How to Sign Up to Become a Dasher: DoorDash Driver Guide

Thinking about becoming a Dasher but not sure what happens after you start the application?

The signup itself is fairly straightforward. The part that can be confusing is everything around it: what information you need, what happens during identity verification, how the background check works, what to do if you stop halfway through, and what happens once your application moves forward. This guide focuses completely on that process .

Note: DoorDash can change its signup process and eligibility requirements. The information below reflects DoorDash's current U.S. signup information. Check DoorDash's official pages during your application for the latest requirements.

What You Need Before You Sign Up to Become a Dasher

Before starting your application, have the basics ready. You'll need a compatible smartphone and a delivery method supported in your market. Depending on how you plan to deliver, DoorDash may also require vehicle-related documentation. DoorDash currently lists cars, scooters, and bicycles in select cities as possible delivery methods.

You'll also need to meet the applicable age requirement. see our DoorDash Age Requirement guide for the current 18, 19, and 21-year thresholds.

Before you begin, make sure the information you enter matches your real documents. That's especially important once you reach identity verification.

How to Sign Up to Become a Dasher

DoorDash's current U.S. signup process follows a fairly clear sequence.

1. Start the Dasher application

Start through DoorDash's Dasher signup page. The current signup process asks for your ZIP code, email address, and phone number to begin the registration.

Use an email address and phone number you actually have access to. You'll need them if you stop the application and return to it later.

2. Create your profile

You'll then provide your profile information, including your full name and password. Take a moment to check the spelling of your name before continuing, especially if it needs to match your identification. A small mistake here is much easier to fix before verification than afterward.

3. Download the Dasher app

DoorDash currently directs applicants to download the Dasher app for iPhone or Android to continue the signup process. This is the app you'll use to continue onboarding and, once you're eligible, manage your delivery work.

4. Select your vehicle or delivery method

Next, choose how you plan to make deliveries. The options available to you can depend on your market. DoorDash currently lists cars, scooters, and bicycles in select cities, with different requirements depending on the method.

Choose the method you actually intend to use. Don't select a different vehicle type simply because you think it might make the application easier. Your selection determines which vehicle-related requirements apply.

5. Provide your address

The signup process also asks for your address. Check it carefully before moving forward, particularly if you've recently moved.

6. Complete identity verification

This is one of the most important parts of the application.

DoorDash's current U.S. identity-verification process can require a valid government-issued ID and a selfie that is matched against the photo on your ID.

Make the verification step easier by having your ID ready and taking the requested photos clearly.

Also, only complete verification through the Dasher app or DoorDash's specified verification process. DoorDash warns Dashers not to provide personal information to people claiming to represent DoorDash or its verification provider outside those channels.

7. Submit the background check

After identity verification, you'll submit the required background check through the Dasher app.

For applicants using a motor vehicle, DoorDash says the background check can include a motor vehicle report as well as a criminal history report.

DoorDash says most background checks are completed within a day, although some can take a week or longer. You can check for updates through the Dasher app.

So if yours isn't completed immediately, don't assume you've been rejected.

What Happens During DoorDash Identity Verification?

Identity verification is there to confirm that the person creating the Dasher account is actually that person.

For full verification, DoorDash currently says you may need to:

1. Upload a valid government ID.
2. Take a selfie to match the photo on the ID.

If you're having trouble with the verification photo, make sure your ID is clear and readable and follow the instructions shown in the app.

Don't submit somebody else's ID or try to create an account using another person's identity. Verification is specifically designed to catch that kind of mismatch.

How Long Does the DoorDash Background Check Take?

There isn't one guaranteed completion time. DoorDash says most background checks are completed within a day, while some can take a week or longer.

The useful thing to know is where to check. Once you've submitted the check, monitor the status in the Dasher app rather than repeatedly starting another application.

If DoorDash asks you for additional information, follow the instructions shown in your account.

Can You Continue a DoorDash Application Later?

Yes, you don't have to finish the entire application in one sitting.

DoorDash currently provides an “Already started signing up?” option for people who began their Dasher application but didn't finish it. You can return using the email and phone number associated with the application and continue from there.

So if you started the application yesterday and stopped halfway through, don't create a second application first.

Try continuing the existing one.

If you've forgotten your password, DoorDash also provides a password-reset option when you return to the application.

Can You Use an Existing DoorDash Customer Account?

Yes, If you already have a DoorDash Consumer account, DoorDash currently allows you to use that account when signing up as a new Dasher. DoorDash says the Consumer and Dasher accounts will be merged as part of the signup process.

This means you don't need to assume that having a customer account prevents you from becoming a Dasher.

Use the account information DoorDash asks for rather than creating unnecessary duplicate accounts.

What If You Entered the Wrong Information?

Don't create a new application just to correct a mistake.

DoorDash's current signup documentation says that applicants who need to change information submitted during signup should contact DoorDash Support with the details that need to be updated.

The best time to catch an error is before submitting the application, so review your name, contact details, address, and other information as you go.

What Happens After You Submit the Signup?

Once you've completed the required signup steps and submitted the background check, DoorDash's current process moves you into an onboarding checklist in the Dasher app.

DoorDash's signup process also includes steps for confirming the address for your welcome gift and selecting how you want to receive your earnings. The current process can include choosing between payout options such as weekly direct deposit and DoorDash Crimson, with other options available depending on eligibility.

There is also a Red Card step for becoming eligible for Shop & Deliver offers.

The important point is that finishing the application and being ready to deliver are two different stages.

Once your account is approved, the next thing to learn is the actual delivery process.

For that, see our How to DoorDash for the First Time guide.

Do You Need a Delivery Bag Before Signing Up?

A delivery bag isn't part of the signup steps listed by DoorDash. The current signup process focuses on your profile, vehicle, address, identity verification, background check, and onboarding.

DoorDash currently says its welcome gift includes items such as a food-warming bag and Red Card after the first Dash.

You can still prepare your equipment ahead of time if you'd rather have everything ready before your first delivery.

For a separate look at insulated bags, pizza bags, size considerations, and DoorDash-specific bag questions, see our DoorDash Bag Requirements guide.

Common DoorDash Signup Mistakes to Avoid

Most signup problems aren't complicated. They're usually small mistakes that create unnecessary delays.

Entering information that doesn't match your documents

Make sure the information you provide is accurate and consistent with your identification.

Choosing the wrong delivery method

Select the vehicle or method you actually plan to use because the requirements can differ by delivery type.

Taking poor ID or selfie photos

If the verification image is unclear, take the time to follow the app's instructions and submit a clear image.

Creating a second application

If you already started signup, use DoorDash's existing-application option instead of immediately creating another one.

Assuming a pending background check means you were rejected

DoorDash says some background checks take longer than a day, so check the status before assuming there's a problem.

What Should You Do After Your Dasher Account Is Approved?

Once you're approved, don't try to learn everything at once.

Get your phone and charger ready, prepare a stable place for food in your vehicle, and make sure you have the delivery equipment you intend to use.

Then learn the actual first-Dash workflow.

Our How to DoorDash for the First Time guide covers the offer, restaurant pickup, securing the order, drop-off, payment, and common beginner mistakes.

For bag-specific questions, use the DoorDash Bag Requirements guide rather than repeating that information here.

A Simple Dasher Signup Checklist

Before submitting your application, make sure:

• Your contact information is correct.
• Your selected delivery method is accurate.
• Your address is correct.
• You have the required ID available.
• You've completed identity verification.
• You've submitted the background check.
• You know where to check your application status.

That's really all you need to focus on.

You don't need to optimize your entire delivery setup before your account is approved.

Disclaimer: The Upright Bag is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DoorDash. DoorDash's signup process, requirements, and programs can change, so check DoorDash's official information when applying.