Does Instacart Hire Felons?

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How Instacart's Gig Model Works

Instacart is a grocery delivery platform that connects customers with personal shoppers. As a full-service shopper, you are an independent contractor (not an employee) — you accept orders through the Instacart Shopper app, go to the store, shop for the customer's groceries, and deliver them to their home. You set your own schedule and choose which orders to accept. In-store shoppers work part-time at specific retail partner locations, shopping orders for customer pickup or delivery by full-service shoppers. The gig model has both advantages and disadvantages for people with records. The advantage is that there is no traditional job interview — the process is primarily app-based, and approval depends on the background check rather than a hiring manager's subjective judgment. The disadvantage is that the background check is a firm gate: if it comes back with disqualifying information, there is no manager to appeal to or explain your situation to in person.

Instacart's Background Check Through Checkr

Instacart uses Checkr, one of the most widely used background check platforms for gig economy companies. Checkr runs a criminal background check covering 7 years of history at county, state, and federal levels, a sex offender registry check across all 50 states, and a Motor Vehicle Records check for full-service shoppers who drive. The check typically takes 3-10 business days, though it can take longer if records need to be retrieved from slow-responding courts. Checkr follows the 7-year lookback standard in all states, meaning convictions older than 7 years generally do not appear on the report (with some exceptions for certain states and offense types). If something disqualifying appears, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice from Checkr with a copy of the report and instructions for disputing any inaccuracies. You have 7 days to respond before a final decision is made.

What Disqualifies You from Instacart

While Instacart does not publish an explicit list of disqualifying offenses, the following types of convictions are most likely to prevent approval based on community reports and Instacart's guidelines. Violent felonies (assault, robbery, murder, domestic violence) within the past 7 years are typically disqualifying because shoppers enter customers' homes. Sexual offenses of any kind are disqualifying. Theft-related convictions (shoplifting, burglary, larceny) are problematic because you handle merchandise and payment cards. DUI, DWI, or reckless driving convictions within the past 7 years can disqualify you for full-service shopping because you drive to customers. Fraud and identity theft are concerning because you handle customer personal information and payment methods. Drug trafficking convictions within 7 years may be disqualifying. On the other hand, non-violent drug possession charges older than 3-5 years, minor traffic violations, and convictions older than 7 years are less likely to prevent approval.

Instacart vs. Other Gig Platforms for People with Records

Instacart's background check requirements are broadly similar to other gig delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub — they all use Checkr or similar services with a 7-year lookback. However, there are some differences. Instacart shoppers enter customers' homes to deliver groceries, which can make Instacart slightly more cautious about violent and theft convictions compared to platforms where delivery is to a doorstep only. On the plus side, Instacart's in-store shopper position does not require driving, so DUI convictions that disqualify you from delivery-based gig work may not affect in-store shopping. If Instacart does not approve you, try DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Amazon Flex, and Shipt — each company has its own specific criteria, and being denied on one platform does not mean you will be denied on all of them.

Maximizing Your Earnings on Instacart

If you are approved as an Instacart shopper, here are strategies to maximize your income. Work during peak hours — early mornings, evenings, and weekends have the highest demand and best tips. Target orders from stores in affluent neighborhoods, as these tend to have higher tips. Be fast and accurate with your shopping — customer ratings affect the quality of orders you are offered. Communicate with customers through the app about substitutions to keep them happy. Maintain a high rating (4.7 stars or above) to get access to the best orders. Keep track of your mileage and expenses for tax deductions — as an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own taxes. Instacart income can be variable, so treat it as one income stream while pursuing more stable employment if you need consistent pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Instacart hire felons?

Sometimes. Instacart runs background checks through Checkr and evaluates convictions on a case-by-case basis. Many people with older or non-violent records have been approved as shoppers. Violent felonies, theft, sexual offenses, and DUI within the past 7 years are most likely to be disqualifying.

Does Instacart do background checks?

Yes. Instacart uses Checkr to run background checks on all shopper applicants. The check includes a 7-year criminal history search, sex offender registry check, and Motor Vehicle Records check (for full-service shoppers). The process typically takes 3-10 business days.

How far back does Instacart's background check go?

Instacart's background check through Checkr uses a 7-year lookback period. Convictions older than 7 years generally do not appear on the report. Some states have additional protections that limit what can be reported.

Can I do Instacart with a DUI?

A DUI within the past 7 years is likely to disqualify you from full-service shopping (which requires driving). However, you may be able to work as an in-store shopper, which does not require driving. DUI convictions older than 7 years generally do not appear on the background check.

How long does Instacart's background check take?

The Checkr background check typically takes 3-10 business days. It can take longer if court records are difficult to retrieve or if you have lived in multiple jurisdictions. You can track the status through Checkr's candidate portal.

What if Instacart denies my background check?

If your background check results in a denial, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice from Checkr with a copy of the report. You have 7 days to dispute any inaccuracies. If the denial stands, try other gig platforms — DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Amazon Flex, and Shipt may make different decisions.

Is Instacart a good job for someone with a record?

Instacart can be a good option because there is no interview — approval is based on the background check. The flexible schedule lets you work around parole/probation requirements, and you can start earning quickly. However, income is variable and you do not receive employee benefits as an independent contractor.

Does Instacart drug test?

Instacart does not typically require a drug test for shoppers. However, their background check may reveal drug-related convictions. As an independent contractor, there is no ongoing drug testing program.