Does Gopuff Hire Felons?
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Gopuff runs background checks on all delivery drivers through Checkr. Non-violent older records may be acceptable, but DUI, violent felonies, and sexual offenses within the lookback period are disqualifying.
Gopuff is an instant delivery platform that delivers convenience store items, snacks, alcohol, and household goods from its own micro-fulfillment centers (called MFCs). The company hires both delivery driver-partners (independent contractors in most markets) and warehouse workers at its fulfillment centers. Gopuff conducts background checks on all driver applicants through Checkr, with a standard 7-year lookback period. The standards are similar to other gig delivery platforms — non-violent felonies older than 7 years generally do not appear on the report, while violent felonies, sexual offenses, and DUI within the lookback period are typically disqualifying. One notable aspect of Gopuff is that it also employs warehouse workers at its MFCs, and these positions may have somewhat different background standards than driver roles since they do not involve customer interaction or driving. Gopuff's smaller scale compared to giants like DoorDash or Uber means availability varies significantly by market.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Driver-Partner | Case-by-case | Yes — Checkr criminal + MVR check, 7-year lookback | Delivers from MFC to customers; non-violent felonies older than 7 years may be OK; DUI and violent offenses disqualifying |
| Warehouse Associate (MFC) | Case-by-case | Yes — standard background check | Picks and packs orders at micro-fulfillment centers; no driving or customer interaction; may be more accessible |
| MFC Site Manager | Case-by-case | Yes — enhanced background check | Management role overseeing warehouse operations; responsible for cash and inventory |
| Gopuff Corporate — Operations | Case-by-case | Yes — comprehensive background check | Operations and logistics roles at Gopuff offices; standard corporate hiring process |
| Gopuff Corporate — Engineering | Case-by-case | Yes — comprehensive background check | Tech roles building the Gopuff platform; evaluated individually |
How Gopuff's Background Check Works
Gopuff uses Checkr for background screening of delivery driver-partners, the same provider used by Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and other gig platforms. The Checkr screening includes a criminal records search across county, state, and federal databases, a Social Security number trace, a national sex offender registry check, and a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) review for driver positions. The standard lookback period is 7 years for criminal convictions. For warehouse positions at micro-fulfillment centers, the background check may not include an MVR component since these roles do not involve driving. The background check process is initiated during the application and typically takes 3-7 business days. If the check returns flagged information, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice from Checkr with a copy of the report, giving you the opportunity to dispute any inaccuracies before a final decision is made.
Delivery Driver vs. Warehouse Roles
Gopuff offers two main categories of entry-level positions: delivery driver-partners and warehouse associates. Delivery drivers pick up orders from the micro-fulfillment center and deliver them to customers within minutes. This role requires a car, valid license, insurance, and a clean driving record. Warehouse associates work inside the MFC, picking items from shelves and packing orders for drivers to deliver. Warehouse roles do not require a car or driver's license and do not involve direct customer interaction. For people with records, warehouse positions may be more accessible because they do not require an MVR check and the lack of customer home contact means fewer concerns about violent or theft-related offenses. Both types of positions are available in markets where Gopuff operates, though the availability of warehouse roles depends on whether there is an MFC in your area.
Gopuff's Micro-Fulfillment Center Model
Unlike DoorDash or Uber Eats, which deliver from restaurants and stores, Gopuff operates its own warehouses (micro-fulfillment centers or MFCs) stocked with convenience items, snacks, drinks, alcohol, over-the-counter medicine, and household goods. Orders are delivered from the MFC to the customer in as little as 15-30 minutes. This model means Gopuff needs both warehouse workers and drivers in each market. The MFCs are typically small warehouse spaces located in or near residential areas. Working in an MFC involves stocking shelves, picking orders, packing bags, and maintaining inventory. The warehouse environment is fast-paced, especially during peak hours (evenings and late nights, when most convenience deliveries happen). For people with records who cannot drive or who have driving-related convictions, MFC warehouse roles offer a way to earn income through the gig economy without needing a vehicle.
Alcohol Delivery and Additional Requirements
Gopuff delivers alcohol in many markets, which adds additional requirements for delivery drivers. Drivers delivering alcohol must verify customer age and identity at the point of delivery and must be at least 21 years old. Some states and local jurisdictions have additional regulations for alcohol delivery that may affect background check requirements. Certain alcohol-related convictions — such as providing alcohol to minors, public intoxication, or DUI — may be particularly scrutinized for drivers in alcohol delivery markets. If you are concerned about alcohol-related convictions affecting your eligibility, check whether your local Gopuff market delivers alcohol and what additional requirements apply. In some cases, you may be able to opt out of alcohol deliveries while still delivering other items, though this varies by market and may reduce available orders.
Market Availability and Getting Started
Gopuff operates in hundreds of cities across the United States, but its coverage is not as widespread as DoorDash or Uber. The company focuses on metro areas and college towns where demand for instant delivery is highest. Before applying, check whether Gopuff operates in your area through the Gopuff website or app. In markets where Gopuff is active, driver-partner and warehouse positions are posted through the company's careers page and through various job platforms. The application process for drivers is similar to other gig platforms — sign up, provide basic information, consent to a background check, and wait for approval. Warehouse positions may involve a more traditional application and interview process since these are often W-2 employee positions rather than independent contractor roles. Starting with Gopuff can be a good supplement to other delivery platforms, giving you an additional source of orders and income.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Check if Gopuff operates in your area before applying — the service is available in metro areas and college towns but not everywhere
- 2.If you have driving-related convictions, consider applying for warehouse (MFC) positions instead of delivery driver roles — no MVR check and no driving required
- 3.Check your criminal record and driving record before applying so you know what the Checkr background check will find
- 4.Sign up for Gopuff alongside other delivery platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart) to maximize available orders and income
- 5.If your background check is flagged, check the Checkr candidate portal to review the report and dispute any errors — inaccuracies are common
- 6.Be aware that if your market delivers alcohol, additional age verification and potentially stricter background standards may apply
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Gopuff hire felons?
- Gopuff accepts some applicants with felony records. Non-violent felonies older than 7 years generally do not appear on the Checkr background check. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, and DUI within the lookback period are typically disqualifying for driver roles. Warehouse positions may have somewhat more flexibility since they don't involve driving or customer interaction.
- Does Gopuff do a background check?
- Yes, Gopuff conducts background checks on all delivery driver-partners through Checkr. The check includes criminal history, sex offender registry, and MVR. Warehouse positions also undergo background checks. The standard lookback is 7 years.
- How much do Gopuff drivers make?
- Gopuff driver earnings vary by market and demand. Most active drivers earn $13-$22 per hour including tips. Gopuff has experimented with different pay models over time, including per-delivery pay and hourly guarantees during scheduled shifts. Late-night hours tend to be busiest for convenience delivery. Tips are an important component of earnings.
- Does Gopuff have warehouse jobs?
- Yes, Gopuff hires warehouse associates to work at its micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs). These roles involve picking, packing, and stocking inventory. Warehouse positions do not require a car or driver's license and may be more accessible for people with driving-related convictions. Availability depends on whether there is an MFC in your area.
- Can I drive for Gopuff with a DUI?
- A DUI within the past 7 years is generally disqualifying for Gopuff driver-partner positions. If your DUI is older than 7 years, it may not appear on the background check. For those with DUI records, warehouse positions at MFCs are an alternative that does not require driving.
- Does Gopuff drug test?
- Gopuff does not typically drug test delivery driver-partners as they are independent contractors. Warehouse positions (W-2 employees) may be subject to pre-employment drug testing depending on the market and local regulations. Policies may vary by location.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Gopuff Driver Sign-Up
Official sign-up page for Gopuff delivery driver-partners
- Gopuff Careers
Search all Gopuff job openings including warehouse, corporate, and operations roles
- Checkr Candidate Portal
Track your background check status, review results, and dispute any errors
- IRS Gig Economy Tax Center
Tax information for independent contractors working in the gig economy
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