Does DoorDash Hire Felons?

It’s crucial to have all the facts to make an informed decision. One very important question is: does DoorDash hire felons? DoorDash’s hiring policy regarding offenders could mean the difference between being hired or rejected. 

DoorDash considers applicants with felonies on a case-by-case basis. They have reportedly hired felons in the past and seem committed to offering a fair chance. The type of felony and time since conviction may affect the chances.

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Please keep reading to answer other questions you may have about the hiring process, DoorDash’s approach to felons, and whether Dashing is worth it.

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What does DoorDash’s hiring process involve?

When signing up to become a Dasher, every prospective applicant must provide the following information and meet the following conditions.

The applicant must be at least 18 years old, provide their social security number, and their driver’s license number if driving. The method of transport will determine whether they need to supply the license number as well as insurance.

Dashers need to provide their own transport, but it doesn’t have to be a car or motorcycle in some cities. Some locations allow Dashers to deliver by bicycle or electric scooter.

Lastly, and most relevantly, they must consent to a background check.

This background check is often the longest part of the process. It can take a couple of days or even longer to complete.

Once the sign-up and background check are complete, the applicant must complete a driver orientation. Then they must download the app. At this point, they can start Dashing.

What does DoorDash look for?

This background check is performed by a third party, Chekr. DoorDash looks into the applicant’s criminal and driving history. In most cases, the background check doesn’t go further back than seven years. Occasionally, it can go further back.

While the check is for everything in the above records, felonies, and DUIs, in particular, will likely have more attention on them.

It’s important to note that DoorDash will repeat the background check regularly. Dashers may be deactivated if these subsequent checks turn up details.

How does a felony affect an applicant’s chances?

A prospective Dasher with a felony on their record may still get hired by DoorDash, but it can lower their chances. The two biggest factors that influence the decision are the reason for the felony charge and how long it’s been since conviction.

Non-violent felonies shouldn’t affect the chances of being hired as much as violent or driving-related ones would. Naturally, as a company that relies on drivers, they will be more cautious when hiring applicants with DUIs.

In certain cities, Dashers can use bicycles, electric scooters, or even deliver on foot. DoorDash may be more willing to hire someone with a DUI in these circumstances.

That said, time also plays a factor in DoorDash’s decision. If it has been longer than seven years since the conviction and the applicant has a clean record since then, the felony shouldn’t affect the decision too much.

Can DoorDash reject an applicant based on a felony conviction?

DoorDash can still reject an application based on a felony appearing in the background check. This can happen for a variety of reasons.

If the felony applies directly to the safe performance of the job, such as a DUI in this case, the hiring manager can reject the application.

They are required to give the potential Dasher a chance to speak for themselves. If the applicant seems likely to repeat the felony, their application will be refused if they seem to be making improvements; they can’t be rejected out of hand.

It is also possible that DoorDash will reject felons’ applications because the demand for new Dashers is low or they are getting plenty of other applications.

Conversely, high demand for Dashers could loosen hiring requirements. This could see DoorDash hiring more felons.

Related Questions

What disqualifies you from doing DoorDash?

Providing false information during the hiring process is the surest thing that will disqualify you from being a Dasher. Inaccurate information will do the same.

Having felonies in your recent criminal history will disqualify you unless you can show that you are willing to improve. As mentioned above, DoorDash should give applicants a chance to defend themselves.

Regarding your driving history, there are a few things that will disqualify you. Driving without a license whether that’s because it was suspended or had expired is one such reason. Driving under the influence is another big problem.

If driving for DoorDash, your license must be current and active. If your license is currently expired, you will be disqualified from driving.

How long does it take to start working for DoorDash?

The length of time between starting the application process and starting as a Dasher will vary from case to case. The DoorDash site claims that most Dashers can begin within a few days of applying.

The sign-up step shouldn’t take very long at all if you have all the necessary information in front of you. The background check will take a couple of days, but some have reported it taking longer.

If you pass the background check, you can get started Dashing without the insulated bag and credit card (“Red Card“)  that DoorDash sends after your first Dash. In this case, you could get started within a few days, as the company claims.

If you don’t pass the background check with a clean record, you will be informed. Then you should be offered a chance to speak about the results. You should have five days to decide then another five days to talk.

In this case, starting as a Dasher could take a week or longer.

How do I know if I was approved for DoorDash?

Once you complete the sign-up, you will receive emails at certain points in the process. These emails will let you know if you were approved for DoorDash. 

Alternatively, if you have downloaded the app and are signed in, you will be allowed to start Dashing if you have been approved.

Does DoorDash require a drug test for Dashers?

DoorDash does not drug test people applying to become a Dasher. The closest it gets is the background check. If drug-related crimes are revealed in the background test, the applicant may be rejected.

Is working for DoorDash worth it?

While the answer to this is highly subjective, there are some things to consider. 

Pay is entirely dependent on how many deliveries you complete and the tips from customers. Without previous experience in a similar job, it can take some time to get used to the job and become efficient.

A portion of all money made will have to go into paying for gas if you use a car to dash since DoorDash does not pay for gas. This goes the same for car maintenance.

Additionally, DoorDash does not take out taxes so you will have to account for those as well.

Dashing does offer flexibility in regard to schedules, however. It also comes with the option to be paid on the same day. 

Final Words

Now that you know the answer to the question “Does DoorDash hire felons” the decision to apply is up to you.

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