DoorDash is everywhere in Vancouver. From late-night ramen runs to quick coffee deliveries on a rainy BC morning, DoorDash has become part of daily life in the city. Whether it’s downtown, East Van, or around UBC, you’ll see Dashers moving around pretty much all day.
For many people in Vancouver, becoming a DoorDash driver (Dasher) sounds appealing — flexible hours, no boss breathing down your neck, and you can work when it fits your schedule. Sounds chill, right? But here’s the thing: not everyone who applies gets approved.
That’s why this guide exists.
In this article, we’ll walk through how to sign up as a DoorDash driver in Vancouver, British Columbia, what DoorDash actually looks for during the application process, and why some applications get rejected. We’ll also share practical tips to boost your chances of getting approved, especially if you’re applying in a busy market like Vancouver.
If you’re thinking, “Alright, I’m down to try DoorDash — but I don’t want my application to get bounced,” you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down, step by step.
Who Can Apply as a DoorDash Driver in Vancouver
Before you jump in and hit “Apply,” let’s make sure you actually qualify. DoorDash keeps the requirements pretty straightforward, but in Vancouver (and BC in general), they do take eligibility seriously.
First things first — you need to be at least 18 years old. No shortcuts here. If you’re under 18, DoorDash won’t move your application forward.
Next up is legal eligibility to work in Canada. This part is key. You must have valid authorization, such as:
- Permanent Resident status
- A valid Canadian work permit
If your permit doesn’t allow independent or delivery work, your application can get shut down pretty quickly. DoorDash checks this, so make sure your paperwork is solid.
Now let’s talk about how you’ll be delivering. In Vancouver, DoorDash allows several delivery methods:
- Car — the most common option, especially outside downtown
- Bicycle — popular in downtown and dense areas
- E-bike or scooter — great for short-distance deliveries
Good news? You don’t need a car to be a Dasher in Vancouver. The city’s layout actually makes bike and e-bike deliveries totally doable, especially around busy neighbourhoods.
Lastly, you’ll need a smartphone (iOS or Android). No phone, no app — and no app means no orders. Simple as that.
If you tick all these boxes, you’re good to go and ready for the next step.
Required Documents for DoorDash Registration
Alright, before DoorDash gives you the green light, they’ll want to see some paperwork. Nothing crazy, but everything has to be legit and up to date. A lot of applications get rejected right here, so don’t rush this part.
First, you’ll need a government-issued photo ID. This can be:
- A Canadian driver’s licence
- A provincial ID card
Make sure the photo is clear, not blurry, and not expired. Sounds basic, but yeah — this trips people up more than you’d think.
Next is proof of legal work authorization in Canada. This could be:
- Permanent Resident card
- Valid work permit
DoorDash checks whether your status actually allows you to do delivery or contractor work. If your permit has restrictions, your application might get declined.
If you’re planning to deliver by car, there are a couple extra things:
- A valid Canadian driver’s licence
- Vehicle insurance under your name or legally linked to you
Expired insurance or screenshots that cut off details? That’s a fast no.
For bike or e-bike Dashers, the process is usually simpler — no licence or insurance required — but DoorDash may still ask you to confirm your delivery method during signup.
One more thing: all documents must match. Your name on your ID, work permit, and application form should be exactly the same. Even small differences (middle name missing, spelling off) can slow things down.
Take clean photos, double-check expiration dates, and upload everything properly. It’ll save you a ton of hassle later.
Step-by-Step Application Process
This is where things get real. The DoorDash signup process itself is pretty straightforward, but small mistakes here can slow everything down. So let’s walk through it properly.
Creating a Dasher Account
To get started, head to the official DoorDash Dasher Canada signup page and hit “Become a Dasher.”
You’ll be asked to enter some basic info:
- Your full legal name (exactly as shown on your ID)
- Email address
- Canadian phone number
- City: Vancouver, BC
Don’t use nicknames or shortened names. If your ID says “Michael,” don’t type “Mike.” DoorDash’s system is picky like that.
Choosing a Vehicle Type
Next, you’ll need to select how you plan to deliver:
- Car
- Bicycle
- E-bike or scooter
Choose carefully. This affects what documents you’ll be asked to upload and whether your application moves forward smoothly. You can change your vehicle type later, but starting with the wrong one can cause delays.
In Vancouver, bike and e-bike options are totally legit, especially downtown. So don’t feel like you have to pick a car if you don’t have one.
Submitting Your Documents
Once your account is created, you’ll be prompted to upload your documents:
- Photo ID
- Work authorization
- Driver’s licence and insurance (if applicable)
Take clear photos in good lighting. No glare, no cropped corners, no screenshots of screenshots. If DoorDash can’t read it, they won’t approve it.
After everything’s uploaded, double-check your info, hit submit, and you’re officially in review mode.
Background Check Process
After you submit your application, DoorDash runs a background check. This part is mandatory for all Dashers in Canada, including Vancouver, and yeah — you can’t skip it.
The background check is mainly there to make sure you’re good to go for delivery work. It usually looks at:
- Identity verification
- Criminal record check
- Driving record (if you’re applying with a car)
If you’re delivering by bike or e-bike, the driving record part usually doesn’t apply, but identity and criminal checks still do.
In most cases, the background check takes anywhere from a couple of days up to about a week. Sometimes it’s faster, sometimes slower — especially if DoorDash is dealing with a lot of applications in Vancouver at the same time.
A heads-up: if there’s missing info, unclear documents, or something that doesn’t line up, the background check can stall. That’s why it’s so important that everything you submitted earlier is accurate and readable.
While you’re waiting, there’s not much to do but hang tight and keep an eye on your email. DoorDash will notify you if they need more info or if your check is complete.
Once this part clears, you’re almost there.
Account Approval and Activation
Once your background check is cleared, you’ll get an email from DoorDash saying you’re approved. That’s your green light.
After that, a few quick things need to happen before you can actually start delivering.
First, download the Dasher App from the App Store or Google Play. This is the app you’ll use for everything — accepting orders, navigating to restaurants, and tracking your deliveries.
Next, log in using the same email and phone number you used during signup. If everything’s approved, your account should already be active.
You’ll also be asked to set up your payout information. This usually means linking your Canadian bank account so DoorDash knows where to send your payments. Take your time here and double-check the details — wrong info can delay payouts later on.
Once that’s done, you’re officially a Dasher. You can:
- Schedule your delivery times
- Or go online when “Dash Now” is available in your area
No in-person training, no interviews, no awkward onboarding calls. Just app, phone, and you’re good to go.
Common Reasons DoorDash Applications Get Rejected
Alright, let’s talk about the not-so-fun part. Not every application gets approved, especially in a busy market like Vancouver. Most rejections happen for pretty avoidable reasons.
- One of the biggest ones is invalid or expired documents. If your ID, driver’s licence, or insurance is expired — even by a bit — DoorDash won’t push your application through. Blurry photos or cropped images can cause the same issue.
- Another common reason is insufficient work authorization. If your work permit doesn’t allow independent contractor or delivery work, that’s usually a hard stop. DoorDash follows Canadian and BC regulations closely, so there’s not much flexibility here.
- Failed background checks are another factor. Certain criminal records or driving violations (for car Dashers) can affect eligibility. Even if something is old, it can still flag your application.
- A lot of people also get rejected due to mismatched personal information. If your name, date of birth, or details don’t match across your ID, SIN, and application form, DoorDash’s system may automatically decline it.
- Lastly, there’s market saturation. Some parts of Vancouver get fully staffed, especially downtown. When that happens, DoorDash may pause new approvals temporarily — even if your application is otherwise fine.
The key takeaway? Most rejections aren’t random. They’re usually tied to documents, eligibility, or timing.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved
If you want to boost your chances of getting approved as a Dasher in Vancouver, this section is clutch. Most of these tips are simple, but they make a big difference.
First off, prep your documents properly. Take photos in good lighting, make sure all four corners are visible, and avoid screenshots whenever possible. If DoorDash can’t read it clearly, they won’t approve it. Simple as that.
Next, make sure your personal info is consistent everywhere. Your name should match exactly across your ID, work permit, and application form. Even small differences — missing middle names, extra spaces, or different spellings — can slow things down or get you rejected.
When choosing a delivery method, pick the one that actually fits your situation. If you don’t have valid car insurance or a Canadian driver’s licence, don’t select “car.” In Vancouver, bike and e-bike options are totally fine and often easier to get approved with.
Use a Canadian phone number and address during signup. This helps with verification and reduces unnecessary back-and-forth with support.
If your application does get rejected, don’t panic. In many cases, you can fix the issue and reapply. Update your documents, correct your info, and try again after some time. Timing matters too — reapplying when the market is less saturated can help.
Be accurate, be patient, and don’t rush the process. Doing it right the first time saves you a lot of headaches.
Important Notes for Drivers in Vancouver, BC
Before wrapping things up, there are a few Vancouver-specific things you should keep in mind. DoorDash in BC isn’t exactly the same as everywhere else in Canada.
First, British Columbia has stricter rules for gig workers compared to some other provinces. DoorDash needs to stay compliant with local regulations, which means applications may be reviewed more carefully and sometimes take longer to process. So if approval doesn’t happen overnight, that’s pretty normal.
Second, Vancouver is a competitive market. Downtown, Richmond, Burnaby, and surrounding areas can get fully staffed fast. When that happens, DoorDash may temporarily pause new Dasher approvals — even if you meet all the requirements. It’s not personal, it’s just supply and demand.
Also, expect approval timelines to fluctuate. During peak seasons (holidays, bad weather, big events), DoorDash might open more spots. Other times, things slow down. Timing your application can actually make a difference.
Lastly, always keep your documents up to date. If your licence, insurance, or work permit expires later on, DoorDash may ask you to re-upload documents to stay active. Staying on top of this avoids sudden account issues.
In short: Vancouver’s a great place to Dash, but it’s also tightly regulated and competitive. Knowing how the system works gives you a real edge.
Conclusion
Signing up as a DoorDash driver in Vancouver isn’t complicated, but it does require some prep. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, submit the right documents, and take your time during the application, the process is pretty straightforward.
The biggest takeaway? Most rejections are avoidable. Expired documents, mismatched info, or picking the wrong delivery method can all slow things down or get your application declined. Knowing what DoorDash looks for — especially in a regulated and competitive market like Vancouver — puts you one step ahead.
If you’re thinking about applying, don’t rush it. Get your paperwork sorted, double-check your details, and apply when you’re ready. Do it right the first time, and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle.
Now you’ve got the full picture — from signup to approval — you’re ready to make a move. Good luck, and welcome to the DoorDash grind in Vancouver.
Comments
Post a Comment