What Spark Driver Is and How to Create Your Account
Spark Driver is Walmart's delivery service that lets you earn money by delivering groceries and merchandise from Walmart stores to customers in your area. To sign up, you read the Spark Driver app on your phone, create an account with your email address, and complete a background check. The whole process typically takes a few days to a week before you can start accepting deliveries.
The app is available on both iOS and Android. When you first open it, you'll see a sign-up screen asking for your name, email, phone number, and password. Walmart will send you a confirmation email — check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox. Once you confirm your email, you move to the next step: providing your driver information.
You'll need to upload a photo of your driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registration document that matches the name on your license. The app will also ask you to take a selfie for identity verification. Make sure your documents are clear and fully visible — blurry or cut-off images will be rejected and slow down your approval.
Key Takeaways
- read the Spark Driver app, enter your email and phone number, and confirm your email address to start the account creation process.
- You must upload a valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance, and vehicle registration before Walmart will review your process.
- Walmart runs a background check that typically takes three to seven days; you'll receive an email when your account is approved or if more information is needed.
- Once approved, you can open the app and see available deliveries in your area, then accept the ones that work for your schedule.
- You need a smartphone with GPS, a valid driver's license, and a vehicle to deliver; some areas also require a commercial driver's license depending on vehicle weight.
Documents You Need Before You Start
Walmart requires specific documents before you can be approved as a Spark Driver. You must have a valid driver's license (not expired), proof of auto insurance that covers your vehicle, and vehicle registration in your name or the name of someone who lives with you. If someone else's name is on the registration, you may need to provide additional documentation showing you have permission to use the vehicle.
Your insurance must be active and current — Walmart will reject expired or lapsed policies. The proof of insurance can be a digital copy from your insurance company's app, a PDF emailed to you, or a physical card photographed clearly. Vehicle registration can be a digital copy from your state's DMV portal or a photo of the physical document.
If you drive a vehicle that weighs over a certain threshold (this varies by state and local regulations), you may need a commercial driver's license (CDL). Spark Driver will tell you during sign-up whether your vehicle requires one. If it does and you don't have one, you'll need to obtain it through your state's DMV before Walmart will approve your account.
The Background Check and Approval Timeline
After you submit your documents, Walmart runs a background check through a third-party screening company. This check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and other factors. The review typically takes three to seven days, though it can take longer during busy periods or if Walmart needs to request additional information from you.
You'll receive an email at the address you used to sign up when the background check is complete. The email will either approve your account, ask you to provide more documents, or inform you that you don't meet Spark Driver's requirements. If you're asked for more information, respond as quickly as possible — delays in providing documents can extend the approval timeline by days or weeks.
If your account is approved, you can log into the app when ready and start viewing available deliveries in your area. If you're denied, the email will explain why. Common reasons include a poor driving record, an incomplete insurance policy, or a mismatch between the name on your documents. You can contact Spark Driver support through the app to ask about reapplying or clarifying the reason for denial.
Setting Up Your Payment and Tax Information
Before you complete your first delivery, you need to set up how Walmart will pay you. In the app, go to your account settings and link a bank account for direct deposit. Walmart deposits your earnings weekly, usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, depending on your bank's processing time. You'll need your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
You should also provide your tax identification information during sign-up. Spark Driver will ask for your Social Security number or EIN (if you're operating as a business). This information is used to generate tax documents at the end of the year. As an independent contractor, you're responsible for tracking your own income and expenses for tax purposes — Walmart will send you a 1099-NEC form if you earn over $600 in a calendar year.
Keep records of your deliveries, mileage, and any vehicle expenses (gas, maintenance, insurance premiums). These can be deducted from your income when you file taxes. Many drivers use a straightforward spreadsheet or a mileage-tracking app to record this information throughout the year.
What Happens After Approval: Accepting Your First Deliveries
Once your account is approved, open the Spark Driver app and you'll see a map showing available deliveries near you. Each delivery shows the pickup location (a Walmart store), the delivery address, the estimated payout, and how many items need to be delivered. You can accept or decline any delivery — there's no penalty for declining.
When you accept a delivery, the app gives you directions to the Walmart store. You'll pick up the order (either from a designated area or by scanning items yourself, depending on the store's setup), then drive to the customer's address and deliver it. Most deliveries pay between $2 and $15, though some longer or larger orders pay more. Your exact payout depends on distance, number of items, and current demand in your area.
You can work whenever you want — there are no scheduled shifts. Some drivers work a few hours a day, others work full-time. The number of available deliveries varies by time of day and location. Typically, there are more deliveries available during morning and evening hours and on weekends.
Common Issues During Sign-Up and How to Fix Them
If your documents are rejected during upload, the app will usually tell you why — for example, "driver's license is expired" or "insurance document is not clear." Take a new photo in good lighting, make sure all four corners of the document are visible, and resubmit. If you're unsure what's wrong, contact Spark Driver support through the app's help section.
If your background check is taking longer than a week, check your email (including spam) for messages from Walmart asking for more information. If you don't see any message, log into the app and check the status of your process — it may show what's holding up approval. You can also contact support to ask about the delay.
If you're approved but can't see any deliveries in your area, it may mean there aren't currently any available, or your location settings in the app are turned off. Make sure location services are enabled for the Spark Driver app in your phone's settings. If you still see no deliveries after a few hours, contact support to confirm your account is fully activated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I need to be to sign up for Spark Driver?
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. Walmart may have additional age requirements depending on your state's laws regarding independent contractors.
Can I use someone else's vehicle to deliver?
Yes, but the vehicle registration must be in your name or the name of someone who lives with you. If it's registered to someone else, you'll likely need written permission and may need to provide additional documentation showing you have the right to use the vehicle.
What if I don't have a smartphone?
Spark Driver requires a smartphone with GPS and the ability to run the app. You cannot deliver without one, as you need the app to accept deliveries, navigate to addresses, and confirm pickups and drop-offs.
Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Spark Driver?
Standard personal auto insurance is usually sufficient, but some insurance companies exclude commercial delivery work. Check your policy or call your insurance company to confirm you're covered while delivering. Some drivers purchase a commercial rider to their policy for extra protection.
How long does it take to get paid after I complete a delivery?
Walmart deposits your earnings weekly, typically on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. The exact day depends on your bank's processing time. You can see your current balance and earnings history in the app at any time.