DoorDash Background Check: What It Means, What Can Go Wrong, and How to Fix It
Before you can start delivering with DoorDash, you'll need to pass a background check. It's a crucial part of the onboarding process that helps ensure the safety and trust of customers. However, many prospective and current Dashers run into unexpected problems, such as delays, unclear status updates, or outright deactivation due to inaccurate reports.
If you're seeing confusing terms like “DoorDash background check says consider” or have received a “DoorDash background check failed” message, this article will help you understand what it means - and what to do next.
What Is a DoorDash Background Check?
DoorDash uses background checks to evaluate the criminal and driving history of its applicants and active drivers. The process is managed by a third-party screening company called Checkr, a widely used background check agency in the gig economy. This means when you submit your information to DoorDash, you're actually being screened through a Checkr background check for DoorDash.
The background check reviews the following:
Criminal records (federal, state, and county level)
Sex offender registries
Driving records (including suspensions, DUIs, and major traffic violations)
Identity verification, using your Social Security Number and government-issued ID
How Long Does a DoorDash Background Check Take?
One of the most common questions is: How long does the DoorDash background check take?
In most cases, it takes between 3 to 7 business days. However, it can sometimes take longer due to:
Incorrect or incomplete information
Delays in county court records
Issues verifying your identity or SSN
High application volume
You can track your DoorDash background check status through Checkr’s Candidate Portal. If it says “Pending,” it’s still in process. If it says “Clear,” you’re good to go. But if it says “Consider, “Failed,” or “Disqualified,” you may be facing a problem.
Common DoorDash Background Check Disqualifications
DoorDash doesn’t publish a strict list of disqualifying offenses, but based on experience and consumer reports, here are common DoorDash background check disqualifications:
Felony Convictions
Some felony convictions, especially recent ones involving violence, theft, or fraud, can disqualify you. Older convictions may not be an issue depending on how much time has passed.
Violent or Sexual Offenses
Any conviction involving assault, domestic violence, or sexual misconduct is almost always disqualifying.
Driving Offenses
A history of reckless driving, DUIs, driving without a license, or a suspended license can lead to rejection, especially if the offenses occurred within the last 3–7 years.
Multiple Traffic Violations
Even if you don’t have felonies, too many recent speeding tickets or accidents may flag your report.
Fraud or Theft
Because Dashers handle customer payments and access personal property, theft-related convictions can result in disqualification.
Keep in mind: Not all convictions are automatically disqualifying, especially if they are older or have been expunged. But if you do see disqualifying information on your report, it’s crucial to verify that it’s accurate.
What Does “DoorDash Background Check Consider” Mean?
This is a confusing but common status. If your DoorDash background check says “Consider”, it means that Checkr found something in your report that may disqualify you, and they’re flagging it for further review by DoorDash.
At this point, DoorDash has not yet made a final decision. They will typically send you an email with more information or ask for clarification. You may also receive a copy of your background check along with a pre-adverse action notice, which is your legal right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Important: If the information in the background check is inaccurate or doesn’t belong to you, you can and should dispute it - especially if your DoorDash account was deactivated due to a background check.
What If My DoorDash Background Check Failed?
If your background check comes back as “Failed,” it usually means that DoorDash has already reviewed the flagged information and decided to reject or deactivate your account. In this case, you should:
Request a Copy of Your Background Check
You are entitled to a free copy of your background report. You can request it from Checkr or find it in your email if DoorDash sent a pre-adverse action notice.
Review the Report for Errors
Many background check errors are caused by:
Incorrect criminal charges
Mismatched identity (mixed file with someone else’s record)
Outdated information (old or dismissed charges still showing)
Dispute the Error
You can file a dispute directly through Checkr, but results vary. Disputes are not always effective, especially if the source of the error is a third-party data vendor.
Contact an FCRA Attorney
If your DoorDash account was deactivated due to a background check mistake, a Fair Credit Reporting Act attorney can help you correct the report and pursue legal compensation for lost income and emotional distress. You may be eligible for statutory damages, and you don’t pay legal fees out of pocket.
Final Thoughts
The DoorDash background check process is meant to protect customers, but it’s far from perfect. If your Checkr background check for DoorDash came back with errors, outdated data, or mixed-up records, you are not alone. Thousands of drivers are affected by background check issues every year.
Whether you’re seeing a status that says “Consider,” received a background check failed notice, or your DoorDash account was deactivated due to background check results, you may have a right to dispute the report and recover compensation.