Are you looking to earn some extra income on your own schedule? Do you have a reliable vehicle and a smartphone? If so, driving for DoorDash might be the perfect opportunity for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of signing up to drive for DoorDash, including eligibility requirements, the step-by-step sign-up process, essential documents, and tips to succeed as a Dasher.
To sign up to drive for DoorDash, visit the DoorDash Dasher sign-up page, create a profile, provide your personal information and vehicle type, verify your identity, consent to a background check, set up your payout method, and wait for approval. Once approved, download the DoorDash Driver app and start dashing. Before signing up, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements such as being at least 18 years old, having a valid driver’s license, owning a vehicle, having a smartphone, and passing a criminal background check.
Eligibility Requirements
Before you start your journey as a DoorDash driver, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Own a vehicle (car, truck, van, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle in select cities).
- Have an iPhone or Android smartphone.
- Pass a criminal background check.
If you meet these requirements, you can proceed to the sign-up process.
The Sign-Up Process
Signing up to drive for DoorDash is a straightforward process that involves the following steps:
- Visit the Dasher sign-up website: Go to the DoorDash Dasher sign-up page at dasher.doordash.com .
- Create a profile: Enter your email address and click “Get Started”. Provide your zip or postal code.
- Enter your phone number: Provide a valid phone number and click “Continue”.
- Submit personal information: Fill in the required information, such as your legal first name, middle name (if applicable), and last name.
- Select vehicle type: Choose the type of vehicle you will use for deliveries (e.g., car, bike, scooter) .
- Complete identity verification: Verify your identity by providing the necessary documents, such as a driver’s license.
- Submit background check: Consent to a motor vehicle and background check as part of the application process.
- Choose your preferred payout method: Set up your payment preferences, such as direct deposit or the DasherDirect card.
- Wait for approval: DoorDash typically takes 5-7 business days to fully complete the process and approve your application.
- Download the DoorDash Driver app: Once approved, download the DoorDash Driver app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Start dashing: After your application is approved and your account is activated, you can start scheduling shifts, accepting orders, and making deliveries using the DoorDash Driver app.
Essential Documents
The following documents and information are needed to complete the DoorDash driver registration:
- Driver’s license number
- Social Security number
- Proof of vehicle insurance (if using a car, truck, or van)
Tips for Success
To maximize your earnings and success as a DoorDash driver, consider the following tips:
- Maximize your tax write-offs: As an independent contractor, you can write off business expenses like phone mounts and courier bags.
- Find the best times to dash: Work during peak hours, such as lunch and dinner times, to increase your earnings.
- Book your dashes in advance: Scheduling your dashes ahead of time can help you secure better time slots.
- Set a minimum delivery rate per mile: Aim for orders that pay at least $1 per mile to ensure you’re earning enough for your time and vehicle expenses.
- Accept grocery store orders cautiously: These orders can be time-consuming and may not always be worth the payout.
- Keep an eye on your completion rate: Maintaining a high completion rate can lead to better opportunities and bonuses.
- Track your expenses and mileage: This will help you maximize your tax deductions and monitor your earnings.
- Be selective with orders: Don’t accept every order; focus on those that offer better payouts and shorter distances.
- Be kind to restaurant staff and support: Building good relationships with restaurant staff can lead to smoother pickups and better service.
- Communicate with customers: Keep customers informed about the status of their orders and any delays to ensure a positive experience.
- Separate hot and cold items: Organize orders to maintain food quality and increase customer satisfaction.
- Learn about local restaurants: Familiarize yourself with popular restaurants and their pickup procedures to save time.
- Use navigation apps: Utilize apps like Beans Navigation to optimize your routes and save time.
- Deliver with care: Handle food packages carefully to avoid spills and damage.
- Stick to instructions: Follow customer and restaurant instructions to ensure a smooth delivery process.
- Consider multi-apping: Deliver for other apps like Uber Eats or Postmates to increase your earning potential.
In conclusion, becoming a DoorDash driver is a flexible and potentially lucrative opportunity. With the right approach, strategy, and commitment, you can make the most out of your DoorDash driving experience. So go ahead, sign up, and start dashing today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of insurance do I need for DoorDash?
As a DoorDash driver, you must have valid automobile insurance. While DoorDash does provide excess auto insurance coverage, this comes into effect only after your own personal auto insurance has been exhausted.
How much can I expect to earn as a DoorDash driver?
Your earnings as a DoorDash driver depend on various factors like the number of deliveries you make, the distance of the deliveries, peak delivery times, and the tips you receive. On average, Dashers earn around $15-$25 per hour.
Can I dash in a city other than the one I signed up in?
Yes, you can dash in different cities within your country. You just need to open the Dasher app and it will automatically update to the region you’re currently in.
How does the payout process work with DoorDash?
Dashers are paid on a weekly basis for all deliveries completed between Monday – Sunday of the previous week. You can also choose to cash out your earnings daily with Fast Pay for a small fee.
Does DoorDash provide a delivery bag?
Yes, DoorDash provides a free insulated delivery bag and Red Card (used to pay for some orders) when you sign up to drive for them.
Can I deliver on foot?
The option to deliver on foot is only available in certain markets. You’ll be able to select this option during the sign-up process if it’s available in your region.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket while dashing?
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for any parking tickets or traffic violations that occur while you’re dashing.
What if a customer doesn’t answer the door when I arrive for delivery?
If a customer is unresponsive upon delivery, you should follow the instructions provided in the DoorDash app. Typically, you’ll be instructed to wait a certain amount of time, attempt to contact the customer, and then finally, if still no response, leave the food in a safe place and mark the delivery as complete.