive an email notification when the check is complete. If you are approved, you will be able to read the Instacart Shopper app and start receiving orders. If you are not approved, the email will explain the reason and may tell you when you can reapply.
Documents and Information You Will Need
| Document or Information | What It Is Used For | Format Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license | Identity verification and driving record check | Photo of front and back, must be current |
| Social Security number or ITIN | Background check and tax reporting | Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 |
| Proof of address | Verification of current residence | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement (within 90 days) |
| Selfie photo | Identity verification | Clear photo of your face, taken recently |
| Vehicle information | Delivery capability verification | Make, model, year, and license plate number |
What Happens After You Are Approved
Once your background check clears, you will receive an email confirming your approval. You can then read the Instacart Shopper app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Log in with the email and password you created during sign-up.
The app will show you available orders in your area. Each order displays the store location, the number of items, the estimated time to complete it, the base pay, and the customer's tip. You choose which orders to accept. You are not required to take every order, and you can log off the app whenever you want.
When you accept an order, the app gives you directions to the store and a shopping list. You pick the items from the shelves, scan them in the app to confirm, and proceed to checkout. After you pay (using the Instacart card provided to you), you deliver the groceries to the customer's address. The app guides you through each step and shows you where to leave the groceries if the customer is not home.
Vehicle and Insurance Requirements
Your vehicle must be registered and insured in your name or in the name of someone who lives with you. Instacart does not provide insurance, and standard personal auto policies typically do not cover commercial delivery work. Before you start, contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rideshare or commercial use. If it does not, you will need to add a rideshare endorsement or switch to a policy that covers this type of work.
Some insurance companies offer low-cost rideshare add-ons that cost $10 to $25 per month. Others require you to switch to a commercial or business policy, which may cost more. The cost varies by company, your driving record, and your location. It is your responsibility to maintain coverage — driving without proper insurance can result in fines, liability if you cause an accident, and deactivation from Instacart.
Your vehicle should be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, and wipers. Instacart does not conduct vehicle inspections, but customers may report safety concerns, and repeated complaints can lead to deactivation. Keep your vehicle clean and well-maintained to avoid issues.
How Orders Work and What to Expect
Orders appear in the Instacart Shopper app throughout the day. When you log into the app, you see a list of available orders near you. Each order shows the store, the number of items, the estimated time, the base pay, and the tip amount. You can accept or decline any order. There is no penalty for declining orders, but accepting and completing orders consistently helps you build a good rating.
Most orders take 30 minutes to one hour to complete, including shopping, checkout, and delivery. Some orders are larger and take longer. Instacart estimates the time for each order before you accept it, so you can decide whether you have time. You are paid only for orders you complete — if you accept an order and then cancel it, you will not be paid.
Customers can rate you after each delivery on a scale of one to five stars. Your rating is based on how quickly you shop, how accurately you pick items, how you communicate, and the condition of the groceries when delivered. Maintaining a rating of 4.6 stars or higher helps you receive more orders. If your rating drops below 4.6, you may receive fewer orders or be deactivated.
Taxes and Earnings Reporting
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for paying your own taxes. Instacart will send you a 1099-NEC form at the end of the year showing your total earnings. You will need to report this income on your tax return and pay self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare. Self-employment tax is typically 15.3% of your net earnings.
You can deduct certain business expenses from your income to lower your taxable amount. Common deductions include vehicle mileage, gas, vehicle maintenance, phone service, and a portion of your auto insurance. Keep records of your mileage and expenses throughout the year. The IRS allows you to deduct either your actual mileage or a standard mileage rate (which changes each year). Many shoppers find it easier to track mileage using a straightforward spreadsheet or a mileage-tracking app.
If you earn more than $400 in a year, you must file a tax return and pay self-employment tax. Consider setting aside 25% to 30% of your earnings each week to cover taxes, or make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS. A tax professional or accountant can help you understand your obligations and maximize your deductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved after I explore?
The background check typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive an email when the check is complete. In some cases, approval can take longer if there are questions about your driving record or background. You can check the status of your process by logging into your Instacart account on the website.
Can I use someone else's vehicle to deliver for Instacart?
Yes, you can use a vehicle registered to someone else if they live with you and give you permission. However, the vehicle must be insured, and the insurance policy must cover commercial delivery work. The vehicle owner should be aware that the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes, and you should confirm that the insurance covers this use.
What if I get deactivated from Instacart?
Deactivation usually happens if your rating drops below 4.6 stars, you cancel too many orders, you violate Instacart's policies, or you fail a background check update. If you are deactivated, Instacart will send you an email explaining the reason. Some deactivations are permanent, but others may be temporary. You can contact Instacart support to ask about the reason and whether you can reapply.
Do I have to accept every order that appears in the app?
No. You can decline any order without penalty. However, accepting and completing orders consistently helps you maintain a good rating and receive more orders. If you decline too many orders in a row, the app may show you fewer orders or pause sending them to you temporarily.
How much do Instacart shoppers typically earn?
Earnings vary widely depending on your location, the orders you accept, and the tips customers leave. Base pay typically ranges from $7 to $15 per order, and tips can add $5 to $20 or more per order. Many shoppers report earning $15 to $25 per hour before expenses, though this varies. After you subtract vehicle costs, gas, and taxes, your actual take-home pay will be lower.