Failed Instacart Background Check? Here's How to Dispute Checkr and Protect Your Rights

Instacart is a widely used gig platform offering flexible delivery jobs to independent contractors known as shoppers. However, before you can start shopping or delivering, you must pass a background check. These checks are handled by Checkr, a third-party screening company used by many gig economy platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.

Unfortunately, many applicants face issues, such as a failed Instacart background check, a report that "didn’t clear," or a Checkr system that simply gets stuck in a “pending” status for weeks. If you’re in this situation, this guide explains the Instacart background check process, how to dispute Checkr, and what legal steps to take if your rights are violated.

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Does Instacart Do a Background Check?

Yes, Instacart requires all shoppers and delivery drivers to undergo a background check as part of the onboarding process. This screening is conducted through Checkr, a third-party background check provider widely used across gig economy platforms.

The purpose of the background check is to verify your identity, review your driving record, and assess any criminal history that may affect your eligibility to work with Instacart.

Instacart Background Check Process

After you submit your application, you'll be asked to authorize a background check. Once authorized, Instacart sends your information to Checkr, which then compiles your report. The process involves pulling data from a variety of sources, including county and federal court systems, motor vehicle departments, sex offender registries, and ID verification databases.

You’ll typically receive status updates via email or within the Instacart app. If your background check remains listed as "in progress" or "still pending" for an extended period, you can track its progress through the Checkr Candidate Portal at candidate.checkr.com.

Instacart Background Check Time: How Long Does It Take?

Most Instacart background checks are completed within three to ten business days. However, it’s not uncommon for the process to take longer. Delays often happen due to slow court record processing, identity mismatches, or confusion caused by applicants with common names.

Additionally, old or sealed records may still appear in some background checks if databases haven’t been updated. Many Instacart applicants report long wait times or unresolved statuses on platforms like Reddit, where background check delays are a frequently discussed topic. If your background check is taking longer than expected, you’re definitely not alone.

Instacart Background Check Requirements

To pass an Instacart background check, you typically need:

  • A valid driver’s license (for full-service shoppers).

  • No recent DUI convictions.

  • No major violent or theft-related felonies.

  • A clean driving record (especially for motor vehicle-related roles).

  • No more than 3 moving violations in the past 3 years.

Misdemeanors don’t always disqualify you. Still, each case is reviewed individually. Having a misdemeanor, speeding ticket, or older record may result in your file being flagged with a “consider” status.

What Does “Consider” Mean on Instacart Background Check?

If your Instacart background check says ‘consider’, it means Checkr flagged something in your record for manual review. This status does not automatically disqualify you, but Instacart may choose to reject your application based on company policy.

Common Instacart Background Check Problems

Some of the most reported issues include:

  • Instacart background check denied without explanation

  • Checkr report didn’t clear, even though the charge was expunged

  • "Not cleared" or "suspended" status despite no new violations

  • Old DUIs are still listed after the legal reporting limit

  • Misdemeanors wrongly listed as felonies

  • Mistaken identity due to mixed files

These errors are often due to Checkr's automated data-gathering system, which can pull inaccurate or outdated court records - especially when names or SSNs are similar.

How to Dispute an Instacart Background Check Through Checkr

If your background check contains incorrect information, you have the right to dispute Checkr background check results and request corrections.

Step-by-Step: Dispute Checkr Background Check

  1. Log in to the Checkr Candidate Portal
    Visit candidate.checkr.com and access your report.

  2. Review the report carefully
    Look for records that don't belong to you, outdated information, or identity mismatches.

  3. Click “Report an Error”
    Start the Checkr dispute process by submitting the disputed item.

  4. Attach supporting documentation
    Upload court documents, expungement orders, corrected records, or proof of identity.

  5. Track the dispute
    Checkr must respond to your Checkr dispute within 30 days per the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

If your dispute is successful, Checkr will update your report and notify Instacart. If you’re still disqualified after a successful dispute, contact Instacart support directly.

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 Instacart 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.

What If My Instacart 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 Instacart 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 DoorDaInstacart sh 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, Instacart conducts background checks for all shopper and delivery driver applicants through Checkr. This helps verify your identity, driving history, and any criminal record before approval.

  • The background check typically takes 3 to 10 business days. However, delays are common due to court processing times, identity mismatches, or issues with outdated records.

  • After you apply, Instacart submits your information to Checkr. They check county and federal court records, DMV databases, sex offender registries, and verify your identity.

  • “In progress” means your background check is still under review. It hasn’t been approved or denied yet. You can check its status via the Checkr Candidate Portal.

  • To pass the Instacart background check, you need a clean driving record, no recent DUIs or violent crimes, and valid personal identification.

  • A background check may stay “pending” if court records are slow to respond, if there are issues verifying your identity, or if further manual review is required.

  • It depends. Not all misdemeanors lead to disqualification. Instacart and Checkr review offenses on a case-by-case basis, considering the severity and how long ago they occurred.

  • “Consider” indicates that something in your background report needs manual review. It doesn’t mean automatic disqualification but may delay or affect your approval.

  • If you failed the background check, you’ll be notified and given a chance to dispute errors. You can file a dispute with Checkr if the report is inaccurate.

  • You can track your background check status by logging into the Checkr Candidate Portal at candidate.checkr.com, using the same email tied to your Instacart application.