Can You Work for Food Delivery Apps with a DUI on Your Record?

⚙July 22, 2025 ⚙Min

Smiling food delivery driver handing pizza boxes to a customer at their front door

Getting back on the road and into work is possible. Explore food delivery apps that allow drivers to have a DUI and be employed.

Key Takeaways: 

Some food delivery apps accept drivers with a DUI, depending on how long ago the offense occurred.
Each app handles background checks differently; Know the policies to help you plan your next move.
Other gigs or work-from-home opportunities may be available if driving is not an option right now.

Getting a DUI can disrupt your life in ways you did not expect, especially when it comes to finding work. If you are exploring gig jobs, you may be wondering if there are food delivery apps that allow a DUI on your record? After authorities reinstate your license, pursuing gig work after a DUI can be a smart, agile way to earn extra income, rebuild confidence, and keep your schedule flexible if you have obligations to court dates, DUI classes, or check-ins with your probation officer.

This article breaks down the policies of major food delivery apps, shares realistic timelines, and offers alternative gig work options. You'll learn which platforms may let you be a delivery driver with a DUI, how long you might need to wait before applying, and what steps you can take right now to move forward. 

This blog is intended for informational purposes and is not considered legal advice. Inquire directly with each food delivery app to confirm their employment requirements. Visit DUI.org to learn what to expect and the various solutions we offer to help you move forward after a drunk driving conviction. 

How a DUI Can Affect Delivery App Eligibility 

A DUI conviction may temporarily limit your job prospects, but it does not end your career in most cases. Delivery apps use background checks to screen drivers. These include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, and previous driving infractions.

Each app has its standards for what disqualifies a driver, but a DUI often triggers an automatic rejection, especially if it happened recently. Some platforms may disqualify applicants for a specified number of years after a conviction, while others are stricter.

Still, getting back on the road and into work might be possible sooner than you think. Some food delivery apps that allow a DUI may consider applicants if the conviction is old or non-recurring. 

Food Delivery Apps and DUI Policies

Here is a breakdown of how the most popular food delivery platforms typically handle DUI records:

DoorDash and a DUI

Can you DoorDash if you have a DUI? It depends on when it happened. DoorDash runs a criminal background and motor vehicle check using a third-party service. If your DUI is recent (within the past seven years in most states), it may disqualify you. However, an older DUI might not be an issue.

Tip: Even food delivery apps that allow a DUI may recheck records periodically, so a cleared check once does not guarantee lifetime access to the app.

Can You Do Uber Eats With a DUI?

Uber Eats uses the same background check system as Uber Rideshare. According to their standards, a DUI conviction within the past seven years usually disqualifies an applicant.

How long after a DUI can you deliver for Uber Eats?

You may typically need to wait seven years from the conviction date; however, policies vary by state and are subject to updates.

Must know: Uber continuously monitors drivers’ records, which means a new offense, even after onboarding, can lead to deactivation.

Grubhub DUI Policy

Grubhub takes a more rigid stance. If your background check reveals a DUI, it may be grounds for denial or deactivation, even for older offenses. Of all the food delivery apps that allow a DUI, Grubhub’s standards are among the strictest.

Instacart Shopper With a DUI

Instacart is one of several food delivery apps that may allow a DUI. A single DUI may not permanently disqualify you, especially if it is an older offense. However, a recent DUI or a pattern of offenses may block you.

Unlike some platforms, Instacart allows non-driving roles in select markets, such as in-store shoppers. These may be viable options even if your driving record is flagged.

Amazon Flex & Other Services

Amazon Flex requires a clean driving record for at least seven years. A DUI in that timeframe likely disqualifies an applicant. Some third-party delivery companies may have different policies, so do not overlook regional couriers or local food delivery options.

Rideshare vs. Food Delivery Apps: Key Differences for DUI Drivers

In general, food delivery apps that allow DUIs tend to have more relaxed rules since you’re dropping off food and not driving people around. That means some platforms may overlook an older DUI conviction if you have maintained a clean record since then. 

Rideshare companies, on the other hand, face stricter insurance and safety regulations, which make their approval standards more rigid. If you aim to get back to driving sooner, starting with food delivery apps that allow DUIs may offer a more realistic path forward.

Get DUI support. Talk to a DUI Specialist to get support for your case and learn about DUI requirements.

What To Do if Food Delivery Apps Reject Your Application

If a business denies your application based on a DUI in your background check results, it's important to understand why and how the food delivery app evaluates that information. Most delivery apps do not provide a detailed explanation of their employment decision, but you can request your background check results. You are generally entitled to request a copy of your report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). You can, and should, review the screening agency's report for errors or outdated information that may explain why the food delivery app business rejected your request for employment.

How Long After a DUI Can You Deliver Food?

If your DUI conviction is recent, you may need to wait a set period (often five to seven years) before reapplying. This delay is known as the look-back period, during which prior offenses remain visible and are considered by food delivery apps and the DMV when assessing eligibility to drive or work as a contractor.

Many people use this time to build experience in related fields, bridging the gap between a DUI and gig work opportunities down the line. Also, do not overlook opportunities to appeal or reapply. Platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash sometimes allow drivers to reapply after a disqualification period, especially if their record has changed or been expunged.

Jobs After a DUI: How to Improve Your Eligibility

In some states, you may be able to expunge or seal a DUI from your criminal record, especially if it is a first offense and you have completed all court requirements. While expungement may not remove the DUI from your driving history, it can help you pass criminal background checks used by food delivery apps. 

The process typically involves a waiting period, filing a court petition, and possibly seeking legal assistance. Consult with a DUI attorney for more information about expungement. Programs like Community Legal Services offer helpful support, and ongoing reforms, such as fair chance licensing, are making it easier to access work after a DUI conviction. 

Browse our resources to learn more about how DUI expungement works

Other Gig Work Options That Don’t Require Driving

Even if there are no food delivery apps that allow DUIs operating in your area, other work options can help you earn income while you wait for your eligibility to change. 

Consider the following:

In-store shopper roles at Instacart or Shipt
Remote customer service gigs through job boards or virtual call centers
Freelance platforms for creative or administrative work
Task-based work such as house cleaning, pet sitting, or moving services

For example, platforms like TaskRabbit or Handy offer earning opportunities without driving. You might help someone assemble furniture, organize a garage, or run errands, all while building a steady income stream and keeping your record clean. These roles are flexible, widely available, and ideal if you're looking for gig jobs after a DUI that don’t require driving.

If you are unable to drive because authorities suspended your license, learn what steps you need to take by visiting our guide to reinstating your driver’s license after a DUI.

Don’t Get Discouraged – DUI Support and Resources Are Available

Exploring gig jobs after a DUI can be overwhelming, but it's possible. If you’re wrapping up your DUI requirements or still having trouble getting your license back, picking up some temporary or freelance work can help you start making money and get your career back on track. With the right help, you can rebuild stable and meaningful employment.