If you're wondering whether DoorDash can bring beer, wine, or spirits right to your doorstep, you're not alone. 

The convenience of getting alcohol delivered alongside food or on its own has become increasingly popular, and DoorDash has jumped into this space in a big way.

I've put together this comprehensive guide covering everything both consumers and merchants need to know about DoorDash's alcohol delivery service. 

Whether you're looking to order your favorite drink or you're a business owner wanting to boost sales, this guide has you covered.

DoorDash Alcohol Delivery in the U.S.

DoorDash launched alcohol delivery in 2021 and has been expanding rapidly since then.

As of now, the service is available in 32 U.S. states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. 

The company continues to add new markets, with New Jersey joining in late 2023 and Maryland in 2024.

State Regulations & Restrictions

The rules vary significantly by state. Here's what you need to know:

• Some states require a food purchase along with alcohol orders

• Others allow alcohol delivery from stores but not restaurants (for example, Tennessee and New Jersey don't allow restaurant alcohol delivery via DoorDash)

• Delivery hours may be restricted based on local liquor laws

• Everyone must be 21+ to order or receive alcohol deliveries (no exceptions!)

DoorDash follows all local laws and enforces strict policies around ID verification, refusing delivery to intoxicated persons, and complying with regional restrictions.

Consumer Guide – Ordering Alcohol via DoorDash

Getting your favorite drinks delivered is pretty straightforward, but there are important steps to follow.

Finding Alcohol on DoorDash

When you open the DoorDash app or website, you can:

1. Browse the "Alcohol" category

2. Search directly for liquor stores, wine shops, or breweries

3. Look for restaurants offering alcohol (where permitted)

DoorDash offers over 100,000 alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink cocktails. 

In some markets, you can use the DoubleDash feature to add items from a liquor store to your restaurant food order in one checkout, making the process even more convenient.

Placing Your Order & Requirements

When ordering alcohol, you'll need to:

• Confirm you're 21+ and upload a valid government-issued ID in the DoorDash app during checkout

• Agree that an adult 21+ will receive the delivery

• Pay standard delivery fees, service fees, and possibly a small alcohol service fee depending on local regulations

• Tip your Dasher just like you would for food orders

DoorDash introduced a two-step ID verification process in 2022 to ensure safe and legal delivery of alcohol.

Delivery & ID Verification on Arrival

Unlike food orders, alcohol deliveries have special requirements:

• You must be present in person to receive the delivery – no "leave at door" option

• The Dasher will scan the front of your ID using their app

• If your ID is expired, invalid, or you appear intoxicated, the Dasher will refuse delivery

• Generally, the person who placed the order should be the one to receive it, though sometimes another adult at the same address with valid ID may be able to accept the delivery

Be prepared with your ID when the Dasher arrives, and make sure you're not visibly intoxicated, or the driver can legally decline to complete the delivery.

Types of Alcohol You Can Order

DoorDash offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages:

• Beer (bottles, cans, craft beer, hard seltzers, cider)

• Wine (red, white, rosé, sparkling)

• Spirits (vodka, whiskey, tequila, rum, gin)

• Premixed cocktails or ready-to-drink canned options

• Mixers and non-alcoholic beverages (often available alongside alcoholic options)

All drinks must be sealed per law, and some jurisdictions might allow beer and wine but restrict spirits. 

The app will show what's permitted in your location.

Tips for a Smooth Experience (Consumer)

• Use your real ID and match the name on your DoorDash account

• Check local cutoff times for alcohol delivery in your state

• Be home and responsive when your order is arriving

• Stay sober – drivers can refuse delivery if you're visibly intoxicated

• Look out for promotions – DoorDash often offers discounts on first-time alcohol orders or holiday specials

Merchant Guide – Selling Alcohol via DoorDash

For store owners and restaurateurs looking to expand their business, DoorDash's alcohol delivery service offers exciting opportunities.

Why Sell Alcohol on DoorDash?

There are several compelling reasons to add alcohol delivery to your DoorDash offerings:

• Growing market: DoorDash has seen a 54% increase in alcohol delivery orders year-over-year

• Higher order values: Restaurants and grocers see order values jump up to 30% higher with alcohol included

• Competitive edge: Offering delivery helps local shops compete with bigger retailers

• DoorDash support: The platform offers promotions and advertising tools specifically for alcohol merchants

Services like Instacart also deliver alcohol, but operate a bit differently – whereas DoorDash focuses more on on-demand speed.

Requirements for Alcohol Merchants

Before you can start selling alcohol on DoorDash, you'll need:

• A valid retail liquor license (off-premise license for stores, or appropriate license for restaurants)

• Location in a state where alcohol delivery is legal

• 21+ staff for handoffs to Dashers (in some states)

• Proper tech setup to receive orders and tag alcohol products appropriately

Onboarding Process

Here's how to get started as an alcohol merchant on DoorDash:

1. Sign up through DoorDash's Alcohol Delivery Partner program

2. Complete the license verification process

3. Set up your alcohol inventory on your DoorDash menu (with photos, descriptions, and prices)

4. Receive DoorDash equipment and training

5. Launch and be ready for orders

According to merchant feedback, the onboarding process typically takes about a week before you're up and running.

Fulfilling Alcohol Orders (Operations)

When you receive an alcohol order through DoorDash:

• Pack the order carefully, using sealed bags or tamper-evident packaging if required by law

• Keep drinks refrigerated until pickup for the best customer experience

• Verify the Dasher is 21+ (DoorDash's policy requires all drivers handling alcohol to be of legal drinking age)

• Complete the handoff procedure, ensuring the order is clearly marked "Alcohol – ID Required"

DoorDash's Compliance Features (for Merchants)

DoorDash helps merchants stay compliant with:

• Forced ID upload and verification

• Training and resources for Dashers

• Clear customer notifications about ID requirements

• Protocols for handling undeliverable orders

These measures help reduce your risk as a merchant, though you should still maintain your own diligence in following all applicable laws.

Fees, Commissions, and Earnings (Merchant POV)

When selling alcohol on DoorDash:

• DoorDash takes a commission similar to food orders (typically ranging 15-30% of order subtotal)

• There might be non-compliance fees if you don't follow protocol

• Despite commissions, merchants often see net gains due to higher volume and larger orders

• DoorDash-funded promotions generally don't reduce your payout

Best Practices for Merchants

To succeed with alcohol delivery on DoorDash:

• Keep your inventory accurate and up-to-date

• Offer a competitive selection and fair pricing

• Promote your DoorDash availability in-store and on social media

• Use DoorDash's marketing features like sponsored listings

• Train your staff thoroughly on proper procedures

• Monitor customer reviews and respond appropriately

• Stay current with changing regulations

Safety, Responsibility & Legal Considerations

DoorDash takes alcohol delivery safety seriously, with several safeguards in place.

DoorDash's ID Verification System

The platform's dual ID check process is a major safety feature:

1. Customers must upload ID during checkout

2. Dashers must scan ID upon delivery

This two-layer verification system significantly reduces the risk of alcohol getting into the wrong hands. 

Dashers also receive specific training on alcohol delivery, including how to check IDs, recognize fake IDs, and identify signs of intoxication.

Preventing Sales to Minors or Intoxicated Persons

The strict rules around ID verification and customer sobriety protect all parties involved:

• Dashers face deactivation and legal penalties if they bypass checks

• Merchants could lose licenses if found complicit in improper delivery

• DoorDash's contracts hold all parties accountable

Customer Privacy and Data Security

When providing your ID to DoorDash, the company uses this information only to verify your age. 

According to their policies, they don't store ID images long-term beyond what's necessary for compliance. 

You can delete or update your ID in the app as needed.

Challenges & Controversies

There are some ongoing challenges with alcohol delivery:

• Regional bans: Some states still prohibit third-party alcohol delivery entirely

• "Cocktails-to-Go" laws: Temporary pandemic-era allowances are evolving, with states like New York extending to-go cocktail permissions through 2025

• Legal liability concerns: Merchants take on responsibility for following alcohol laws under DoorDash's terms

DoorDash vs Other Alcohol Delivery Services

When comparing DoorDash to other major players in alcohol delivery, there are important differences to consider.

DoorDash vs Uber Eats (Drizly)

Uber acquired Drizly in 2021 and announced plans to shut down the standalone Drizly app in 2024, folding it into Uber Eats. 

While Uber Eats is expanding its alcohol delivery service, it currently operates in fewer states than DoorDash. 

For merchants deciding between platforms, DoorDash might generate more incremental sales through its food delivery customer base.

See our detailed comparison of Uber Eats vs DoorDash for more insights on how these platforms operate.

DoorDash vs Instacart

Instacart delivers alcohol from grocery stores, liquor stores, and warehouse clubs in many states. 

Their process is similar to DoorDash's, requiring ID verification upon delivery. The key differences:

• Instacart works well for planned orders or when stocking up alongside groceries

• DoorDash excels at quick, on-demand delivery (typically 30-60 minutes)

• Instacart might have higher fees if you're not an Instacart Express member

For merchants, Instacart might involve partnering through your distributor, while DoorDash offers more direct relationships, especially for independent liquor stores.

DoorDash vs Grubhub

Grubhub offers alcohol delivery in some markets, but it's more limited than DoorDash's service:

• Grubhub often requires a food purchase with alcohol orders

• Their focus remains primarily on restaurant deliveries

• They have fewer dedicated liquor store partnerships

• Their market share in food delivery is smaller overall

For merchants looking specifically to grow alcohol sales, DoorDash's dedicated support and promotional tools make it a stronger choice than Grubhub.

Other Services

Other alcohol delivery options include Gopuff, which warehouses products for quick delivery with a flat fee, and Minibar, which operates in about 20 states. However, with industry consolidation happening, DoorDash stands out for its wide reach and integration with food delivery.

FAQ – Common Questions about DoorDash Alcohol Delivery

Can DoorDash deliver alcohol in my state? 

DoorDash delivers alcohol in over 30 states across the U.S. 

To check your location, open the app and see if alcohol items are available. 

Currently, DoorDash alcohol delivery is NOT offered in Utah and Pennsylvania, among a few others, due to local laws.

What happens if I'm not home when the Dasher arrives with alcohol? 

The driver cannot leave alcohol unattended. 

If you miss the delivery, the Dasher will return the alcohol to the store or dispose of it per DoorDash policy. 

You may still be charged for the order, so make sure someone 21+ is available.

Is there an extra fee for alcohol delivery on DoorDash?

DoorDash's delivery fees for alcohol are usually the same as for food orders. 

However, taxes on alcohol and any local liquor fees will apply. 

In some cases, you might see a small "Alcohol fee" or increased service fee, which varies by city and merchant.

Can someone else (21 or older) receive my alcohol order on my behalf?

DoorDash's policy is that the person who placed the order should be the one to receive it. 

In practice, if someone else at your address is 21+ and has their ID, the driver may complete the delivery, but only if they can verify that adult is legitimately connected to the order.

i'm a merchant – do I need any special insurance to deliver alcohol via DoorDash? 

It's wise to have liability insurance that covers alcohol, but DoorDash itself provides $1M excess liability insurance for deliveries. 

Check DoorDash's merchant terms and consult a legal advisor about your specific situation.

Are alcohol orders on DoorDash contact-free? 

No, contactless delivery is not available for alcohol. 

Unlike food orders, alcohol must be handed directly to an adult with ID. This is non-negotiable due to legal requirements.

Does DoorDash deliver alcohol from restaurants (cocktails to-go)? 

In some areas, yes. 

If local law allows restaurants to sell sealed alcoholic beverages for takeout/delivery, DoorDash will enable those menu items. 

Some jurisdictions require you to order food with the drink, and DoorDash will enforce that in the app.

Final Thoughts

DoorDash has made getting your favorite alcoholic beverages easier than ever for consumers, while opening up new revenue streams for businesses in a safe, regulated manner. 

The company's commitment to responsible delivery through strict ID verification and adherence to local laws has established it as a leader in the alcohol delivery space.

Whether you're ordering a bottle of wine for a relaxing night in, or a merchant looking to boost sales, DoorDash's alcohol delivery opens up new possibilities. 

Cheers to convenience – delivered responsibly!