Working as a DoorDash driver might be the perfect side hustle if you're looking for flexible work on your own schedule. 

I've been through the process myself and have helped many drivers get started, so I know exactly what to expect when becoming a Dasher.

Let me take you through everything you need to know about driving for DoorDash - from signing up to maximizing your earnings and understanding what the job actually entails.

How DoorDash Works for Drivers

DoorDash dominates the food delivery market with about 67% of U.S. market share as of 2024, according to Statista. 

For drivers (called "Dashers"), the platform makes it simple to connect with customers who want food delivered.

The basic process works like this: You log into the Dasher app, receive delivery requests, pick up food from restaurants, and drop it off at customers' locations. 

What makes DoorDash stand out is its flexibility - you can work whenever you want, for as long as you want. Flexibility is just one of the biggest pros of Doordash. 

With the right approach, DoorDashing can be a profitable side gig. 

Many drivers earn decent money during their free time, which is why I created this guide to help you get started and succeed.

DoorDash Driver Requirements & Sign-Up Process

Basic requirements to become a Dasher

Before you start, make sure you meet these basic eligibility criteria:

• At least 18 years old

• Valid driver's license (if using a car)

• Auto insurance

• Social security number

• Smartphone to run the Dasher app

You'll also need to pass a background check, which helps ensure safety for everyone on the platform. 

The good news is that in many cities, you can deliver on a bike or scooter if you don't have a car.

How to sign up step-by-step

The sign-up process is straightforward:

1. Visit the DoorDash Driver sign-up page or download the app and submit your personal information (name, email, phone number)

2. Select your vehicle type - car, motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter - depending on what's available in your area

3. Consent to a background check (this usually takes a few days)

4. Upload required documents like your driver's license, car insurance, and vehicle registration

5. Set up your bank account for direct deposit payments

6. Wait for your background check to clear (usually takes a day or two but can take up to a week)

Once approved, DoorDash will mail you an "activation kit" with an insulated hot bag and a Red Card (their prepaid card for certain orders). 

Meanwhile, you can download the Dasher app and log in. There's no in-person orientation - everything happens online.

Something I always tell new drivers: sign up for multiple delivery apps like Uber Eats and Grubhub as a backup. 

This strategy has helped me boost earnings and reduce downtime when DoorDash is slow.

Setting Up the Dasher App

After you've been approved, download the DoorDash – Dasher app (available on iOS and Android) and log in with your new driver credentials. 

This app will be your command center for all delivery activities.

First things first - make sure you enable location services and notifications. You don't want to miss orders because your phone didn't notify you!

The home screen has several important features to understand:

• Map with colored zones: Gray areas mean not busy, while red areas show busy spots (the deeper the red, the busier it is)

• Hotspots: These flame icons show where customer demand is highest, helping you position yourself strategically

• Dash Now button: This appears when you can start working immediately

Before starting, the app will ask you to confirm you have all necessary gear: enough gas, your Red Card, a charged phone, and an insulated hot bag. 

The Doordash Red Card is used for orders that require payment at pickup, while the hot bag keeps food warm during delivery.

Your First Dash: Step-by-Step

1. Scheduling or Starting "Dash Now"

You've got two ways to begin working:

Schedule a Dash: Through the Schedule tab, you can book future time blocks in specific zones. This is great for securing preferred times, especially in competitive markets.

Dash Now: If your area shows red on the map (meaning it's busy) and you're physically within that zone, just tap "Dash Now" to start immediately. If the zone appears gray (not busy), you might need to wait or travel to a busier area.

Before starting, you'll confirm your checklist (gas, phone, Red Card, hot bag) and then tap "Start Dash" to go online.

2. Receiving & Accepting an Order

When an order comes in, the app alerts you with an offer screen showing:

• Restaurant pickup location

• General dropoff area

• Total distance

• Estimated payout (including base pay and expected tip)

• Number of items

You'll have about 45 seconds to accept or decline. As a new driver, don't feel pressured to accept everything, but be aware that your acceptance rate matters. 

To qualify for Top Dasher status (which lets you work anytime without scheduling), you'll need to maintain a 70%+ acceptance rate.

For your first few orders, I recommend accepting reasonable offers just to get comfortable with the process. 

It's okay to decline if something seems unfair (like very long distance for low pay), but try not to be too selective when you're just starting out.

3. Navigate to the Restaurant

Once you accept an order, the app provides directions to the pickup location. 

You can use the in-app navigation or switch to your preferred maps app.

When you arrive, tap "Arrived at Store" in the app. Then you'll face one of these scenarios:

• Pre-paid and ready: Just tell the staff the customer's name and pick up the order

• Pre-paid but still being prepared: You might need to wait a bit

• Pay with Red Card: For some orders, you'll need to pay using your DoorDash Red Card

Always double-check the order items against what's listed in the app, making sure drinks and extras are included. Then confirm in the app that you've picked up the order.

4. Delivering to the Customer

After pickup, the app reveals the customer's exact address and activates navigation. 

When you arrive, there are typically three delivery methods:

• Hand it to customer: Meet them in person and give them their order

• Leave at door: Place the order at the doorstep, take a confirming photo

• Meet outside: Some customers prefer to meet you at your car

Always check the customer's notes - they might include important details like gate codes or specific instructions. 

If you can't find the customer for a "hand it to me" order, the app has a timer feature that will guide you through the process.

Once delivered, tap "Complete Delivery" in the app.

5. Completing the Delivery & Getting Paid

After completing the delivery, you'll see a summary of your earnings for that dash, including base pay, tip, and any bonuses like Peak Pay.

DoorDash pays drivers through weekly direct deposits that arrive in your bank account every Monday or Tuesday. If you need money faster, you have two options:

• Fast Pay: Cash out daily for a $1.99 fee

• DasherDirect: Get daily payouts with no fee to a special DoorDash debit card that also gives 2% cash back on gas purchases

For new drivers, I suggest sticking with weekly deposits at first to avoid fees.

How DoorDash Pay Works

Your DoorDash earnings come from three main sources:

Base Pay: This is the amount DoorDash pays per delivery, typically ranging from $2-$5+. It's calculated based on time, distance, and desirability - longer or less popular deliveries usually have higher base pay.

Tips: Dashers keep 100% of customer tips, which can make up a significant portion of your income. According to one analysis, tips can account for about 50% of a Dasher's total earnings.

Promotions: DoorDash offers various bonuses:

• Peak Pay: Extra $1-5 per delivery during busy times (shown as "+$X" on the map)

• Challenges: Bonus incentives for completing a certain number of deliveries within a timeframe

For example, a local delivery might have $3 base pay + $4 customer tip = $7 total. 

If there's $2 Peak Pay active in your area, you'd earn $9 for that delivery.

Tips to Maximize Your Earnings as a Dasher

Now that you know the basics, here are some strategies to boost your income:

Drive at the best times: Focus on peak meal times, especially lunch (11am-2pm) and dinner (5pm-9pm), when orders are most frequent. 

Weekends and special events like sports games or holidays also tend to be busy.

Position yourself strategically: Stay near restaurant clusters or hotspots to increase your chances of getting orders. 

But be aware that too many drivers in one hotspot can dilute opportunities, so learn your city's patterns and find your own sweet spots.

Be selective with orders: Many experienced Dashers follow a "$1 per mile" rule - they aim to earn at least $1 for every mile driven. 

For instance, a $7 offer for 5 miles might be worth taking, while $5 for 10 miles probably isn't.

Balance acceptance rate strategically: While declining very low offers is okay, remember that maintaining a 70%+ acceptance rate qualifies you for Top Dasher status, which lets you work anytime without scheduling. 

You'll need to decide what matters more to you - cherry-picking only high-value orders or having the flexibility to work whenever you want.

Use your Red Card wisely: Some Red Card orders, especially grocery shopping trips, can take extra time. Make sure you're being compensated fairly for these. 

Remember that the Red Card is strictly for customer orders - never for personal purchases.

Track your expenses: As an independent contractor, you're responsible for all your costs. Keep a mileage log for tax deductions, and be mindful of gas expenses. 

Provide great customer service: Maintaining high customer ratings helps you avoid deactivation and can lead to better tips. Communicate about delays, use your hot bag to keep food warm, and follow delivery instructions carefully.

What to Expect as a Dasher (Pros, Cons, and Realities)

Pros

Flexibility: This is the number one reason people choose DoorDash. You work when you want, take breaks when needed, and never have to request time off.

Easy Start: There's a low barrier to entry - no interview, no special qualifications, just a quick sign-up process. You can start earning within days of applying.

Earnings Potential: Drivers typically earn around $15-$25 per hour in many areas, especially during peak times. According to Glassdoor, the reported range is about $17-$24/hour, though your results will vary based on location and strategy.

Independence: You're truly your own boss - no supervisor looking over your shoulder, no office politics, just you making your own decisions about when and how to work.

Cons

Inconsistent income: Demand fluctuates, so your earnings will too. Most Dashers work just a few hours weekly, treating it as supplemental income rather than a full-time job.

Vehicle wear and tear: All those miles add up to more frequent maintenance and depreciation on your vehicle. Factor these costs into your earnings calculations.

Low-pay orders: Not every delivery pays well. Base pay can be as low as $2-$3, which is why tips and strategic order selection are so important.

No benefits or tax withholding: As an independent contractor, you don't get health insurance, paid time off, or other traditional benefits. You're also responsible for setting aside money for taxes (about 20-30% of your earnings).

Stress factors: Traffic, hard-to-find addresses, restaurant waits, and occasional difficult customers can all create stress on the job. Since you're paid per delivery rather than hourly, these delays directly impact your effective hourly rate.

Dasher safety & support

DoorDash provides some safety features in the app, including 24/7 support you can contact if you run into problems. 

Always use common sense - stay in well-lit areas at night, keep your car doors locked between deliveries, and don't hesitate to contact support if you encounter issues with a restaurant or customer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to schedule my dashes in advance?

Not necessarily. Scheduling guarantees you a spot during busy times, but you can also "Dash Now" whenever an area shows red on the map (indicating high demand). 

New Dashers should schedule a few shifts early on to ensure they can work, especially in competitive markets. 

Once you gain experience or achieve Top Dasher status, you'll have more freedom to dash anytime.

What is the DoorDash Red Card and when do I use it?

The Red Card is a company-issued debit card for paying at restaurants or stores that haven't integrated with DoorDash's payment system. 

You only use it when the app specifically tells you to "Pay with Red Card." 

DoorDash loads the exact amount needed, so you're never spending your own money. 

Most standard restaurant deliveries don't require the Red Card - it's mainly for certain pickups and grocery shopping orders.

Can I dash in any city, or only my hometown?

You can DoorDash in any city where the platform operates. 

The app detects your location and shows available zones wherever you are. 

This is great if you travel or move to a new area - just open the app, zoom out on the map, and select the zone you'd like to work in.

What if a customer doesn't tip or the pay is very low?

Unfortunately, not every customer tips well, and you'll likely see some low payout offers. If an order seems too low for the effort (like $3 for a long drive), you can decline it.

Over time, you'll develop a sense for which orders are worth accepting. Just remember that you earn nothing while waiting for a "better" order, so it's about finding the right balance.

How do taxes work for DoorDash income?

As an independent contractor, no taxes are withheld from your payments. DoorDash sends you a 1099 form if you earn $600+ in a year, and you'll need to report this income on your taxes. 

The good news is that you can deduct business expenses like mileage, part of your phone bill, and delivery gear, which reduces your taxable income. 

Keep detailed records and consider consulting a tax professional at tax time.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Starting as a DoorDash driver is straightforward and can provide flexible income on your own schedule.

Now that you understand the basics of how to sign up, use the app, complete deliveries, and maximize your earnings, you're ready to hit the road!

Remember the key strategies: dash during busy meal times, be strategic about which orders you accept, take care of your vehicle, and provide excellent customer service.

Ready to give it a try? 

Sign up with DoorDash and schedule your first dash! Once you get a few deliveries under your belt, you'll develop your own rhythm and strategy that works best for your situation and location.

And if you're considering multiple apps, our complete comparison of major delivery services will help you decide which platforms to prioritize.

Happy dashing!