Spark Driver Background Check Mistakes and Reasons for Deactivation

Becoming a Spark driver is a great opportunity to earn income on your schedule - but many drivers face unexpected hurdles when their Spark account is deactivated due to issues with the Spark driver background check.

Whether you're applying for the first time or have been on the platform for a while, understanding how the background screening process works and what can go wrong is critical to protecting your ability to work.

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What Are the Spark Driver Background Check Requirements?

To ensure safety and trust for its customers, Spark (a Walmart delivery partner) requires all delivery drivers to pass a background check. These checks are usually processed by third-party agencies like Checkr, and occasionally Sterling or First Advantage.

Here’s what’s typically reviewed:

  • Criminal history (felonies, misdemeanors, arrests, warrants).

  • Motor vehicle records (MVR), including license status and traffic violations.

  • Identity verification, including Social Security number validation.

  • Previous driving-related offenses like DUIs, reckless driving, or suspended licenses.

The Spark driver background check requirements are fairly strict - serious criminal charges or a poor driving history may disqualify you from delivering.

How Long Does a Spark Background Check Take?

A common question among applicants is: how long does the Spark background check take?

Typically, background checks take between 1 to 7 business days, but delays can occur due to:

  • Incomplete or incorrect information submitted by the applicant

  • Delays in retrieving court records or DMV data

  • Issues verifying identity or Social Security number

If you're stuck waiting, you can track your Spark background check status through Checkr’s Candidate Portal, which updates in real time.

Have You Been Deactivated From Your Spark Account?

Contact Us - Our Legal Support Is Free!

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Common Background Check Errors That Lead to Deactivation

Unfortunately, many Spark drivers are deactivated or denied approval due to background check mistakes. These can include:

Mistaken Identity or Mixed Files

Checkr and other agencies sometimes match the wrong criminal record to your name — especially if someone with a similar name or birthdate has a criminal history.

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Outdated Case Information

Cases that were dismissed, sealed, or resolved may still appear as “pending” or active because the agency hasn’t updated its database.

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Incorrect License Status

In some cases, your driver’s license may be flagged as suspended even though it is valid. This often happens when someone moves to a new state and the system fails to update the active license correctly.

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Failed SSN Trace

If the agency cannot verify your Social Security number, your background check may not be processed at all, leading to an automatic denial or Spark account deactivation.

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What to Do If Your Spark Account Is Deactivated

If your Spark account was deactivated due to a background check error, here’s what you should do:

Review Your Background Report

You are legally entitled to a copy of your background check. Look for discrepancies, outdated cases, or incorrect records.

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Don’t Rely on Disputes Alone

While you can file a dispute with the background check agency, this often doesn't fix the root issue, especially when data vendors are involved. Many errors reappear later with other platforms.

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Consult an FCRA Attorney

If your deactivation is due to a false or inaccurate background check, an FCRA attorney can help correct the report and file a legal claim. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income and emotional distress, and you don’t pay any legal fees out of pocket - those are paid by the background check agency if you win.

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What If My Spark 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 Spark 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 Spark 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, Spark conducts background checks on all new driver applicants. They use third-party services like Checkr to perform criminal and driving history screenings.

  • The Spark driver background check is a mandatory screening process for individuals who want to deliver for Walmart through the Spark Driver platform. It includes criminal history, driving record, and identity verification.

  • The Spark background check typically takes 3 to 7 business days, though delays can happen if court records take longer to process or if identity verification requires manual review.

  • To pass the Spark background check, you must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and no recent criminal convictions involving theft, violence, or impaired driving.

  • The Spark driver background check usually reviews records from the past 7 years, although this can vary based on state law and the severity of any infractions.

  • Spark may perform periodic background checks, especially if there are policy updates or safety-related incidents reported. Annual rechecks are common for gig platforms.

  • You can check your Spark background check status by logging into the Checkr Candidate Portal or checking the status updates in your Spark Driver app profile.

  • The Spark delivery driver background check includes a review of your criminal record, driving violations, Social Security number verification, and sometimes a review of previous employment.

  • Yes, all Spark drivers must complete and pass a background check before being approved to accept deliveries on the platform.

  • Depending on the nature and recency of the misdemeanor, you may still qualify to drive for Spark. Non-violent and older offenses are less likely to disqualify you.

  • Disqualifying factors include DUIs, violent crimes, theft, reckless driving, and a suspended license. Repeated traffic violations may also raise red flags.

  • Delays can occur if court systems are slow, if you have lived in multiple states, or if your documents have inconsistencies that require manual review.

  • If you fail the Spark background check, you will not be able to deliver for the platform. However, you have the right to dispute the findings if you believe they are inaccurate or outdated.

  • Dispute your background check by contacting Checkr through the Candidate Portal. Gather evidence to correct any incorrect or misleading entries in your report.

  • Yes, Spark reserves the right to conduct random or annual background checks to ensure ongoing compliance with safety and eligibility standards.