What does the DoorDash background check look for

The gig economy is growing rapidly. In 2020, 36% of workers in the US were diversified workers with a mix of traditional and gig jobs. A further 32% were independent contractors.

People choose to work in the gig economy for different reasons. For example, workplace flexibility, independence, and the potential to make extra money are all factors.

If you are looking for an opportunity to boost your income, a gig job could be right for you.

You have a few options to check out, and one is the food delivery company DoorDash.

Before you start working as a “Dasher,” you’ll have to pass a background check as a part of the application process.

We've put together a complete guide to Doordash background checks. Keep reading because we'll break down the secure background check and explain what it entails.

What is DoorDash?

DoorDash is an online on-demand food delivery service. Customers can use the delivery app to order food from restaurants and have it delivered to their door. They can also order goods from other businesses, including grocery and convenience stores.

The deliveries are made by a group of contracted “Dashers.”

Dashers can work in a few different ways. For example, there's delivery on foot, by bike, and by car.

The service is available in over 7,000 cities across the globe. Locations include the US, Canada, and Australia.

As contractors, dashers can pick their own hours. It can be a full-time job or something you do for extra cash around other commitments. The signup process is simple, and as long as you meet the minimum company requirements, it won't be long before you can start work.

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What is a DoorDash background check?

DoorDash wants to maintain the safety of its delivery customers and everyone within its network. This is why they do a background check on all applicants during the sign-up process.

During this screening process, a third-party company will check your public records. For example, the Motor Records Database and federal and county court records will be used to create a background check report.

DoorDash will use the information for identity verification and decide whether the candidate will be suitable for the job.

Let's say someone has a felony conviction for burglary. DoorDash may consider this a risk to its customers and merchants.

If it's a delivery driver position, the company wants to know you're a safe driver, so any citations or DUIs might impact your application.

Credit reports don't usually have an impact on this hiring process.

Who does DoorDash background checks?

DoorDash uses a third-party company called Checkr to handle the background check process. There are other requirements for anyone looking to be a Dasher, but this check focuses on the applicant’s criminal and driving record.

Checkr’s approach to screening applicants is transparent. You’ll be asked for your legal consent before they can access your background information.

Checkr will share the findings of the background report once they are done.

If you have never had a ticket and don't have a criminal record, the check should be simple. You should get approval within a few days so you can start earning as a Dasher.

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What does it take to deliver for DoorDash?

Anyone who meets the basic requirements can apply to work for DoorDash online. These eligibility requirements include:

• 18 years or older: The United States Department of Labor allows people under the age of 18 years to work in certain industries. However, DoorDash requires all its contractors to be 18 years or older.

• Mode of transport: The company expects dashers to use their own mode of transportation, which is a mandatory requirement for signing up.

  A car, bike, or scooter should work just fine. You can even walk in some markets. Make sure you confirm the list of vehicle types at “Info On Your City.”

• A valid driver’s license number: This information is used to track your personal driving record during the background check.

• Social Security number (US only): An SSN is necessary for anyone working in the United States. It helps DoorDash report your earnings to the IRS.

• A smartphone: You’ll need a smartphone, such as an Android or iPhone, to install the DoorDash app and access your Dasher account.

The final requirement is consent for DoorDash to conduct a background check on you. You can read through the “Background Check Disclosure, Additional Disclosure, and Authorization” form during the application process.

If you are successful, you'll need to give an address to which DoorDash will deliver a free activation kit.

What do they look for in a DoorDash background check?

Checkr looks at two main areas: your driving record and criminal record.

When giving consent, you allow DoorDash to gather as much information as they need. The applicant background checks go back seven years.

Let’s take a look at how each check works:

Motor vehicle report

This part of the background check is necessary if you are using a vehicle to pick up orders. Using a vehicle can be beneficial to you, as Dashers who drive tend to make more money than others.

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Here, Checkr looks at national and state traffic records for any reported offenses. While they are interested in offenses within three years of the check date, they also look at others outside that period. They’ll make a call depending on the seriousness of the offense.

Speeding tickets, driving uninsured, accidents, and violations of headlights have some weight if they occurred in the past three years.

Moving violations are a good example of offenses that don't count a lot, but if you have three, they'll disqualify you.

Other driving offenses can lead to disqualification, even if you have a single entry. For example, serious offenses like DUI charges can have an impact on your application.

If you sign up to make deliveries using a scooter or by walking, Checkr will skip this step.

Criminal history report

Checkr looks at all county criminal records in the last seven years. This gives them details of any convictions next to your name.

Checkr will also conduct a search of the National Sex Offender Registry for records spanning the past seven years.

All offenses carry different weights and will determine whether you qualify to be a Dasher. Criminal records such as convictions and sexual offenses carry more weight and can lead to disqualification.

What are the possible outcomes of the check?

If you live in the US, log into your Checkr candidate portal at any time to see the status of your employment background check.

Applicants in Canada can check with the international candidate portal.

The different DoorDash application status updates include:

1. Clear

The check returned good results, and you progressed into the final steps of signing up as a Dasher.

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2. Consider

The check returned marginal results and needs additional review from the DoorDash team.

Reviews typically take five business days, and the team shares the decision through email. Two possible results from a review are: “Pre-Adverse Action Notice” and “Post-Adverse Action Notice.”

A Pre-Adverse Action Notice implies the application wasn't successful in the review, and you can dispute the decision within ten days of receiving the email.

If you think the Checkr report is inaccurate, reach out to them through the candidate portal and explain what you feel is wrong.

If the report findings are correct, but you don't agree with DoorDash’s review, you can contact them using the email address associated with the application. Explain why you think their review is wrong, and provide additional details to support the claim.

If DoorDash doesn't receive any information within ten days, they’ll proceed with the initial decision.

A Post-Adverse Action Notice is sent after the ten-day window is closed. At this point, candidates can no longer appeal DoorDash’s review but can dispute Checkr’s background check results.

3. Pending

The check is still being processed, and Checkr might need additional information to complete it. On the candidate portal, you'll see if they need any information or not.

If the portal doesn't have any notifications requesting information, be patient and let Checkr complete the process within a few days.

4. Disputed

This status is available to candidates who didn't agree with Checkr’s report. Disputes can take up to a month to be reviewed. If your portal reads this, Checkr has received your dispute successfully and is looking into it.

5. Suspended

The check cannot continue because Checkr needs additional information. The records tagged with your name might be unclear or inconsistent.

Visit the candidate portal, and supply the required information at your earliest convenience, or the report will expire within 30 days.

How long does the DoorDash background check take?

A DoorDash background check can take between five to ten business days, but this isn't set in stone. A couple of variables can make it longer than this.

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For starters, you want to help speed up the process by giving correct information. Use your full legal name to eliminate any confusion with the check.

There can be other factors outside your control, such as the current volume of checks.

If you have lived in multiple locations, the check might take longer since Checkr has to run your name through all the different records in these locations. All cities operate differently, and some might take some time to return checks.

However, if your records are clear and Checkr doesn’t have any difficulties, you should get results within a week.

To better understand what may turn up in your background check, you can perform your own beforehand.

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What happens if I have an incident as an active Dasher?

Dashers have to maintain a clean record even after passing the initial background check. The idea is to keep a community of Dashers that won't jeopardize the safety of customers using the service.

Checkr performs recurring checks on all Dashers, except for those in Massachusetts and California due to existing jurisdictions.

If you commit felonies as a DoorDash driver and a background check finds that you no longer meet the threshold, you may be removed from the platform.

In such an event, you'll be served with a Pre-Adverse Action Notice, which allows you to dispute the report within ten days. Failure to do this will get your account deactivated within ten days of receiving the Post-Adverse Action Notice.

Benefits of working as a Dasher

Working as a delivery driver for DoorDash is a decent way to make money on the side. You have the freedom to choose when and where to work. With access to the platform, all you have to do is log in, engage the “ready” mode and the DoorDash application, and start receiving orders near you.

In addition to the obvious perks of a delivery gig, Dashers enjoy medical and health benefits and perks extended to the best-performing people called the “Top Dashers.”

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How to apply at DoorDash

DoorDash is always looking for new Dashers to fill its network. Plus, the company has other roles, including administration, technology, and finance positions. You can check current DoorDash vacancies on our job board.

Alternatively, you can head over to the DoorDash driver application page.

Ready to apply at DoorDash?

Doing DoorDash delivery can be a great way to earn some cash.

You can choose your own hours and have more time for other commitments. To work as a Dasher, you’ll need to fill out an application form. During this process, you’ll have to pass a background screening check.

A third-party company called Checkr will look at your criminal background and driving records. The results will help DoorDash decide whether you’ll be a good fit for the role.

If DoorDash isn’t right for you, other companies like Postmates, Uber Eats, Lyft Deliveries, and Grubhub offer similar opportunities for anyone looking for a delivery job. The gig turf has never been more promising.

Feel free to check out the Jobcase job board for these and more opportunities that align with your strengths and talents.