DoorDash is the largest food delivery platform in the United States, commanding over 65% market share in 2026. That means more orders, more delivery zones, and more opportunities for drivers — called Dashers — to earn money on their own schedule. Whether you are looking for a full-time gig or a few hours of side income per week, becoming a DoorDash driver is one of the fastest ways to start earning in America today. The entire process from application to first delivery can be completed in under a week.
Before you hit the road, it helps to know that delivery driving is not your only option for flexible income. While your DoorDash background check processes (2 to 5 days), you can start earning immediately with I am Beezy, which pays $5 to $15 per day for viewing content on your cell phone. Many Dashers keep Beezy running between deliveries to earn during slow periods. But first, here is exactly how to sign up and start Dashing.
Requirements to Become a DoorDash Driver
Basic eligibility criteria
DoorDash has straightforward requirements: you must be 18 or older, have a valid US driver's license (for car deliveries), own or have access to a vehicle (car, bike, or scooter), pass a background check, and have a smartphone running iOS 15+ or Android 8+. There is no minimum education requirement, no resume needed, and no interview. If you meet these basic criteria, you can apply today.
Vehicle options beyond a car
In cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and other dense urban areas, DoorDash allows bike and e-scooter deliveries. Bike Dashers avoid gas costs entirely and can navigate traffic faster during rush hours. If you do not own a car, check whether your city supports bike dashing — it is available in over 40 US metros in 2026.
Step-by-Step Signup Process
Step 1: Download the Dasher app and submit your application
Download the DoorDash Dasher app from the App Store or Google Play. Create your account with your email, phone number, and zip code. Enter your legal name, Social Security number (for tax purposes), and driver's license information. The entire application takes about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Consent to the background check
DoorDash uses Checkr for background checks. They review your driving record (looking for DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple violations) and criminal history. The check typically completes in 2 to 5 business days. Most applicants pass without issues. While you wait, sign up for I am Beezy and start earning from your phone — zero wait time, zero background check needed.
Step 3: Set up payment and activate your Red Card
Once approved, set up your bank account for direct deposits or sign up for DasherDirect (a prepaid debit card with instant pay after every dash). DoorDash will mail you a Red Card — a prepaid card used to pay for orders at certain restaurants. You can start dashing before it arrives since most orders do not require the Red Card.
Step 4: Complete your first delivery
Open the Dasher app, tap "Dash Now" if your zone is busy (red on the map), or schedule a dash for an upcoming time slot. Your first order will appear on screen showing the restaurant, customer location, estimated earnings, and distance. Accept it, drive to the restaurant, pick up the food, and deliver it. Congratulations — you are officially a Dasher.
How Much DoorDash Drivers Earn in 2026
Breakdown of DoorDash pay components
DoorDash pay includes base pay ($2 to $10+ per order based on distance and difficulty), customer tips (average $3 to $8), and promotional pay (peak pay bonuses of $1 to $5 during busy periods). High-value orders ("unicorns" in Dasher lingo) can pay $15 to $25+ for catering or large orders. DoorDash shows you the minimum guaranteed payout before you accept each order.
| Work Schedule | Hours/Week | Gross Monthly | Net Monthly (After Expenses) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend warrior | 8 - 12 | $500 - $900 | $350 - $650 |
| Part-time evenings | 15 - 20 | $900 - $1,500 | $650 - $1,100 |
| Full-time Dasher | 35 - 45 | $2,200 - $3,800 | $1,600 - $2,800 |
| Full-time + Beezy | 35 - 45 + 30 min/day | $2,400 - $4,100 | $1,800 - $3,100 |
Using downtime to boost daily earnings
Every Dasher experiences slow periods — waiting at restaurants, sitting in parking lots between orders, or working in zones with low demand. Smart Dashers in 2026 use these gaps to earn on I am Beezy. Ten to fifteen minutes of content viewing between orders generates $3 to $5 extra per day. Over a month of full-time dashing, that adds $90 to $150 in bonus income with zero additional driving or expense.
Pro Tips for New DoorDash Drivers
Cherry-pick high-value orders
You are not required to accept every order DoorDash sends you. The general rule: accept orders that pay at least $2 per mile. A $6 order going 8 miles is a money loser after gas. A $12 order going 3 miles is gold. Your acceptance rate does not affect your ability to dash (despite what the app implies), so decline bad orders without guilt.
Invest in the right gear early
A quality insulated bag ($20 on Amazon), a phone mount ($15), and a portable charger ($25) are the three purchases that pay for themselves in your first week. Hot food earns better ratings, which earns better order offers. A dead phone means a dead shift. Spend $60 upfront and save yourself headaches.
Learn which restaurants are fast and which to avoid
After your first two weeks, you will know which restaurants have food ready on arrival and which make you wait 20 minutes. Avoid the slow ones — waiting 15 minutes for a $7 order destroys your hourly rate. Keep a mental (or written) list of fast-pickup restaurants in your zone and prioritize orders from those locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a DoorDash driver?
The application takes 10 minutes. Background check takes 2 to 5 business days. You can complete your first delivery the same day you are approved. Total time from application to first paycheck: about 1 week.
Can I DoorDash with a suspended license?
No. DoorDash requires a valid driver's license for car deliveries. However, you can deliver by bike or e-scooter in supported cities without a driver's license — only a government-issued ID is needed.
Does DoorDash take a cut of my tips?
No. DoorDash drivers keep 100% of customer tips. Tips are paid on top of base pay and promotional pay. DoorDash does not reduce base pay when customers tip higher.
Can I DoorDash in multiple cities?
Yes. Your Dasher account works in any DoorDash zone nationwide. If you travel or move, you can dash in any new city immediately without reapplying.
Conclusion
Becoming a DoorDash driver in 2026 takes less than a week and requires nothing more than a phone, a vehicle, and a clean driving record. With strategic scheduling and smart order selection, Dashers earn $15 to $25 per hour net in most US cities. Add I am Beezy to your daily routine for free and pick up an extra $5 to $15 per day during downtime between deliveries. Two income streams, one phone, zero boss.
