Fitness & Flexible Work
How to Become a DoorDash Driver
To become a DoorDash driver (a Dasher), you sign up in the Dasher app, verify your ID, consent to a background check, and meet the age and vehicle rules for your area. There is no training or fee, and approval usually takes a few days to two weeks. Earnings vary by market, hours and tips, and you pay your own car costs and taxes as an independent contractor.
- Time to start
- A few days to 2 weeks (background check)
- Typical cost
- $0 to sign up; you cover gas, car upkeep and insurance
- Median pay
- Varies by market; no official data for app-based delivery
- Education
- None required
- License / certification
- Valid driver's license for car delivery; none for bike or walking where allowed
- Job outlook
- No BLS projection for app-based delivery; light truck drivers +6% (2025–35)
Steps to become a doordash driver
Check the requirements for your area
DoorDash's official requirements page lists the current rules. In general you need to be at least 18 (some areas set a higher age), have a Social Security number, and have a smartphone. To deliver by car you need a valid driver's license and auto insurance; some cities also allow bikes, e-bikes, scooters or walking.
Sign up in the Dasher app or website
Download the official Dasher app or go to DoorDash's Dasher signup page. Enter your name, contact details, delivery area and vehicle type. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID and Social Security records.
Verify your identity and consent to a background check
Upload your driver's license or ID and take a selfie when asked. DoorDash uses a third-party company to run a criminal background check and, for car Dashers, a motor vehicle record check. You can follow the status by email or in the app.
Set up payouts and get your gear
Add a bank account or debit card for payouts. An insulated delivery bag and a phone mount make deliveries easier and safer. If you plan to deliver alcohol where allowed, you must be 21 and complete any extra steps the app requires.
Do your first deliveries and learn your market
Start during busy meal times, usually lunch and dinner, and watch which areas and restaurants send you orders. Check the pay and distance shown before you accept an offer. Keep notes on what you earn per hour after gas so you know which times are worth it.
Track mileage and set aside money for taxes
Dashers are independent contractors, so no taxes are withheld. Track every business mile with an app or log, because you may deduct mileage at the IRS standard rate. Set aside part of each payout for income and self-employment tax, and make quarterly estimated payments if you owe.
Want steadier delivery pay? Explore driving careers
You do not need any training to become a Dasher; these options are for readers who want a full-time driving career with an hourly wage or salary.
- Class B CDL program for local delivery truck jobs
- Class A CDL school for regional or long-haul trucking
- Defensive driving course (can lower insurance in some states)
- Company delivery driver jobs with paid on-the-job training
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How much it costs and how long it takes
| Expense | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signup and background check | $0 | $0 | DoorDash does not charge Dashers to apply. |
| Insulated delivery bag | $0 | $40 | |
| Phone mount and car charger | $10 | $40 | |
| Mileage tracking app (per year) | $0 | $120 | Free options exist. |
| Rideshare or delivery insurance add-on (per year) | $0 | $300 | Ask your insurer whether personal coverage applies while delivering. |
| Total | $10 | $500 | Timeline: A few days to 2 weeks (background check) |
DoorDash Driver salary and job outlook
BLS does not track app-based delivery separately. Dasher earnings depend on your market, the hours you work, order volume and tips, minus your own gas and car costs.
Printable PDF
DoorDash Driver Starter Kit: 90-Day Earnings Plan
- 90-day action plan with checkboxes
- Documents checklist
- 12 interview questions with tips
- Resume lines, common mistakes, 13-week tracker
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get approved for DoorDash?
Signup takes about 20 minutes. The background check usually takes a few days, but it can take up to two weeks or longer if your records need extra review. You can check the status in the app or by email.
Does it cost anything to become a Dasher?
No. DoorDash does not charge a signup or background check fee. Your real costs are gas, car maintenance, insurance and your phone plan.
How old do you have to be to DoorDash?
In most areas you must be at least 18, and some areas set a higher minimum. You must be 21 to deliver alcohol where DoorDash offers it. Check DoorDash's official requirements page for your city.
Can you DoorDash without a car or a driver's license?
In some cities, yes: DoorDash allows bikes, e-bikes, scooters or walking in certain dense areas. In those markets a government ID may be enough. In most of the U.S., you need a car and a valid driver's license.
How much do DoorDash drivers make?
There is no official median for Dashers, and pay varies a lot by city, time of day and tips. Pay is made up of base pay, promotions and customer tips. Track your earnings per hour after gas and mileage to know what you really make.
Do DoorDash drivers pay taxes?
Yes. Dashers are independent contractors, so taxes are not withheld from pay. You may receive a 1099 form and owe income tax plus self-employment tax. Tracking mileage can lower your taxable income a lot.
What can stop you from passing the DoorDash background check?
Recent serious criminal convictions, a suspended license, or a poor driving record, such as a recent DUI or several moving violations, can lead to rejection. The exact standards depend on DoorDash's policies and state law. You have the right to see the report and dispute errors.
Is there a DoorDash training course?
No formal training is needed. The app walks you through your first deliveries, and DoorDash's Dasher help center explains how orders, ratings and pay work. If you want a delivery career with steadier pay, a CDL or a delivery driver job with a company is a better path.
Sources
- DoorDash: Dasher requirements (official)
- DoorDash Dasher Help Center
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers
- IRS Gig Economy Tax Center
- IRS: Standard mileage rates
Requirements vary by state and employer and can change. Confirm details with the official sources above before you spend money on training.