7 Gig & Delivery Apps That Accept Felons
The gig economy has become a lifeline for many people with felony records. Apps like Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, Instacart, and Grubhub offer something that traditional employers often do not: the ability to start earning money quickly, set your own schedule, and work without a traditional interview process. For someone recently released from prison or struggling to find traditional employment, gig work can provide immediate income while building toward more permanent career options.
All major gig platforms run background checks — there is no way around this. Most use Checkr, a third-party background check provider that looks back 7 years for criminal history and checks your driving record through the DMV. The 7-year lookback is important: in many states, felony convictions older than 7 years do not appear on employment background checks, which means your record may not show up at all. However, some states allow reporting beyond 7 years, so your location matters.
There is an important distinction between rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) and delivery apps (DoorDash, Instacart, Grubhub, Shipt, Gopuff). Rideshare apps have stricter requirements because you are transporting passengers in your personal vehicle — the safety and liability stakes are higher. Delivery apps are generally more forgiving because you are transporting food or groceries, not people. If you are denied by Uber or Lyft, delivery platforms may still approve you. Many people with records run multiple delivery apps simultaneously to maximize their earning potential.
The gig economy is not a perfect solution — you are classified as an independent contractor, which means no benefits, no paid time off, and you are responsible for your own taxes and vehicle expenses. But for people with records who face barrier after barrier in traditional employment, gig work offers something invaluable: the chance to earn money legally, build a work history, and maintain financial stability while pursuing other opportunities. Many people use gig work as a bridge — driving for DoorDash or shopping for Instacart while studying for a CDL, building trade skills, or waiting for a temp agency placement.
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All 7 Gig & Delivery Platforms
Uber runs background checks on all drivers. Some felony convictions within the past 7 years are disqualifying.
DoorDash runs background checks on all Dashers. Most non-violent felonies older than 7 years are accepted.
Lyft runs background checks through Checkr with 7-year lookback. Similar policies to Uber.
Instacart runs background checks on all shoppers. Non-violent felonies older than 7 years may be accepted.
Grubhub runs background checks on delivery drivers. DUI and violent felonies are disqualifying.
Shipt (Target-owned) runs background checks. Non-violent older records may be accepted.
Gopuff runs background checks on delivery drivers. Instant delivery service with flexible hours.
Tips for Getting Approved on Gig Apps With a Record
- 1.Most gig apps use Checkr for background checks with a 7-year lookback window. If your felony conviction is more than 7 years old, it may not appear on the background check at all (depending on your state's reporting laws). Check your state's rules on background check reporting limits.
- 2.Sign up for multiple gig platforms simultaneously. Each platform has slightly different background check criteria, and you may be approved on one but not another. Running DoorDash, Instacart, and Shipt at the same time gives you maximum flexibility and income potential.
- 3.Delivery-only apps (DoorDash, Grubhub, Instacart) are generally more accessible than rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) because you are not transporting passengers. The safety bar for delivering food is lower than for carrying people in your car.
- 4.If your background check is flagged, do not give up immediately. Checkr has a dispute process where you can provide context, documentation of rehabilitation, or correct errors on your report. Some people have been approved after initially being flagged.
- 5.Keep your driving record absolutely clean. All gig platforms check your DMV record in addition to criminal history. DUIs, reckless driving, and too many moving violations are often automatic disqualifiers regardless of your criminal record. A clean driving history for the past 3 years significantly improves your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a felon drive for Uber or Lyft?
- It depends on the type of felony and how long ago it occurred. Uber and Lyft both use Checkr to run background checks with a 7-year lookback window. Felonies that are automatically disqualifying include: violent crimes, sexual offenses, terrorism-related charges, and felonies involving a vehicle. DUI convictions within the past 7 years are also disqualifying. Non-violent felonies that are more than 7 years old may not appear on the check, and some non-violent felonies within the 7-year window may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
- Can a felon do DoorDash?
- DoorDash is generally more accessible than rideshare apps because you are delivering food, not transporting passengers. DoorDash uses Checkr for background checks and looks back 7 years. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, and theft-related felonies within the past 7 years may be disqualifying. Non-violent felonies that are older than 7 years typically do not appear on the check. Drug felonies are evaluated case by case. Many people with records successfully Dash — DoorDash is one of the more accessible gig platforms.
- Which gig app is the most felon-friendly?
- Delivery apps like DoorDash, Instacart, and Shipt tend to be more felon-friendly than rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft because the safety threshold for food delivery is lower than for passenger transport. Among delivery apps, Instacart and Shipt (grocery delivery) may be slightly more accessible because you are shopping in stores rather than picking up from restaurants. Gopuff also has relatively accessible requirements. The key factor across all platforms is the 7-year lookback period — if your conviction is older than 7 years, your chances improve significantly.
- How long does the gig app background check take?
- Gig app background checks through Checkr typically take 3-7 business days, though some can take up to 2-3 weeks if there are records that need manual review. If your record is clean or very old, the check may complete in as little as 24-48 hours. If the check takes longer than a week, it usually means something was flagged and is being reviewed manually. You can check the status of your background check directly through Checkr's candidate portal, which Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and other apps will link you to.
- Can I do gig work while on probation or parole?
- Generally yes, but check with your probation or parole officer first. Some conditions of supervision restrict the types of work you can do, the hours you can work, or the areas where you can travel. Gig work is usually allowed because it is legitimate employment, but rideshare driving may be restricted if you have geographic limitations. Also be aware that some gig work involves late-night hours that may conflict with curfew conditions. Your PO can provide written approval that may help with the background check process.