Before applying to become a DoorDash driver, commonly referred to as a Dasher, a background check is essential. One of the first questions likely to arise is an important yet practical one: how far back does DoorDash background check go?
Understanding what DoorDash considers and how much of your past actually matters can help you apply confidently, without any hesitation. The company conducts background checks to protect merchants, drivers, and most importantly, customers.
This article explores the up-to-date breakdown of what DoorDash checks, the extent of the background check, and what applicants can realistically expect.
What DoorDash’s Background Check Includes
DoorDash uses a third-party screening company called Checkr to conduct background checks for prospective drivers and existing drivers. The screening comprises two main components: a criminal background check and a motor vehicle record (MVR) check.
Interestingly, DoorDash does not review credit history, employment history, or financial records, something that often surprises applicants who assume the process is more invasive than it actually is. Most background checks are completed within a few business days; however, delays can occur if records span multiple states or require manual review.
How Far Back Does DoorDash Look at Criminal History?
DoorDash background checks typically look back at around seven years for criminal history. This timeframe aligns with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which restricts how far back consumer reporting agencies can report most types of adverse information.
Having said that, the seven-year rule isn’t absolute. Specific felony convictions, such as violence, sexual offenses, and crimes against vulnerable populations, may appear even if they cross the seven-year mark. This is because some convictions remain permanently accessible through public court records, depending on the jurisdiction under consideration.
Driving Record History: A Shorter Lookback Window
When it comes to your driving history, DoorDash generally looks back at around three years on your motor vehicle record. This includes traffic violations such as speeding tickets, reckless driving citations, or at-fault accidents.
More serious violations, such as DUIs, license suspensions, or repeated reckless driving offenses, can sometimes appear for up to seven years, depending on state reporting laws. Unlike minor speeding tickets, these offenses are more likely to affect one’s eligibility, especially if they suggest ongoing safety risks.
An important detail many competitors fail to mention: moving between states can expand the scope of the check. If you’ve held licenses in multiple states, records may be pulled separately from each, which can extend processing time and occasionally surface older violations that wouldn’t appear in a single-state search.
What Can Disqualify You?
DoorDash evaluates background checks holistically, rather than using a strict pass-fail checklist. However, certain offenses are far more likely to result in disqualification, including:
- Violent felonies
- Sexual offenses
- Serious theft or fraud convictions
- Repeated or recent DUIs
Older, isolated incidents, particularly non-violent misdemeanors, do not automatically disqualify an applicant. Context matters, and DoorDash has been known to approve drivers with minor offenses that occurred many years ago.
What DoorDash Does Not Tell You Upfront
One lesser-known detail is that DoorDash may re-run background checks periodically, even after you’re approved. These rechecks are not always announced in advance and may be triggered by policy updates rather than individual behavior.
Another overlooked factor is address history. If your background check includes multiple past addresses, the system may take longer to verify records, which can give the impression that something is wrong when it’s simply a logistical delay.
Applicants also have the legal right to request a copy of their Checkr report and dispute any errors, a process that can resolve issues faster than abandoning the application entirely.
How to Prepare Before Applying
If you’re concerned about your history, it’s wise to request your own criminal or driving record before applying, or use a background check service to conduct one on yourself. This allows you to spot inaccuracies early and understand what DoorDash is likely to see. Clearing up errors in advance can save weeks of frustration.
Being honest during the application process also matters. While DoorDash doesn’t ask applicants to self-report offenses in detail, discrepancies between disclosed information and official records can delay the process.
How Far Back Does DoorDash Background Check Go? Our Final Thoughts
So, how far back does DoorDash’s background check go? For most applicants, the answer is straightforward: around seven years for criminal history and about three years for driving records, with exceptions for serious offenses and state-specific rules. While the process isn’t perfect, it’s far less invasive than many assume, and often more forgiving of distant mistakes.
If you’re prepared, informed, and patient, DoorDash’s background check is rarely a barrier. For many drivers, it’s simply the final step before hitting the road.
