How To Pass DoorDash’s Background Check in 2024

The DoorDash background check may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite straightforward. All you need is a bit of patience.

DoorDash, like any good business, cares about customer safety and satisfaction. And that starts with making sure its drivers – the face of the company – are trustworthy and reliable.

It’s for this reason that their background check exhaustively reviews your criminal and driving records. The entire procedure is conducted by a third-party company called Checkr, which scans databases across all 50 states to compile a detailed report about your past.

DoorDash isn't looking for perfection, though. They are well aware that everyone makes mistakes, and what's truly important is how you've learned and grown from them.

5 key points about DoorDash’s background checks

• DoorDash conducts background checks on all its applicants – whether you're applying to be a driver, biker, warehouse associate, or corporate employee.
• Even after you've been accepted as a Dasher, DoorDash will periodically review your background to confirm that you consistently adhere to their standards.
• DoorDash's background checks concentrate on two key aspects – criminal history and driving records.
• DoorDash outsources its background checks to Checkr, which then compiles reports from billions of public records across all 50 states.
• While records of serious felonies like violent crimes, sexual offenses, theft, or property damage could get you disqualified, DoorDash may overlook lesser and older offenses – especially if there's evidence of rehabilitation.

Does DoorDash do background checks?

In a word, yes. DoorDash conducts background checks on all its applicants – whether you're applying to be a driver, biker, warehouse associate, or corporate employee.

It all boils down to trust. DoorDash is a platform that connects people who order food, those who cook it, and the ones who deliver. For this system to function seamlessly, it needs a strong foundation of trust.

The role of the background check is to build that foundation on DoorDash. Through an analysis of your criminal and driving records, the food delivery company gets to establish if you can be counted on to make its deliveries safely and professionally.

DoorDash background checks are not just for applicants

Even after you've been accepted as a Dasher, DoorDash will periodically review your background to confirm that you consistently adhere to their standards.

The continuous background checks are similar to the initial screening process. They comb through your criminal and motor vehicle records to spot any recent violations that may affect your ability to provide a safe and reliable service. 

If DoorDash discovers new records of felony convictions, it could take action and deactivate your account from its platform.

DoorDash doesn’t conduct the background checks itself

Although background checks are a vital part of DoorDash's onboarding process, the company doesn't administer them directly. Instead, it delegates the responsibility to Checkr, a company that specializes in background screenings.

Checkr itself is a reputable provider of modern, compliance-driven background checks. Corporations commission it to look into the legal records for prospective employees, contractors, and gig workers. These investigations are powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology – which according to Checkr, considerably cuts the time taken to identify, classify, and filter data.

As a DoorDash background check partner, the company offers nationwide coverage by accessing databases across all 50 states – from which it searches through billions of public records.

You will not incur any charges for this. All associated background check costs are covered by DoorDash.

Are DoorDash’s background checks accurate? 

In most cases, yes. 

Checkr scans through motor vehicle records, national criminal databases, sex offender registries, plus state and county records to retrieve a full timeline of each applicant’s criminal history. 

Dashers do, however, report that these background checks are not entirely foolproof. Checkr’s system may occasionally generate erroneous reports on DoorDash applicants and workers. 

In the case of Scott Jones, a Dasher with over four years of experience, for instance, Checkr generated the background check report on another individual with the same name and birthday as Scott. 

Fortunately for him, DoorDash recognizes that such inaccuracies may develop from time to time. And so, to mitigate the problem, the company offers each of its candidates the chance to appeal – which is what Scott used to sail through his 2018 background check.

DoorDash background check requirements

To undergo a background check, you must submit the following with your job application:

• A valid driver's license: This is used to verify your identity and legal authorization to drive a vehicle.
• Social security number: This serves as your unique identifier in Check background checks. It allows the company to retrieve your personal records from motor vehicle and criminal databases.

What background records does DoorDash check?

DoorDash's background checks concentrate on two key aspects – criminal history and driving records.

To explore the applicant's criminal past, Checkr, the firm responsible for these checks, searches through county and national criminal databases – including sources like the National Sex Offender Registry. 

Driving history is then assessed through your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR). This document details your past traffic-related criminal and non-criminal offenses.

The former include driving under the influence (DUI) of substances, hit-and-run, and vehicular homicide. Then the latter are the less severe ones like exceeding the speed limit, improper turning, and failing to wear a seatbelt. 

That’s not to say motor vehicle offenses carry less weight. Some of the gig workers who’ve gone through this process report that DoorDash takes traffic violations just as seriously as criminal records. The company is allegedly not willing to take risks on drivers convicted of a DUI, hit-and-run, etc. 

What is the time frame for the background checks?

Generally, DoorDash's background checks document the past seven to ten years of your criminal history. This time frame is consistent with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which sets a seven-year limit for reporting most types of criminal convictions. 

The window for your driving history is slightly narrower, though, as MVR records only cover the past three to seven years.

However, the gravest of felonies might not be subject to any time restrictions, and could be considered regardless of how long ago they occurred. This is the category in which you’ll find murder, kidnapping, treason, and the like. 

It doesn’t take too much to pass DoorDash’s background checks 

Sailing through DoorDash's background checks is easy when you demonstrate the core principles of responsibility, integrity, and safety consciousness. All it takes is maintaining a commendable driving record, a clean employment history, and a criminal record that's free of major offenses.

Your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) should ideally show a clean slate with no instances of serious violations like reckless driving, DUIs, or hit-and-run incidents. Offenses like occasion speeding and failing to signal are, otherwise, considered to be minor and may not necessarily disqualify you.

DoorDash acknowledges that people can change and grow, and that past mistakes do not necessarily define your present character. Therefore, while  records of crimes related to the job could be potential stumbling blocks, “non-relevant” offenses may be treated differently – especially if there's evidence of rehabilitation.

For example, a history of violent crimes, sexual offenses, theft, or property damage may disqualify you – as they’re all in direct violation of DoorDash’s safety policies – whereas a tax evasion conviction may be overlooked if the corresponding driving records are clean. 

How long does a DoorDash background check take?

The timeline for a DoorDash background check varies, but you may expect a turnaround of about 2 to 10 business days. 

One of the variables influencing the time is your past residential history. If it spans multiple jurisdictions, each location will require an individual background check, potentially elongating the process. 

To further complicate matters, some of your states or counties might have slower response times for releasing background check information. For instance, populous states with intricate legal systems like California and New York could take relatively longer to process your records. 

Another factor that can affect the timeline is any errors or inconsistencies in the applicant's provided information. A mismatch in the name or social security number, for instance, could call for additional verifications, leading to a delay in the process.

However, should there be any significant delays in your background check, DoorDash will keep you informed about the status. 

But, my DoorDash background check is taking forever

If your DoorDash background check is taking longer than expected, there is no need for concern. Understanding the common causes for these delays can help you manage the situation more effectively.

DoorDash itself has grown so popular that it often processes thousands of applications simultaneously. The sheer volume of background checks may increase considerably during periods of heightened driver demand, and the resultant backlog could mean longer wait times. 

Checkr is not immune either, as it may occasionally get overwhelmed by an exceedingly high volume of background check requests. At other times, it may face difficulties verifying some of the submitted information. 

Whatever is causing the delay, you can always contact DoorDash for an update on your application. They’ll then advise on any potential issues affecting your account. 

How to check the status of your background check on DoorDash

For DoorDash applicants in the US

If you’re based in the United States, you can check the status of your DoorDash background check by visiting the Applicant Checkr portal. 

Upon accessing the page, you’ll see a form on which to enter your email address, phone contact, social security number, and date of birth. 

You should then submit the form and click on "Get Status" to view the status of your DoorDash background check. 

For DoorDash applicants in Canada

For Dashers applying in Canada, the process is slightly different. You should write an email to canadasupport@checkr.com and request the status of your application.

DoorDash background check statuses: What they mean

• Complete Status: This status signifies the initiation of your background check, with your background details logged in the relevant counties. Here, Checkr, the third-party company conducting the check, commences its search for criminal records.
• Pending Status: This status means that your background check is in progress., and Checkr is waiting for your County Criminal Records. It usually takes 2-3 days to finalize the screenings. 
• Clear Status: This indicates that you’ve passed the background check and can begin working. DoorDash will send you a confirmation email that states your account has been activated.
• Consider Status: The "Consider" status on a DoorDash background check means that the individual has been found to have a criminal record that requires further evaluation. It could be due to an unresolved charge, plea, conviction, or sentence tied to criminal activity. 

Evaluators will consider the offense's nature, its occurrence timing, and any mitigating circumstances. And if the offense is deemed minor or irrelevant, your application may proceed. Otherwise, in serious cases, the DoorDash application may be disqualified permanently. 

• Dispute Status: If you find incorrect information in your report, you have 30 days to contest with the background check company. Meanwhile, your status will be set to "Dispute"

Although unlikely, disqualification is still a possibility

While the majority of applicants pass the DoorDash background check, there are instances where one may be disqualified. 

Disqualification implies that the applicant did not meet certain criteria set by DoorDash. This could be due to inconsistencies in the applicant's criminal or driving history. 

Here are some of the potential pitfalls:

• Open Warrants: Any unresolved legal issues could hinder an applicant's ability to fulfill their DoorDash driver duties.
• Active Legal Proceedings: Should an applicant be involved in any unresolved criminal cases, their application could be temporarily stalled until all legal issues are settled. This step is taken to ensure that the applicant, free from any disruptions, can successfully fulfill their responsibilities.
• Financial Fraud: Any convictions related to financial fraud – such as identity theft or funds embezzlement – may raise questions about the applicant’s integrity.
• Violations of Conditional Discharge: Violating probation or conditional discharge terms could suggest a disregard for legal obligations.
• Sex Offenses: Being registered on a sex offender registry will lead to automatic disqualification due to safety concerns.
• Expired or Suspended License: A valid driver's license is non-negotiable for DoorDash drivers. 
• Drug Offenses: Recent convictions tied to drug offenses, particularly those involving distribution or trafficking, could result in disqualification due to DoorDash's dedication to a safe and legal environment.
• DUI and DWI: Multiple DUI or DWI convictions within a specific time frame may result in disqualification due to safety concerns. 
• Reckless Driving: A history of reckless driving or involvement in numerous traffic accidents can raise safety concerns.
• Hit-and-Run: Prior involvement in hit-and-run incidents or fleeing from accident scenes may imply a disregard for legal and safety obligations.
• Traffic Violations: Having an excessive number of traffic infractions – like running red lights or stop signs – could raise concerns about an applicant’s driving safety.
• Violent Offenses: Any convictions for violent crimes – such as assault, battery, or domestic violence – are taken as indicators of an applicant’s potential to compromise the safe environment that DoorDash seeks to maintain. 

If an applicant is disqualified, they should seek clarification from DoorDash or the background check provider. They’ll find out the reasons for the disqualification, as well as the steps they could take to resolve the issue.

It’s worth noting, though, that disqualification is not necessarily permanent. Depending on the nature of the disqualifying factor, an applicant may be able to reapply after a certain period of time or once the issue has been resolved.

Be careful, though. Not everyone gets this second chance. Applying under a different email won’t work either, as DoorDash will ultimately flag the shared social security number. 

Getting hired when you have a record of reckless driving, DUI is still a possibility

A criminal record, particularly one related to reckless driving or DUI, can present challenges when applying to become a DoorDash driver. But, these obstacles are not entirely prohibitive.

DoorDash evaluates each case individually, taking into account the specifics of the applicant's past offense, the amount of time elapsed since the conviction, and any evidence of reform.

For example, a DUI record that is more than seven years old might not necessarily disqualify an applicant. 

Similarly, if you have records of reckless driving, DoorDash will consider their severity and frequency. A single incident from several years ago may not be as detrimental to your application having a record of multiple recent occurrences.

That said, here are some strategies that may improve your chances of being hired by DoorDash despite having a criminal record:

• Fulfill the Essential Requirements: Make sure you meet all the necessary criteria like age, having a valid driving license, and insurance.
• Be Honest: Always tell the truth when applying. Leaving out details about your past crimes could get you automatically rejected.
• Compensate With Safe Driving: If you have a criminal past but no driving violations, focus on your safe driving abilities and dedication to safety.
• Time Since Last Offense: The longer it's been since your last crime, the better. Show how you've improved yourself since then.
• Get a Rehabilitation Certificate: If it's possible where you live, get a certificate of rehabilitation to prove you're working to improve yourself.
• Get References: Ask for character references from employers, mentors, or people in your community who can attest to your trustworthiness.
• Prove Job Consistency: Showing a stable work history after your past crimes may help in proving that you are reliable and responsible.

DoorDash even allows unsuccessful applicants to appeal their disqualification. You just need to submit a formal request that provides any additional information that may support your case. This could include evidence of rehabilitation, character references, or a personal statement explaining the circumstances of your past offenses and the steps you've taken to reform.

Tips on passing DoorDash’s background check

This section is a culmination of the principles we've covered so far, distilled into actionable tips. Consider these your strategic guidelines to successfully clear DoorDash's background check:

• Paper Trail: Gather all necessary documents before starting the application process. This will help you provide accurate information and expedite the process
• Clear the Deck: If you have unresolved legal issues, like unpaid tickets or warrants, address them before applying. A clean slate is always more appealing.
• Address the Elephant in the Room: If there's something on your record that could raise questions, address it proactively in your application. Provide details about the circumstances and how you've grown since then.
• Drive Like You're Always Being Watched: Maintain a clean driving record. DoorDash values safe drivers, so avoid traffic violations and drive responsibly.
• Character Witnesses: Obtain character references. These can vouch for your reliability and integrity, especially if you have a criminal history.
• Follow the Leader: If you haven't heard back after a week, take the initiative and follow up with DoorDash or the background check provider.
• The Art of the Appeal: If you're disqualified, don't lose hope. Consider appealing the decision and provide additional documentation or references to support your case.

Ready to get started?

Now that you understand what the background check entails, DoorDash is all yours for the taking. Sign up today and start getting paid to drive your own car (pending Dasher approval and local availability).