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Driving & delivery · Checked November 2026

DoorDash requirements

Food and convenience delivery. Bikes and scooters allowed in some markets and skip the license and insurance requirement.

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At a glance

Source: Gridwise 2025, gross. Gas and wear typically cut this 25–40%.

Minimum age
18 (19 in 13 states, 21 in CA)
Background check
Background check
Vehicle
Bike, scooter, or car
Payout
Instant
Reported pay
$12.43/hr avg
Worker type
Contractor

Minimum age by state. 18 in most states. 19 in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, West Virginia. 21 for new applicants in California.

Where delivery pay floors apply. Seattle requires delivery apps to pay at least $0.47 per minute plus $0.80 per mile, or $5.34 per offer. New York City requires $22.13 an hour before tips for restaurant and grocery delivery. California's Prop 22 guarantees 120% of minimum wage for engaged time. See the Seattle, New York City, and California guides.

DoorDash questions

How old do you have to be to work for DoorDash?
18 (19 in 13 states, 21 in CA).
Does DoorDash require a background check?
Yes. DoorDash runs a background check before you can start.
How fast does DoorDash pay?
DoorDash pays with an instant or same-day cashout option.
How much does DoorDash pay?
$12.43/hr avg (source: Gridwise 2025, gross). Vehicle costs like gas and wear typically cut that by 25–40%.
Do you need a car for DoorDash?
Not always. DoorDash accepts bikes or scooters in some markets, or you can use a car.
Is DoorDash a W-2 job or independent contractor work?
No. DoorDash workers are independent contractors, so you cover your own expenses and set aside money for self-employment taxes.

Similar driving & delivery

Uber Eats$18.06/hr avgUber (rides)$23.88/active hrLyft$22.45/active hrInstacart$10–30/hr reportedShipt$15–25/hr reportedWalmart Spark$23/hr avgAll platforms44 listed

Sources

  1. DoorDash age requirements by state (ShiftTracker)
  2. Gridwise: 2026 driver pay data

Last checked November 2026. Requirements change often, so confirm with DoorDash before you rely on them.