The basic path to driving for Instacart
Instacart's onboarding happens almost entirely online. You create an account on their website or app, submit documents to verify your identity and background, and then wait for approval — usually a few days to a week. Once approved, you can start accepting shopping batches in your area. Unlike some gig platforms, Instacart does not require you to own a car; you shop in stores and deliver on foot or by bike, though most shoppers use personal vehicles to carry multiple orders.
The process is straightforward but has real requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, pass a background check, and live in a state where Instacart operates. You also need a smartphone with GPS and a working camera, since you'll photograph receipts and items during each order.
Key Takeaways
- You sign up through Instacart's website or app, submit your Social Security number and a government ID, and wait for background clearance before your first batch.
- A background check is required and typically takes three to seven days; disqualifying offenses vary by state but usually include felonies and certain theft convictions within the past seven years.
- You need a smartphone with GPS and camera, a valid driver's license (even though you're not technically driving for the platform), and a way to carry groceries — a car is not required but most shoppers use one.
- Instacart does not provide equipment, insurance, or vehicle reimbursement; you cover all costs including gas, phone service, and wear on your vehicle if you use one.
- Earnings come from batch payments plus customer tips, and both vary widely by location, time of day, and how busy the store is.
Step-by-step account creation and document submission
Go to instacart.com/shopper or read the Instacart Shopper app and select "Sign up." You'll enter your email, create a password, and provide your full name, date of birth, and phone number. Instacart will send a verification code to your phone; enter it to confirm.
Next comes the document upload. You'll need a photo of a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Take a clear photo of both the front and back, or upload an image file if you have a digital copy. You'll also enter your Social Security number directly into the app; Instacart uses this to run the background check and verify your identity with the Social Security Administration.
After you submit these documents, Instacart's system processes them automatically. You'll see a status message in the app saying "Under Review" or similar. This is when the background check runs. You can continue using the app during this time, but you won't see available batches until approval is complete.
What the background check covers and how long it takes
Instacart uses a third-party background check company to screen for criminal history, typically going back seven years. The check looks for felonies, violent crimes, theft-related convictions, and sex offenses. The exact disqualifying offenses vary slightly by state, but serious crimes and recent theft convictions are standard reasons for rejection.
The background check usually completes in three to seven days. You'll receive an email when it's done. If you're approved, the email will say so and you can start accepting batches when ready. If you're denied, the email will explain the reason — usually a specific conviction or an issue with your identity verification. You can request a copy of your background report and dispute inaccuracies if needed.
If your check is delayed beyond a week, log into the app and check your account status. Sometimes Instacart needs you to resubmit a document if the photo was blurry or cut off. You can also contact Instacart Shopper Support through the app's help section.
Equipment and documents you need before your first batch
You must have a smartphone running iOS 12 or later (iPhone) or Android 6 or later. The Instacart Shopper app needs GPS to navigate to stores and customers' homes, and a working camera to photograph receipts and items. If your phone is older or doesn't have these features, you'll need to upgrade before you can work.
You'll also need a valid driver's license or state ID, even though Instacart shoppers are not technically driving for the platform. Instacart requires this as a second form of government ID during onboarding. A passport works as well if you don't have a driver's license.
For carrying groceries, you don't need anything special to start. Many shoppers use their personal vehicle. Others use a backpack, reusable bags, or a hand truck if they're shopping on foot or by bike. Instacart does not provide bags, carts, or any equipment. If you plan to shop frequently, investing in a sturdy bag or small cart can make the work faster and easier, but this is optional and comes out of your own pocket.
What happens after approval and how to accept your first batch
Once your background check clears, you'll see a notification in the app saying you're ready to shop. The app will show you available batches in your area — these are individual shopping orders or groups of orders combined into one batch. Each batch shows the store, the number of items, the estimated payment, and the delivery address or addresses.
You choose which batches to accept. You're not required to take every batch that appears; you can decline orders without penalty. However, batches go quickly in busy areas, so if you see one you want, accept it when ready. Once you accept, you'll see the full shopping list, the customer's address, and detailed instructions.
Go to the store listed in the batch, shop for the items on the list, photograph the receipt at checkout, and then deliver the groceries to the customer's address. The app guides you through each step. You'll take photos of items as you shop (to confirm you got the right product), photograph the receipt, and then use the app's navigation to find the customer's home. Leave the groceries at the door or with the customer as instructed, and mark the batch complete in the app.
Understanding Instacart's pay structure and what you'll actually earn
Instacart pays you in two parts: a batch payment from Instacart, and tips from customers. The batch payment is based on the number of items, the distance to the customer, and the complexity of the order. Instacart does not publish a standard rate; the payment varies by location and demand. In some areas, a small batch might pay $7 to $10, while a large one could pay $15 to $25 or more. During peak hours or in high-demand areas, batches tend to pay more.
Customer tips are separate and usually come through the app within 24 hours of delivery. Tips vary widely — some customers tip generously, others tip nothing. Instacart allows customers to adjust tips up to three days after delivery, so your final earnings for a batch can change.
You are responsible for all your own costs: gas (if you use a car), phone service, wear and tear on your vehicle, and any bags or equipment you buy. Instacart does not reimburse mileage, provide vehicle insurance, or cover phone bills. This means your actual take-home pay is lower than the batch payment plus tip. If you drive 10 miles round trip for a $12 batch and a $3 tip, your gross earnings are $15, but your vehicle costs (at the IRS standard mileage rate) are roughly $2.50, leaving you with about $12.50 in actual profit.
Common reasons for rejection and what to do if you're denied
The most common reason for rejection is a background check issue — a conviction that disqualifies you under Instacart's policy. If this happens, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can request a copy of your background report and dispute any errors with the background check company directly. If the conviction is old or was expunged, you may be able to provide documentation of that to Instacart and request reconsideration.
Identity verification failures are also common. If your ID photo was blurry, cut off, or didn't match the name you entered, Instacart will ask you to resubmit. Make sure the photo is clear, shows the entire ID, and matches your legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
If you're rejected and believe it's an error, contact Instacart Shopper Support through the app. Explain the situation and ask what specific issue caused the denial. Some rejections can be appealed or corrected with additional documentation. Others, particularly those based on criminal history, are final.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole sign-up process take from start to finish?
From creating your account to being approved usually takes one to two weeks. Document submission is when ready, but the background check takes three to seven days. If Instacart needs you to resubmit a document, add another few days. Once approved, you can start accepting batches when ready.
Do I need a car to work for Instacart?
No, but most shoppers use one. You can shop on foot or by bike, especially in dense urban areas where stores and customers are close together. However, carrying multiple bags of groceries without a vehicle is slower and limits how many orders you can take per hour, which affects your earnings.
What if I don't have a driver's license?
You can use a passport or state ID card instead. Instacart requires a government-issued photo ID as part of onboarding, but it does not have to be a driver's license specifically.
Can I work in multiple cities or states?
You can work in any city or state where Instacart operates, but you can only have one account. If you move or want to work in a different area, you can update your location in the app. Instacart will show you batches in your new area once you've updated your address.
What happens if I fail the background check?
Instacart will email you with the reason. If it's a criminal conviction, the denial is usually final unless you can show the conviction was expunged or reversed. If it's an identity verification issue, you can resubmit documents. Contact Instacart Shopper Support to understand your specific situation and whether you can appeal.