Grubhub Background Check: What You Need to Know (And What to Do If There's an Error)

Becoming a Grubhub driver sounds like a flexible and rewarding way to earn extra income, but before you hit the road, you’ll need to pass a Grubhub background check.

Grubhub conducts a background check on every applicant before activating their account. This applies to all Grubhub drivers, whether you're new or returning after a deactivation. Background checks are also periodically re-run to ensure ongoing compliance.

If you've seen posts on Reddit like “Grubhub background check taking 2 weeks” or “Background check says ‘consider’ - what does that mean?,” you're not alone. For many gig workers, delays, denials, or vague results in the background check process can be frustrating, confusing, and even unjustified.

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Have You Been Affected By a Background Check Error?

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What Kind of Background Check Does Grubhub Use?

Grubhub partners with third-party background check companies, typically Checkr or HireRight, who may pull records from multiple sources, including:

  • Credit reports (if required for identity verification)

  • Criminal records (county, state, and national databases)

  • Sex offender registries

  • Driving records (MVR)

  • Social Security number trace

  • Employment history (if relevant)

These reports may rely in part on data from one of the major credit bureaus or other sources, which can introduce significant risks of error.

Common Reasons Grubhub Background Checks Are Delayed or Fail

Many drivers are shocked to discover that their Grubhub background check is incomplete, delayed, or rejected—even when they’ve never had serious criminal or driving issues. Here are the most common reasons:

  • Mistaken Identity or Mixed Files. Your report might include someone else’s criminal history due to similar names, birthdates, or Social Security numbers.

  • Outdated or Incorrect Criminal Records. Dismissed charges, expunged cases, or non-convictions can still appear erroneously.

  • Unverified Identity. Typos in your application, recent name changes, or limited credit history can cause the system to flag your identity as “unable to verify”.

  • Driving Record Errors. Even minor traffic tickets can get misreported. More serious issues like DUIs may be inaccurately included or lack important context.

What Does “Consider” Mean on a Grubhub Background Check?

A “Consider” status typically means the background check company found potentially concerning information that doesn't automatically disqualify you but needs review. This could be:

  • A criminal record that was dismissed or outdated

  • A single old traffic incident

  • A possible identity mismatch

If you're stuck in “Consider” for more than a few days, contact support or request a copy of your report.

How Long Does a Grubhub Background Check Take?

Most Grubhub background checks take 3–7 business days. However, some can take up to 2 weeks or longer if:

  • Identity verification fails (e.g., mismatched SSN)

  • County court searches are delayed

  • There's a “consider” status, which flags items for review

  • Experian or another data provider returns outdated or incorrect information

If it’s been more than 10 business days, you should contact Grubhub or the background check company directly.

How Far Back Does Grubhub Background Check Go?

Generally, background checks go back 7 years, but this depends on state law and the type of offense. Some felony convictions or driving violations may be reported longer depending on local statutes.

Can I Dispute My Grubhub Background Check?

Absolutely. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to:

  • Access your background check report

  • Dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information

  • Receive a resolution within 30 days

However, you should speak to an FCRA attorney before filing a dispute, especially if:

  • You were denied employment

  • You suspect identity theft

  • You’ve previously filed a dispute and were ignored

Why? Because disputes submitted through Experian or Checkr’s automated portals are often dismissed or “verified” without real investigation.

How to Fix Errors in a Grubhub Background Check

Step 1: Request Your Full Background Report

You’re legally entitled to a copy of the background check that Grubhub used to make their decision. Contact the background check company (e.g., Checkr or Experian) to get your report.

Step 2: Consult with an FCRA Attorney

Before filing any disputes, get legal help. An FCRA attorney can:

  • Analyze your report

  • Identify errors or violations

  • Help you avoid arbitration traps (like Experian’s online dispute portal)

Step 3: File a Formal Dispute (with Legal Support)

Your attorney will draft a dispute letter with evidence and send it via certified mail to create a clear paper trail.

Step 4: Monitor for a Resolution (30 Days)

Experian or the background check company has 30 days to respond. If they fail to correct the error, your attorney can file a lawsuit.

Still Rejected After Dispute? Consider Legal Action

You may be able to sue Checkr or file a Checkr lawsuit if:

  • You lost job opportunities due to false information

  • Your Checkr dispute was ignored or mishandled

  • You weren’t given proper notice of your rights

  • Your report included sealed, expunged, or inaccurate criminal records

Even if you didn’t file a dispute, you may still be eligible to take legal action in certain cases. Courts have ruled that Checkr is responsible for ensuring “maximum possible accuracy” in reports.

Compensation for Background Check Errors

If you successfully sue Checkr or Grubhub for background check violations, you could recover:

  • Lost wages or job opportunities

  • Emotional distress

  • Statutory damages (up to $1,000 per violation)

  • Punitive damages (if Checkr acted willfully)

  • Attorney fees (you pay nothing out of pocket if you win)

Most FCRA attorneys work on contingency, so there are no upfront costs to file a case.

Final Tips for Grubhub Drivers

If your background check says “unable to complete,” review it for name or SSN errors.

  1. If it’s been “2 weeks and no update,” follow up with both Grubhub and the screening company.

  2. If you see “Grubhub background check complete but no email,” request your report and check your spam folder.

  3. Don’t trust the automated process - consult an attorney before disputing.

What If My GrubHub Background Check Failed?

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 Grubhub sent a pre-adverse action notice.

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Review the Report for Errors.

Carefully review each section of your report and identify any errors or discrepancies, such as unrecognized criminal records, misreported information, or other issues.

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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.

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Contact an FCRA Attorney.

If your Grubhub 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.

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  • Yes, Grubhub requires all delivery drivers to pass a background check before being activated on the platform. This check reviews your criminal history, driving record, and identity using third-party services like Checkr or HireRight, which may use data from Experian.

  • A Grubhub background check typically takes 3–7 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks or more if there's a delay in verifying court records, SSN mismatches, or if the report is flagged with a "consider" status.

  • Consider” means the background check found potentially problematic information, like a past conviction, traffic offense, or data discrepancy. It doesn't automatically disqualify you, but Grubhub may need more time to review the findings.

  • In most states, Grubhub background checks go back 7 years, especially for criminal records. However, in some cases, older offenses (especially felonies) may still show up depending on local laws and the nature of the charge.

  • It depends. Minor misdemeanors like traffic infractions may not disqualify you, but violent crimes, theft, DUIs, or multiple infractions could. Grubhub evaluates on a case-by-case basis.

  • If your status says “unable to complete background check,” it may be due to a mismatch in your personal information (SSN, name, address). Double-check your application and request a copy of your background report from the screening company to resolve the issue.

    • Start by consulting an FCRA attorney, then request your report from Checkr or Experian. With legal help, you can file a formal dispute letter challenging the false information. If the error is not corrected in 30 days, you may be able to sue for damages.

    • Contact an FCRA attorney

    • Sue Checkr or Shipt if the error cost you a job opportunity
      You may be entitled to financial compensation.

  • Grubhub may conduct periodic or annual background checks, especially if you’re reapplying, update your information, or if your previous report was flagged. They reserve the right to recheck at any time to ensure driver eligibility.

  • Grubhub typically uses Checkr, a third-party background check provider, to screen drivers. Checkr may pull data from multiple sources including Experian, local courthouses, and driving record databases.

  • Possibly not. Expunged records or deferred adjudications should not appear in your background check. If they do, this could be a violation of the FCRA. You can dispute it or take legal action if you were denied unfairly based on sealed or outdated information.