DoorDash Driver Requirements

Becoming a DoorDash food delivery driver or ‘Dasher’ can allow you to earn some extra income. In Australia, Dashing is open not only to citizens but also to temporary residents and international students. But whatever your situation, there are certain criteria you must meet to operate as a DoorDash driver.

As a Dasher, you will be working as an independent contractor, and the tax office considers you to be a sole trader running your own business.

To be eligible to register, you must meet the personal requirements set by DoorDash. You will also need access to a compliant vehicle.

Personal requirements for becoming a DoorDash driver

To become a Dasher, you must be at least 18 years old. When signing up, you will need to provide basic information such as your email address, date of birth, phone number, residential address, and any previous addresses within the last five years. You will also be required to upload a passport-style photo or selfie.

Other requirements include:

• A valid driver's licence - preferably a domestic licence, but an international licence may be acceptable.
• The right to work in Australia. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, a VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) check will be required.
• An Australian Business Number (ABN). If you don’t already have one, you can apply online through the ABR (Australian Business Register). There is no fee to apply for an ABN.
• A smartphone to access the DoorDash App. 
• Documents that verify your identification. Acceptable documents include driver's licence, birth certificate, passport, Medicare card and/or other types of card (e.g. credit card, student ID, Proof of Age).
• DoorDash background check. This is provided free of charge by DoorDash and is done through the App when you sign up.

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Vehicle requirements for DoorDash

You can use any car as a DoorDash driver as long as it is roadworthy and its registration is up to date. 

Compulsory third-party injury insurance is included in car registration, but this does not provide cover for damage to your vehicle or to another party’s property. For these types of cover you will need to take out comprehensive and/or third-party property insurance with a private insurance company. 

If you don’t have access to a car, you can use a bike, scooter, or motorcycle. If you don’t have any of these, DoorDash can supply you with a Zoomo e-bike (new or used) on a weekly payment plan.

Registering for GST as a Dasher

As a business owner, you are not obliged to register for GST unless your gross income is $75,000 or more for all your self-employed activities. The exception is if you run a taxi or ride-sharing service - in which case you must register for GST no matter what you earn. This means if you become a DoorDash driver and also do ridesharing with another company at the same time, you will need to register.

Registering for GST is free. You will need to allow 28 days for approval but it usually happens quicker than this, especially if you register online.

If you’d like to learn more about GST for business owners, go to our article on GST for sole traders.

The costs of DoorDash and how to apply

You can apply to become a DoorDash driver for free.

The main things you may need to pay for upfront are a motor vehicle and a smartphone. However, if you already own or have access to these items and meet all the requirements, signing up to become a Dasher might not cost you anything at all. 

Once you’re accepted and working you will incur motor vehicle costs, such as insurance and fuel. You will also need to keep track of business kilometres travelled so you can make a claim on tax. 

Once you apply the process is relatively quick - usually taking only a few days at most, as long as everything is in order and you pass the checks. To get started, go to the DoorDash sign-up page.

Becoming a Top Dasher

If you enjoy being a Dasher and perform well, you might be eligible for some rewards, such as through the Top Dasher program.

To become a Top Dasher, you must meet certain criteria within the current month, including a very high customer rating and completion rate. If you qualify, you become eligible for rewards during the following month.