What delivery companies actually require from drivers
Delivery companies do not issue their own licenses — they check yours. Before you can start driving for DoorDash, Amazon Flex, Instacart, or a traditional courier service, the company will ask to see your current driver's license, proof of insurance, and often a vehicle registration. Some also run a background check and a driving record review. The specific documents and rules vary by company and by state, so what one delivery service requires may differ from another.
Your regular driver's license — the one you use to drive anywhere — is the foundation. It must be valid and not suspended. Beyond that, the requirements branch depending on whether you drive your own car, use a rental, or work for a company that owns the vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- Every delivery company requires a valid driver's license, proof of insurance in your name or the vehicle owner's name, and a vehicle registration that matches the car you will drive.
- Most gig delivery platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart) check your driving record and may reject you if you have recent accidents, moving violations, or a DUI within the past three to seven years.
- If you rent a vehicle, you will need to show the rental agreement; if someone else owns the car, you need their written permission and proof they have insurance on it.
- Traditional courier companies and local delivery services often have stricter rules than gig platforms and may require a commercial driver's license for certain vehicle types or load weights.
- Your insurance must cover commercial use if you are delivering for pay — personal auto insurance often does not, and driving without proper coverage can void your policy.
Your driver's license and driving record
Your state-issued driver's license must be current and valid. It cannot be suspended, revoked, or expired. When you explore to a delivery company, they will run your driving record through the state motor vehicle department, which shows accidents, traffic violations, and license status going back several years.
Most gig platforms look back three to seven years. A single speeding ticket usually does not disqualify you, but recent serious violations often do. A DUI, reckless driving charge, or multiple moving violations within the past few years will likely result in rejection. Some companies are stricter than others — a local pizza delivery shop may overlook an old ticket, while Uber Eats or DoorDash may not.
If your license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive for any delivery service. You will need to resolve the suspension with your state's motor vehicle department before explore anywhere.
Insurance requirements for your vehicle
This is where many new delivery drivers run into trouble. Your personal auto insurance policy almost certainly does not cover you when you are driving for money. Insurance companies distinguish between personal use and commercial use, and delivering packages or food is commercial use. If you cause an accident while making a delivery and your insurer finds out you were working, they can deny your claim and cancel your policy.
Before you start, contact your insurance company and tell them you plan to drive for delivery. Ask whether they offer a commercial or rideshare endorsement to your existing policy — many do, and it is often cheaper than buying a separate commercial policy. If your current insurer will not cover delivery work, you will need to switch to one that does or buy a commercial auto policy.
The delivery company will ask for proof of insurance when you explore. Your name or the vehicle owner's name must appear on the policy. If someone else owns the car, their insurance must cover you as an authorized driver, and you will need to show both the policy and written permission from the owner.
Vehicle registration and ownership
Your vehicle registration must be current and match the vehicle you will drive. The registration shows the state, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the owner's name. Delivery companies photograph your car during the signup process and verify the registration matches.
If you own the vehicle, this is straightforward — bring your registration. If you are renting or borrowing a car, the situation is more complex. Some delivery platforms allow rental vehicles; others do not. If they do, you will need to show the rental agreement. If you are borrowing from a friend or family member, you need their written permission and proof that the vehicle is registered and insured.
The vehicle must also be in safe working condition. Some companies perform a vehicle inspection or ask you to upload photos of the exterior and interior. Serious damage, missing mirrors, or non-functioning lights can result in rejection.
Background checks and what they cover
Most delivery platforms run a background check through a third-party company. This check typically includes criminal history, sex offender registry status, and sometimes civil judgments. The scope and lookback period vary by company and by state. Some check only the past seven years; others go back further.
A background check is different from a driving record check. A background check looks at criminal history; a driving record check looks at traffic violations and accidents. Delivery companies usually run both. A minor criminal conviction from years ago may not disqualify you, but recent felonies or crimes involving violence or theft often do.
You will receive a copy of the background check report if you are denied based on it. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information on the report before the company makes a final decision.
Commercial driver's license: when you need one
Most delivery drivers do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL). You can deliver for DoorDash, Amazon Flex, or Instacart with a regular passenger license. However, some situations require a CDL. If you drive a vehicle over a certain weight (usually 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating) or carry hazardous materials, federal law requires a CDL. Some states also require a CDL for vehicles used primarily for commercial purposes, depending on the vehicle class and weight.
If you are considering driving a box truck or larger vehicle for a delivery company, ask the company whether a CDL is required. Traditional courier services and freight companies are more likely to require one than gig platforms. Getting a CDL involves passing a written test and a driving test at your state's motor vehicle department and typically takes several weeks.
Differences between gig platforms and traditional delivery companies
Gig platforms like DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber Eats have streamlined requirements because drivers use their own vehicles and work independently. They typically require a valid license, insurance, registration, and a clean driving record. The process is usually online and takes a few days to a week.
Traditional delivery companies — local courier services, pizza chains, or regional parcel companies — often have stricter requirements. They may require a CDL, a physical exam, drug screening, or a more extensive background check. Some require you to attend training or pass a company-specific driving test. The hiring process can take weeks. In exchange, these jobs usually offer more stable hours and sometimes provide a vehicle.
What happens if you do not meet the requirements
If your process is rejected, the company will usually tell you why. If it is a driving record issue, you can reapply after the violation ages off your record or after you have gone a certain period without additional violations. If it is a background check issue, you can dispute the information if it is inaccurate.
If your license is suspended or your insurance does not cover commercial use, you will need to fix those problems before reapplying anywhere. These are not issues that time alone will resolve — you have to take action. Contact your state's motor vehicle department about a suspended license, and contact your insurance company about adding commercial coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deliver with a learner's permit or a suspended license?
No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license. A learner's permit is not valid for solo driving, and a suspended license means you cannot legally drive at all. You will need to resolve the suspension with your state's motor vehicle department before you can work.
What if I have an accident or get a ticket while delivering?
Report it to the delivery company when ready. A single minor ticket usually will not get you deactivated, but serious violations or multiple incidents can. The company may also deactivate you if your insurance claim is denied because your policy does not cover commercial use — which is why confirming coverage before you start is critical.
Do I need a commercial driver's license to deliver for DoorDash or Uber Eats?
No. These gig platforms allow drivers with a regular passenger license. A CDL is required only if you drive a vehicle over a certain weight or carry hazardous materials, which is rare for food and package delivery.
Can someone else's car be registered in their name if I drive it for delivery?
Yes, but you need written permission from the owner and proof that their insurance covers you as an authorized driver. The registration can stay in their name. Some delivery companies require you to upload the permission letter and the insurance policy during signup.
What if my insurance company will not cover delivery driving?
Switch to an insurer that does, or buy a separate commercial auto policy. Many major insurers offer rideshare or commercial endorsements at a reasonable cost. Do not start delivering without proper coverage — an accident could leave you personally liable for damages and void your policy.