DoorDash, like most gig economy platforms, requires all applicants to pass a background check before they can begin delivering. This process is designed to ensure the safety of doordash background check failed and uphold the company’s standards. But what happens if your DoorDash background check comes back as “failed”?
For many prospective Dashers, this can be both surprising and frustrating—especially if you’re not sure why it happened or what steps to take next. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Did You Fail the DoorDash Background Check?
DoorDash uses a third-party screening service (typically Checkr) to run background checks. These checks include:
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Criminal history (including felonies, misdemeanors, and recent arrests)
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Motor vehicle report (for those delivering by car)
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Identity verification
Common reasons for failing the background check include:
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Recent or serious criminal convictions
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Violent crimes or theft-related offenses
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DUI or reckless driving violations
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A suspended or expired driver’s license
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Multiple moving violations within a short time frame
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Mismatched personal information or identity verification issues
Even if your record is old or you believe the charges were minor, certain offenses may automatically disqualify you under DoorDash’s safety criteria.
What Happens After a Background Check Failure?
If your background check comes back as “failed,” here’s what you can expect:
1. Notification from DoorDash or Checkr
You’ll receive an email or notification through the Dasher app letting you know the background check was not approved. This message typically includes a copy of the background report or instructions on how to access it.
2. Explanation of Your Rights
You’ll also receive a notice of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which allows you to:
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Review the report for errors
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Dispute inaccurate or outdated information
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Request a reinvestigation of the report
3. Disqualification from Onboarding
You won’t be able to proceed with activating your Dasher account until the issue is resolved (if it’s fixable). In some cases, the disqualification is permanent, depending on the nature and severity of the findings.
Can You Dispute the Background Check?
Yes, and you should—if you believe the report is inaccurate or unfair.
Here’s how to dispute a DoorDash background check:
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Contact Checkr (the background screening company) directly through their candidate portal: Checkr Candidate Portal
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Submit any supporting documents, such as court records, proof of expungement, or identification verification
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Clearly explain the error, such as mistaken identity, outdated charges, or charges that were dismissed or reduced
Checkr typically responds within 30 days or sooner after reviewing your claim.
How Long Does a Failed Background Check Stay on File?
A failed background check itself doesn’t go on your public record—but it does stay within DoorDash’s internal system. This means:
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You may not be able to reapply immediately.
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Reapplications are generally allowed after 6–12 months, especially if the reason for failure was temporary (e.g., license expiration, minor violation).
However, serious offenses (e.g. violent felonies or recent DUIs) may lead to permanent ineligibility.
What Are Your Options If You Can’t Drive for DoorDash?
If you remain ineligible to Dash, here are a few alternatives:
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Consider other gig platforms: Uber Eats, Instacart, Grubhub, and Amazon Flex each have different background check criteria.
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Resolve any outstanding issues: Clean up your driving record, expunge eligible criminal charges, or renew any expired licenses.
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Work in other gig roles: Non-driving gigs like freelance work, remote jobs, or warehouse-based platforms (like Amazon or Shipt in-store shopping) may not have the same background screening requirements.
Conclusion
Failing a DoorDash background check can be discouraging, but it’s not always the end of the road. You have the right to understand why it happened, dispute incorrect information, and potentially reapply in the future. Understanding the process—and your rights—can help you take the right next steps and explore other options in the gig economy.