DoorDash lets you deliver food and groceries on your own schedule. The requirements depend on your age, your vehicle, and where you live, so check the official Dasher page before you sign up. Here’s what to know, how payouts work, and what the sign-up process looks like.

Dasher basics (approximate, U.S.)
Item Approximate figure
Minimum age about 18 to 21, depending on state
Vehicle car with a valid license and insurance
Background check usually a few days
Fast payout fee about $1.99 per cash-out

Dasher requirements at a glance

DoorDash sets the basic rules on its official Dasher requirements page. Here’s a summary of what it covers:

  • Age: the minimum age depends on your state and your vehicle. Check the page for your state.
  • Vehicle: a car needs a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance. Bike and scooter rules vary by city.
  • Background check: DoorDash requires a background check before you can start.
  • Identity: you’ll need a valid government ID and, for the background check, your Social Security number.

Dashers are typically at least 18, with the age and vehicle rules changing by state. Expect the background check to take a few days. Figures are approximate.

How you get paid

By default, DoorDash pays weekly by direct deposit for the previous week’s deliveries. Its help center describes a Fast Pay option for faster payouts, which carries a fee. Read the current fee in the Dasher app before you use it, since fees can change.

Do the math before you start

An order that pays a few dollars sounds fine until you subtract your car costs. Use a simple example: 100 miles in a shift at 25 miles per gallon and $3.50 gas is $14 in fuel alone. Add maintenance and insurance, then compare that total with your earnings after you deliver for a few weeks.

How to sign up safely

  1. Open the App Store or Google Play and search for the Dasher app by name.
  2. Check the developer name before you tap Get or Install.
  3. Enter your details and upload the documents the app asks for.
  4. Agree to the background check, then wait for approval.

If someone asks you to pay a sign-up fee or to buy an account, it’s a scam. Official apps don’t charge you to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can I dash on a bike?

In some cities, DoorDash allows bike delivery. Check the requirements for your city on the official page.

How long does approval take?

Approval times vary, and DoorDash doesn’t publish a fixed time on its requirements page. Check the status in the app after you submit your information.

My take

If you have a qualifying vehicle and free hours, DoorDash is worth testing for a couple of weeks. Track gas, miles, and tips from day one. For a side-by-side look at DoorDash and Uber Eats, read our DoorDash vs Uber Eats for drivers guide. Download the Dasher app from the App Store or Google Play.

Sources

These official pages were used for this guide: dasher.doordash.com, help.doordash.com.

Keep reading