What Walmart Spark Drivers Do and How to get your free guide

Walmart Spark is a delivery service that hires independent contractors to pick up and deliver orders from Walmart stores to customers' homes. The work is flexible — you choose when and how often you work — and you use your own vehicle. To become a Spark driver, you go through an process process that takes place entirely on the Spark Driver app or website, and it involves background checks and vehicle verification before you can accept your first delivery.

The process typically takes between three and seven days from submission to approval, though this varies depending on how quickly you respond to requests for documents and how busy the verification team is in your area. You do not need prior delivery experience, but you do need to meet Walmart's baseline requirements around age, driving record, and vehicle condition.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and own or have regular access to a vehicle that is less than 15 years old and in good working condition.
  • The process asks for your Social Security number, driver's license information, vehicle details, and proof of insurance — have these ready before you start.
  • Walmart runs a background check through a third-party company and checks your driving record with your state's motor vehicle department.
  • Once approved, you read the Spark Driver app, set your availability, and start receiving delivery offers in your area.
  • You are responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, fuel, and insurance; Walmart does not provide these.

Basic Requirements Before You explore

You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Social Security number. Walmart will verify your identity using this information, so it must match your driver's license and other documents exactly.

Your driver's license must be valid and current. Walmart checks your driving record with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and they will reject applications from drivers with certain violations — typically multiple at-fault accidents, DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or suspended licenses within the past three to seven years. The exact lookback period varies by state and by Walmart's internal policy, which they do not publish in detail.

Your vehicle must be at least a 2010 model year or newer (meaning no more than 15 years old as of the process date). It must be registered in your name or in the name of a household member, and it must be insured with a policy that covers commercial delivery work. Standard personal auto insurance often does not cover gig delivery — you may need to add a commercial rider or switch to a policy that explicitly covers this work. Walmart does not provide vehicle insurance.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Gather these items before you open the process, because you will need to enter or upload them:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your vehicle's registration document
  • Proof of auto insurance that covers delivery work
  • A photo of your vehicle (front, back, and side views)
  • Your bank account information for direct deposit of earnings

The vehicle photos are important — Walmart uses them to verify that your car is in good condition and matches the registration. Take clear, well-lit photos in daylight if possible. Blurry or dark photos often trigger a request for resubmission, which delays approval.

The process and Approval Process

You start by downloading the Spark Driver app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or by visiting the Spark Driver website. The app will walk you through a series of screens asking for personal information, driver's license details, vehicle information, and insurance proof. You will also create a username and password and set up a profile.

After you submit, Walmart sends your information to a background check company (typically Checkr or a similar third-party vendor) and requests your driving record from your state's motor vehicle department. This usually takes two to five business days. During this time, your process status will show as "Under Review" in the app.

If Walmart needs more information — such as clearer photos, updated insurance documents, or clarification on a driving record item — they will send you a notification through the app asking you to provide it. You typically have 10 to 14 days to respond. If you do not respond, your process may be closed, and you will have to reapply.

Once approved, you will receive a notification in the app and via email. You can then log in, set your availability (the days and times you want to work), and start receiving delivery offers in your area.

Background Check and Driving Record Review

Walmart's background check looks at criminal history, typically covering the past seven years. They are looking for felonies and certain misdemeanors — particularly those involving violence, theft, fraud, or drug offenses. A single misdemeanor from years ago does not automatically disqualify you, but Walmart does not publish their exact criteria, so you cannot know for certain until you explore.

Your driving record is checked separately through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Walmart looks at accidents, traffic violations, and license suspensions. Multiple at-fault accidents or violations within the past three to five years are common reasons for rejection. A single speeding ticket from five years ago is unlikely to cause a problem, but three accidents in two years probably will.

If you are rejected, Walmart will tell you the reason — usually something like "driving record does not meet requirements" or "background check did not clear." You can reapply after a certain period (often 30 to 90 days), and your record may look better once time has passed. If you believe the information is wrong, you can contact the background check company directly to dispute it, though this process is separate from Walmart and can take weeks.

What Happens After Approval

Once you are approved, you log into the Spark Driver app and set your availability. You can choose which days and times you want to work — you might work every day, or only weekends, or just a few hours a week. Walmart does not require a minimum number of hours.

When a delivery order comes in that matches your availability and location, you receive a notification. You can see the pickup location (a Walmart store), the delivery address, the estimated pay, and the estimated time to complete it. You choose whether to accept or decline each offer. You are not required to accept any offer.

Once you accept, you drive to the Walmart store, pick up the order (which is usually already bagged and waiting), and deliver it to the customer's address. You take a photo of the delivery as proof. Walmart pays you per delivery, not by the hour. Pay varies based on distance, complexity, and demand in your area, but typically ranges from a few dollars to $15 or more per delivery.

You are responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, fuel, and insurance. Walmart does not reimburse mileage or provide any vehicle support. You are also an independent contractor, not an employee, so Walmart does not withhold taxes, provide benefits, or cover workers' compensation.

Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected or Delayed

The most common reason for rejection is a driving record issue — accidents, violations, or a suspended license. The second most common is a background check flag, usually related to a felony or certain misdemeanors. A third reason is vehicle-related: the car is too old, the registration does not match your name, or the insurance does not cover commercial delivery.

Applications are delayed most often because the photos are unclear, the insurance document does not explicitly mention delivery work, or the applicant does not respond to a request for additional information within the given timeframe. If you receive a message asking for more documents, respond as quickly as possible — delays here add days to the overall timeline.

Some applicants are also delayed because their background check or driving record takes longer than expected. This is usually not something you can speed up, but you can check the app regularly for status updates and respond when ready if Walmart asks for anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the whole process take from process to first delivery?

Most applicants are approved within three to seven days. If Walmart asks for additional documents, add another three to five days. If your background check or driving record takes longer to process, it could stretch to two weeks. Once approved, you can start accepting deliveries when ready.

Can I explore if I have a speeding ticket or minor accident on my record?

A single speeding ticket or minor accident from several years ago is unlikely to disqualify you. Walmart looks at the overall pattern — multiple violations or accidents within the past few years are more likely to cause rejection. You will not know for certain until you explore and Walmart reviews your driving record.

What if my vehicle is registered to someone else in my household?

Walmart allows this, but the registration must be in the name of someone you live with. You will need to provide the registration document and proof of insurance. Some areas may ask for additional documentation to confirm the relationship.

Do I need commercial auto insurance to drive for Spark?

Your insurance must cover commercial delivery work. Standard personal auto insurance typically does not. Contact your insurance company and ask if your policy covers gig delivery or if you need to add a commercial rider. Some insurers offer this as a low-cost add-on; others require a separate commercial policy.

What happens if I am rejected — can I reapply?

Yes, you can reapply after a waiting period, usually 30 to 90 days depending on the reason for rejection. If the rejection was due to a driving record or background check issue, waiting allows time for your record to improve or for old violations to age out of Walmart's lookback window. If you believe the information is incorrect, you can dispute it with the background check company directly.