DoorDash is the dominant food delivery platform in Philadelphia, with strong coverage across the city and surrounding suburbs. Becoming a Dasher is generally faster and easier than qualifying for Uber or Lyft — the requirements are less stringent and the background check is quicker. Many gig drivers run DoorDash alongside rideshare to fill slow hours and maximize income.
Step-by-Step Guide
Check basic eligibility requirements
To become a DoorDash Dasher in Philadelphia, you must be at least 18 years old, have any valid driver's license (PA or from your state of residency), have access to a vehicle (car, scooter, or bike in some markets), and consent to a background check. Note: DoorDash's age requirement (18) is lower than Uber or Lyft's (21).
Apply at dasher.doordash.com
Go to dasher.doordash.com and click 'Apply to Dash.' Select Philadelphia as your market. Enter your basic information, driver's license details, and Social Security number for the background check. The initial application takes about 10 minutes.
Pass the background check
DoorDash uses Checkr for its background check. The check covers criminal history and, for vehicle deliveries, your driving record. DoorDash's disqualifying offenses include certain convictions in the past 7 years. The background check typically takes 2–5 business days.
Activate your Dasher Red Card
DoorDash mails you a Dasher Red Card (a prepaid card used to pay for some restaurant orders before pickup). Wait for it to arrive before your first Dash — it typically takes 5–7 business days by mail. Your Dasher account activates when the card arrives.
Download the Dasher app and schedule your first Dash
Download the DoorDash Dasher app (separate from the customer app). Log in with your Dasher credentials and explore the Dash Now feature (available when your zone needs Dashers) or schedule future Dash windows in advance. Philadelphia is a busy market with frequent Dash Now availability.
Complete your first delivery
Accept your first order, follow the app to the restaurant, wait for the order (or use the Red Card if prompted), then deliver to the customer. DoorDash's in-app navigation handles routing. After delivery, rate the experience and move on to the next order.
Best Philadelphia Zones for DoorDash Earnings
Center City has the highest restaurant density and order volume, but also the most Dashers competing. University City (Penn/Drexel) is excellent for lunch and dinner delivery with less competition than downtown. South Philadelphia has strong delivery demand around Passyunk Avenue and the Italian Market. Northeast Philadelphia's Roosevelt Boulevard strip is less competitive and handles high volume on weekends. Many experienced Dashers recommend exploring less crowded suburban zones in Delaware County and Montgomery County for higher acceptance rate and fewer Dashers competing for the same orders.
DoorDash vs. Rideshare — Which Should You Do?
DoorDash and rideshare complement each other well. DoorDash demand peaks around meal times (11 AM–1 PM, 5 PM–9 PM), while rideshare demand peaks around commutes and nightlife. Many Philadelphia gig drivers run DoorDash during lunch and dinner, then switch to Uber or Lyft for the late-night bar rush. A single rental vehicle from PhillyRideshare Rentals works for both rideshare and delivery platforms simultaneously.
Do You Need a Special Vehicle for DoorDash?
No — DoorDash requirements are minimal compared to rideshare. Any working car with valid insurance and registration qualifies. If you're already renting a vehicle from us for Uber or Lyft, that same car is also eligible for DoorDash. Running multiple platforms from one vehicle is one of the most effective ways to maximize income from a single rental.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn doing DoorDash in Philadelphia?
DoorDash earnings in Philadelphia vary significantly by zone, time, and strategy. Active Dashers report $15–22 per hour in base pay plus tips during peak hours (lunch and dinner). Drivers who stack orders efficiently, work high-tip zones, and accept top orders can earn more. Tips are kept entirely by the Dasher.
Can I do DoorDash with a rental car from PhillyRideshare Rentals?
Yes — our rental vehicles meet DoorDash's requirements and can be used for food delivery alongside rideshare. Our rental agreement allows both rideshare and delivery platform use.
How long does it take to start DoorDash in Philadelphia?
The background check typically takes 2–5 business days. The Red Card arrives by mail in 5–7 days. Most new Dashers are delivering within 1–2 weeks of applying. If you need to start faster, contact DoorDash support about expediting.
Does DoorDash require a car in Philadelphia?
For most of Philadelphia's commercial and suburban zones, a car is the most practical delivery vehicle. Some dense urban areas allow scooter and bike delivery, but a car gives you access to the widest range of delivery zones including the suburbs.
Can I do Uber and DoorDash at the same time?
You cannot be in an active Uber trip and an active DoorDash order at the same time. However, between trips or between deliveries, you can switch between apps. Many drivers use both apps open simultaneously, accepting whichever ping comes first based on which platform they prefer at that moment.