DoorDash Background Checks: Everything You Need to Know

DoorDash has reshaped the restaurant landscape, transformed how restaurants operate, and forever altered how customers dine in. For DoorDash to function, its customers – the restaurants and the people to whom DoorDash delivers - must trust DoorDash drivers. To foster that trust, DoorDash runs background checks on its drivers. They do this when a driver first applies and periodically throughout that driver’s employment.

Anyone who has or who will, or who is still thinking about driving for DoorDash should know the scope of these background checks, what they entail, who does them, potential problems that arise in these background checks, and how an experienced background check attorney can help you address any issues and perhaps get damages if an inaccurate background check report resulted in you being rejected from driving for DoorDash.

About DoorDash

DoorDash is an online delivery app that connects customers with restaurants. It was founded in 2013 and now operates in all 50 of the United States, Puerto Rico, D.C., Canada, and Australia. DoorDash has expanded the reach of restaurants beyond their physical locations, allowing even small, local eateries to access a broader customer base. DoorDash affords customers a wider variety of restaurants from which they can order and the assurance that delivery will be quick and reliable.

While customers value convenience and speed, customers also must feel safe when they share their personal information with DoorDash and when they open their door to the driver. Therefore, DoorDash’s reputation greatly hinges on the trust and reliability it can foster with its customers. Rigorous background checks are fundamental to customer safety. Drivers must have a clean background so DoorDash can keep its high safety standards and its reputation. Sometimes, however, the background check reports DoorDash receives on its drivers, or potential drivers, contain errors. Those errors often result in drivers being denied the opportunity to drive for DoorDash, which results in lost wages and reputational damage to the drivers.

While DoorDash demands a certain level of proficiency from its drivers, the company upon which it relies for background checks is often deficient in many respects.

DoorDash Background Check: What is it?

Does DoorDash do Background Checks?

Yes, DoorDash conducts background checks on all potential drivers as part of the application process. This process is crucial to maintain the safety and trust of everyone in the DoorDash community – restaurants, drivers, and customers. The DoorDash background check requirements include your written permission, your license, and your social security number.

Whose background does DoorDash check?

DoorDash performs background checks on all individuals applying to become DoorDash drivers, commonly referred to as Dashers. Additionally, DoorDash periodically does background checks on its current Dashers.

Who does DoorDash use for background checks?

To complete your background check, DoorDash partners with third-party background check providers. For most of their background checks, DoorDash uses a company called Checkr. Checkr and other employment-related screening companies scour millions of databases looking for and compiling information on you.

Is it safe for me?

Yes. The DoorDash background check companies, while not perfect, are reputable.

When does DoorDash do Background Checks?

DoorDash runs these checks during a Dasher’s initial application process. A Dasher must pass the background check before they can start driving. DoorDash will also periodically run background checks on its existing Dashers to ensure they maintain a clean driving and criminal record.

Can You Drive for DoorDash Without a Background Check?

No. Completing and passing a background check is obligatory for anyone who wants to become a Dasher.

What does DoorDash Look for in a Background Check?

What does Doordash background check look for? DoorDash will verify that you have a driver’s license, look at your driving history, and search if you have any criminal records. The background check DoorDash does will not include a credit check.

Driving history

DoorDash reviews your driving record. Typically, this starts with an assessment of your Motor Vehicle Report, which chronicles criminal and non-criminal traffic-related offenses. They are looking for significant violations and accidents that could impact your role as a delivery driver.

DoorDash criminal background check

This check includes a scan of national and county-level databases for criminal records. This will include local court databases, the National Sex Offender Registry, and federal watchlists. DoorDash is looking for any crimes – felony or misdemeanors – that will disqualify you from becoming a Dasher. They also consider pending charges.

How far back do DoorDash background checks go?

Typically, Door Dash’s background checks cover the past seven years. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (the “FCRA”) sets a limit of seven years for reporting most crimes. Some crimes, however, like murder and assault, are reportable even if they occurred more than seven years ago.

Your driving history lookback period is more limited. Depending on the state in which you live, your Motor Vehicle Report will record and report only the last three to seven years.

How does DoorDash Interpret What They Find in Background Checks?

Neither your driving record nor your criminal background check needs to be perfect. DoorDash is supposed to evaluate the findings and consider their relevance and impact on the role of a Dasher. They are looking for the sort of offense or pattern of offenses that suggests you would not be a suitable delivery person for them. Any convictions for violent crimes, sexual offenses, or financial fraud in the last seven years will disqualify drivers. As will any major traffic violation, DWI or DUI, reckless driving, or suspended license in the last seven years. If a DoorDash background check reveals less severe violations like speeding, it will depend on how many such violations an applicant driver has and when they got them.

DoorDash Background Check: How Long Does it Take?

How Long DoorDash Background Checks Usually Take

Checkr completes most background checks for DoorDash within a few days, although DoorDash background check time varies depending on the circumstances. Some checks will take a few minutes, while others will take longer than a week. If it seems like your DoorDash background check is taking forever, remember that it is in everyone’s best interests – DoorDash, the third-party background check company (likely Checkr), and you – to complete the background check as soon as possible.

Why Is DoorDash Background Check Taking So Long?

Sometimes, it will feel like your DoorDash background check report is taking too long. Delays can be due to several reasons, such as court closures or incomplete applications. Additionally, the time it takes to complete the background check will depend on the number of applicants and databases Checkr must check. Both companies check thousands of applicants per day.

Different Statuses of DoorDash Background Checks

What Each DoorDash Driver Background Check Status Means

• Pending: You have a DoorDash background check in process.
• Clear: You've passed the background check.
• Consider: Further review of your background is required.
• Pre-Adverse Action: Potential issues have been found.
• Adverse Action: DoorDash has decided not to engage you based on the background check results.

How to Check the Status of Your DoorDash Driver Background Check

You can check your DoorDash background check status through the Checkr Candidate Portal, the link to which is available on the DoorDash website.

DoorDash Says My Background Check Needs Attention

This means your DoorDash background check is still in progress, but there may be issues with or information missing from your application that will require additional information. If you are already a Dasher, this could mean that you need to update your DoorDash criminal background check information.

DoorDash Background Check Suspended. What It Means

If your DoorDash background check is not working, or if DoorDash is stuck on background check, they have placed a temporary hold on your application, possibly due to incomplete information.

DoorDash Driver Background Check Problems

Sometimes, the reports DoorDash receives from Checkr contain errors, inaccuracies, or other issues that result in a flawed report. A DoorDash background check error can happen for several reasons, including defects in data retrieval, mistakes in the reporting processes, or poor oversight and evaluation. This can also happen because Checkr submitted a misspelling or other mistake to the numerous data repositories that house city and state motor vehicle and criminal records.

Why Am I Deactivated for My Background Check in DoorDash

This is usually because DoorDash found something in your background check report that suggests you do not or no longer meet DoorDash standards.

If you are currently a Dasher and received a notice of deactivation, it may be because DoorDash could not complete a background check. You can update your criminal background check information on the DoorDash website by uploading new and current driver information.

If you are a new Dasher applicant, this could happen if the background check identified information that disqualifies you from driving for DoorDash. It might also mean there are pending issues with the background check that you can resolve with updated or more thorough information.

However, a larger issue arises if DoorDash deactivates you because it received inaccurate information on your background check report.

How to Dispute DoorDash Rejected Background Check

If DoorDash declines your application to be a Dasher because of your background check, you have the right to know which specific information in the report led to the rejection. If that information is inaccurate, you can file a dispute with Checkr. Steps to take:

1. Ask DoorDash the reason for the denial. DoorDash background check disqualifications happen for many reasons. By law, DoorDash must tell you which detail in your background check report it relied on to make its decision.
2. Request a copy of the Checkr background check report. You also have the right to review your background check report. Checkr may allow you to request a copy when you provide your data. If not, request a copy from Checkr or DoorDash.
3. Review it carefully. Look for errors or inaccuracies. Make sure every misdemeanor you’ve ever had is listed as a DoorDash background check misdemeanor and not a DoorDash background check felony.
4. Dispute errors with Checkr. If you uncover a DoorDash background check error and DoorDash rejects you because of that error, you can dispute that with Checkr. Dispute any errors as soon as possible, providing all required documentation and requesting an investigation of the data.
5. Contact an attorney. If your response from Checkr is unsatisfactory or untimely, we can help you. The FCRA requires Checkr (or any background check company) to investigate and respond to your dispute within 30 days.
6. NOTE: We do not recommend filing a dispute or providing documentation via an online platform. Frequently, these platforms require you to waive your right to file a lawsuit arising out of the dispute. Surrendering your right to pursue legal action against Checkr is not a good idea when you don’t know how the situation will be resolved. We recommend filing a dispute and submitting documentation via certified mail.

Why You Should Dispute a Rejected Background Check

If DoorDash declines your driver application, you have the right to know why. If it is the result of a Checkr error, you may be inclined to correct the error and apply to other food delivery companies. But there are several reasons why disputing these sorts of errors is essential:

• Employment: The immediate consequence of the error is that DoorDash denied your employment application. You want this job. If you are qualified for the job you should get the job. Period.
• Avoid Other Missed Opportunities: If you do not take action to fix the incorrect information, it can lead to more denials of future employment and even worse consequences. You will need to ask Checkr to fix the error. This affects current employment prospects and can have long-term repercussions for your career.
• Avoid Reputational Damage: The ripple effects of DoorDash denying you the right to work may follow you and affect other areas of your life. Get it fixed.
• Hold Companies Accountable: By law, Checkr must be accurate in the information it includes your background check report. By law, it must investigate and correct any errors. If Checkr neglects these obligations, you have the right to hold it accountable and pursue compensation for any financial and emotional damages. However, even with error correction, DoorDash is not obligated to hire you. See below for more details.

The Chances of DoorDash’s Decision Reversed

There is no guarantee that your dispute will lead to a reversal. The likelihood of DoorDash reversing its decision rests on the specific circumstances of the denial, Checkr’s findings, and DoorDash’s findings during the dispute process. If you successfully dispute any errors with Checkr, DoorDash will undoubtedly be more likely to reverse its decision. The FCRA requires Checkr to investigate a dispute within 30 days. If they do not, they are in violation of that law.

DoorDash has no obligation to reverse its hiring decision since it relied in good faith on the information Checkr presented in its background report. However, you can ask DoorDash to reconsider your application once Checkr corrects its reporting errors.

Who Can Help You with Disputing

Talk with an experienced background check attorney for guidance. The consumer protection lawyers at Consumer Attorneys will be able to assess the background report and the reason for your rejection and determine the best course of action. If the best course of action includes advocacy on your behalf and maybe filing a lawsuit against Checkr, then you will want an experienced and devoted attorney at your side.

Lawsuits against Background Check Companies because of DoorDash

We have filed hundreds of lawsuits against background check companies for errors in their reports. This includes Checkr and other companies with which DoorDash engages to perform its background checks.

We recently filed a case in the United States District Court on behalf of a client who was rejected from driving for DoorDash when Checkr erroneously reported that they did not have a valid driver’s license. We settled that case for nearly $30,000.

Consumer Attorneys also filed suit in the U.S. District Court on behalf of a client rejected from driving for DoorDash when Checkr erroneously reported a marijuana possession conviction that they had expunged. We settled that case for $45,000.

It has become apparent that companies like DoorDash are changing how we do business and who the companies rely on to do that business. While safety and reliability are of paramount concern, those companies – both the companies requesting the background check report and the companies scouring the internet for the background check data – need to be accurate, diligent, and fair throughout the background check process. And the law agrees with us, which is why the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires accuracy in consumer data reporting.

Restaurants have grown to rely on DoorDash to expand their customer base. People have grown to rely on DoorDash for more extensive options regarding what and when to eat. Both rely on DoorDash being safe and secure. DoorDash’s background check procedures need to be accurate.

Understanding DoorDash's background check process is crucial for both current and aspiring Dashers. When it’s not, and when you suffer, consult with an experienced background check attorney.

Contact Us Today!

Contact Consumer Attorneys today to discuss the errors in your DoorDash background check report. Our consultations are free! There are several ways to reach us: call (+1 877-615-1725), email ([email protected]), fill out the online intake form, or use the virtual chat option to speak with us today.