The world is slowly but surely moving into a society that’s more self-sufficient and independent. With the rise of the internet, people are finding new ways to make money that didn’t exist before.
One of these ways is through DoorDash.
DoorDash is a food delivery service that partners with local restaurants in order to deliver their food to customers. Customers order food through the DoorDash app and drivers pick up the food and deliver it to the customer.
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, or even if you’re looking for a full-time job, DoorDash might be a good fit for you.
In this guide, we’re going to show you everything you need to know about becoming a DoorDash driver, including the requirements, how much you can expect to make, and the pros and cons of the job.
Quick Overview Of How To Become a Doordash Driver
First we will go over the shortened version of becoming a DoorDash driver. If you want more information on any of these steps, keep reading below.
To become a DoorDash driver, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (21 in some markets).
- Have a valid driver’s license and insurance
- Pass a background check
- Have access to a vehicle (a bike in some markets)
Short Overview Of The SignUp Process:
- Step One: Download The Doordash App
- Step Two: Once You Open The App Choose The “Become a Dasher Option”.
- Step Three: Complete The Signup Process. Which Includes Some information including paperwork and a Background check.
- Step Four: Enter In-Vehicle Details.
- Step Five: Background Check
- Step Six: Disclosures
- Step Seven: Input Address In Order For Them To Send You The Activation Kit
- Step Eight: W-9 Form
- Step Nine: Add a Bank Account
- Step Ten: Start Delivering
Now that we went over the steps in simple terms. We will now discuss each step in a little more detail including some questions about each step and more.
Step One: Download The Doordash App
The Doordash app could be downloaded on any smartphone whether it is an iPhone or Android.
To download the app on an iPhone:
Go to the App Store and search for “DoorDash”
Once you find the DoorDash app, click “Get” then “Install”
If you have Touch ID enabled on your phone, you will be prompted to use it at this point. If not, enter your password
To download the app on an Android:
Go to the Google Play Store and search for “DoorDash”
Once you find the DoorDash app, click “Install”
If you have a preferred payment method set up on your Google account, you will be prompted to enter it at this point. If not, you can skip this step
This is probably the most simple aspect of signing up as a Doordash driver.
Step Two: Choose the Become a Dasher Option
Once you open up the app, it will have a login page for customers and then an option to become a dasher underneath. You want to click the become a dasher option in order to start the sign-up process.
Step Three: Complete The SignUp Process
The first thing you’re going to do after you click become a dasher is enter your Zipcode. This step is obviously to tell Doordash which city you would like to deliver in.
Phone Number and Email
The second and third step of this process is to enter your email address and phone number. Entering your email address is helpful just in case you have any issues and want to reach out to customer support as well as get any news or updates from Doordash.
Your phone number is needed because when you’re working as a dasher and a customer orders something, the app will send you a notification to your phone telling you about the order. It is important that this number is up to date so that you don’t miss any notifications and therefore any possible orders.
Email and Password
After this, you will create an email and password for the app. It is important that you make this password something you will remember but also something that is secure enough.
One thing to keep in mind is if you already have a Doordash account you order food from you can use this same information for your dasher account.
Full Name
Next, you have to enter your full name. This is for them to make sure everything is entered correctly on your end.
Step Four: Enter In-Vehicle Details
In this section, you have to enter what kind of vehicle you will be used to deliver the food. You can either use a car, bike, or scooter depending on the market.
The reason they verify your car is because they need to make sure that it is insured and that you have a valid driver’s license.
They will also ask for your driver’s license number as well as the state that it is from so they can verify everything.
Can DoorDash provide you with a car?
One common question that comes up is if DoorDash can provide you with a car. The answer is no, they do not currently have a program in place to provide cars for drivers. What they do have is a partnership with Hertz in select markets that gives dashers a discount on renting a car for their shifts.
Step Five: Background Check
The next step is the background check. The background check for Doordash isn’t too extensive but it is important that you answer all the questions correctly and to the best of your ability.
The background check will ask for the following things.
- Drivers License State
- Drivers License Number
- Birth Date
- Social Security Number
Once your background check is complete they will send you an email letting you know that everything has been approved and that you’re ready to start dashing.
What Is The Purpose Of The Background Check?
They want to make sure you’re a good person and haven’t committed any very serious crimes in the past. The background check is also to verify your identity and that the information you entered is correct.
What If I Fail The Background Check?
If you fail the Doordash background check you will be denied. If you see a problem in what they’re reporting you can try reaching out to customer support and seeing if they will help you fix the issue.
If you’re denied because of something in your past, there is unfortunately not much you can do. The best thing to do would be to try another food delivery service such as Postmates or UberEats.
Step 6: Doordash Disclosures
The disclosures include their terms and conditions as well as their privacy policy. It is important that you read through these so that you know what you’re getting yourself into.
It’s important to read this because if you don’t follow them correctly you could put yourself in jeopardy of getting deactivated as a dasher.
Step 7: Fill Out the W-9 Form
A W-9 Form is a form that is used to provide your Taxpayer Identification Number to the company so they can send you 1099 at the end of the year.
This 1099 will show how much money you made with Doordash and you will use this when filing your taxes.
If you don’t have a Social Security Number, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
How do I get my w9 from DoorDash?
When it comes time to do your taxes you can easily find your W-9 in the app by going to the menu and selecting ‘Tax Information.’ From there you will be able to download or print your W-9.
Do you have to file taxes for DoorDash?
You definitely need to file taxes for Doordash as you will be receiving 1099 from them at the end of the year. It’s important to note that as an independent contractor you are responsible for paying your own taxes and self-employment tax.
Always keep your driving and delivery expenses in mind when doing your taxes as well as you can deduct them from your total income.
Step 8: Add a Bank Account
The purpose of adding your bank account is so that Doordash can directly deposit your earnings into your account after each delivery.
When you’re adding a bank account for Doordash you just need the routing number and your account number.
You Can Also Set Up Fast Pay On Doordash
With a $1.99 charge per transaction, you can set up fast pay on your account and get paid instantly after every delivery instead of waiting for payday.
You just need to enter your debit card information in order to set it up.
This will make things easier for you as you won’t have to wait a few days to get paid and you can use the money as soon as you earn it.
Step 9: Start Delivering
After you’re done entering all this information it’s time to start working. Once everything is finished with the signup process, they will give you the opportunity to download the Dasher app. You don’t need to wait for your activation kit to get started.
This is the app you will use to see available orders in your area as well as to start and stop your shifts.
The app will also be how you track your earnings and get paid.
All you have to do to get started is hit the Dash now button and you will go live in the area that you are in.
There might be an area so busy that they will give you incentives to deliver there. For example, if there is a surge in a certain area they may pay you $2-$5 or more per delivery to deliver there.
Do You Have To Set a Schedule Or Can You Dash Right Away?
you can either set a schedule or dash right away. If you set a schedule, you will be more likely to get orders.
When you drive to a certain area you can also hit the dash now option which will give you the option to work without a schedule.
If the demand isn’t high in your area, dash now might not work being there are already enough drivers.
What Are Some Benefits For Signing Up For Doordash?
- If you meet the qualifications, you can become a Top Dasher. This means that you have access to the ‘Dash Now’ button 24/7. As long as they maintain the qualifications they will remain a top dasher for each month they’re able to maintain that status.
- If you sign up under someone’s code you can make a certain amount based on hitting so many deliveries. This changes a lot, but if you know someone who has a code, use it!
- Doordash is constantly adding different partnerships that benefit drivers. One example is their partnership with Take5 AutoCare which allows you to get an oil change for cheaper.
What Are Some Challenges When Trying To Become a Doordash Driver?
There are some challenges you may face when trying to become a Doordash Driver.
- The first challenge is that you need to be at least 18 years old to sign up.
- Another challenge is that you will need a clean driving record as well as a valid driver’s license.
- If you have any DUI’s or reckless driving on your record, you are not guaranteed to get accepted as a driver. The more vast your criminal record is, the less likely you are to get accepted.
- Another challenge is that you need to drive a car that you are covered for under the insurance. If you use a car that your name isn’t insured to drive, you automatically get rejected.
Pros and Cons Of Driving For Doordash
There are many pros and cons of driving with a door dash. Below are some of the most notable ones and we’ll elaborate on them.
PROS:
You can make your own schedule: Making your own schedule is very important in today’s age. It allows for a lot of freedom and flexibility that other jobs do not offer. If you have other commitments such as school or another job, being able to work around that is very important.
You can make decent money: Delivery drivers can make a decent hourly wage. In addition to this, DoorDash offers promotions and bonuses that can help increase your earnings.
You can get tips: Customers have the option of tipping their driver through the app. This is a great way to earn extra money on top of your hourly wage.
CONS:
You are an independent contractor: This means that you are not considered an employee of DoorDash. As such, you do not receive any of the benefits that come with being an employee. This includes things like health insurance and paid time off.
You have to pay for your own gas: Since you are using your own car to make deliveries, you have to pay for your own gas. This can be a significant expense, especially if you are doing a lot of driving.
Car Insurance May Go Up: If you use your personal car to make deliveries, your car insurance rates may go up. This is because you are now considered a commercial driver.
You are not guaranteed to get any orders: While DoorDash does guarantee a minimum hourly wage, you are not guaranteed to get any orders. If there are no orders in your area, you will not make any money.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Doordash
Is Doordash Worth It?
This all depends on your situation. Let’s dive into the multiple factors to consider when deciding if Doordash is worth it or not.
- Do you have the time: If you work long hours and miss the dinner rush, you’re not going to make as much money. Consider if you have the time to dash during the times when there are the most orders.
- Do you live in a busy area: The number of orders you get will also depend on where you live. If you live in a rural area, there probably won’t be as many orders as there would be in a major city.
- Do you have a reliable car: You will need a reliable car to make deliveries. If your car is constantly breaking down, it’s not going to be worth it to drive for Doordash.
- Are You Comfortable Driving A lot: if you don’t mind driving long distances, then Doordash may be a good fit for you. However, if you’re someone who gets car sick or doesn’t like to drive, it’s probably not worth it.
- Are You Good With People: You will be interacting with customers on a regular basis. If you’re not good with people, it’s probably not worth it to drive for Doordash.
- All in all, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. It all depends on your individual situation.
- It Can’t Hurt To Try: The best way to find out if Doordash is worth it or not is to try it out for yourself. You can always sign up and then cancel if you decide it’s not for you.
Does DoorDash Pay For Gas?
You’re not employed by Doorash, so they don’t reimburse you for your gas. You are an independent contractor, so you are responsible for your own expenses. Although this is unfortunate, when it comes to doing your taxes, you can deduct your gas expenses from your income.
How do you make 500 a week on DoorDash?
There is no guaranteed way to make 500 a week on DoorDash. It all depends on how much you work and where you live. If you live in a major city and work during busy times, you’re more likely to make 500 a week.
A few tricks to make more money on Doordash include:
- Working during the dinner rush: This is when most people order food delivery.
- Working on weekends: People are generally busier on weekends and are more likely to order delivery.
- Living in a major city: There are more orders in cities than in rural areas.
Can you quit DoorDash anytime?
Yes, you can quit DoorDash anytime. You are not employed by DoorDash, so you are not bound by any contracts. You can cancel your account at any time.
If you feel as if Doorash isn’t for you or you want to take a break you don’t have to report to anyone. You are in complete control of when you want to work.
How much does DoorDash pay per mile?
This varies based on where you live. People who work in NYC will make more per mile than someone who lives in a rural area.
The average range is between $0.60-and $1.35 per mile. As a driver, anything above $1 per mile is a good rate.
What are the peak hours for DoorDash?
The peak hours for DoorDash are typically between 5 pm-9 pm. This is when people are getting off work and want to order dinner. The weekends are also generally busy times for food delivery.
Does DoorDash take taxes out of your pay?
Doordash doesn’t take taxes out of your pay. Because you are an independent contractor, you are responsible for paying your own taxes. This includes both federal and state taxes.
Can you walk with DoorDash?
If you live in a market where everything is very close together you could theoretically walk and deliver orders. However, in most markets, this is not feasible as people generally live further apart.
When signing up you will be asked what type of vehicle you have. The options are car, bike, or scooter.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post was a good guide on everything you need to know about becoming a DoorDash driver. Whether you’re just considering it or you’re ready to sign up, we wish you the best of luck! Just remember to take into account all the pros and cons we mentioned before making your final decision. And if you do decide to try it out, don’t forget that you can always cancel your account if you decide it’s not for you.
If you have any other questions in regards to Doordash leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to answer them!
