DoorDash Background Check Dispute Explained: Checkr Errors That Can Cost You the Job
Before you can start delivering for DoorDash, you must pass a background check run by a third-party company called Checkr. This check looks for:
Criminal history
Driving record violations
Identity verification issues
Sex offender registry status
Checkr provides this report to DoorDash, which uses it to approve or reject your application. Unfortunately, errors in these reports are common, and even a small mistake can cost you the job.
In this article, we’ll explain the most frequent background check errors, your legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and how to fight back if Checkr gets it wrong.
Failed DoorDash Background Check: Common Reporting Errors
If you’ve received a notice that you failed your DoorDash background check, you’re not alone. Many qualified applicants are denied due to errors in the report generated by Checkr, the company DoorDash uses for screenings. These mistakes can be serious—and they often go unnoticed unless you know what to look for.
Here are the most common errors that cause people to fail a DoorDash background check:
1. Criminal Records That Aren’t Yours
One of the top reasons for a failed DoorDash background check is mistaken identity. Checkr may pull up records that belong to someone else with a similar name, birthdate, or address—especially if your name is common.
2. Expunged or Sealed Records Still Showing
If you had charges expunged or sealed by a court, they should not appear on a background check. Yet Checkr sometimes includes them anyway, which can lead to a failed DoorDash background check even if the law says the record is off-limits.
3. Incomplete or Outdated Case Information
A report that lists criminal charges but fails to show they were dismissed or resolved can make it look like you’re guilty of something you weren’t. This kind of omission can trigger a denial—even though the full story clears you.
4. Driving Record Errors
DoorDash reviews your driving history to check for serious violations. But inaccurate reports of DUIs, suspensions, or even tickets you never received can cause a failed DoorDash background check.
5. Identity Verification Issues
If Checkr can’t match your personal information—like your Social Security number or address history—it may result in a failed check or delay in processing your application.
How to Dispute a DoorDash Background Check Error Through Checkr
If you believe your report is wrong, you have the right to dispute a DoorDash background check through Checkr.
Here’s how to start a DoorDash background check dispute:
Get a copy of your background check report.
After a failed DoorDash background check, Checkr must send you a copy and a notice of your rights under the FCRA.Review the report for errors.
Look for incorrect criminal records, outdated cases, or identity mix-ups. Any DoorDash background check error can be grounds for a dispute.File a dispute with Checkr.
Visit Checkr’s Candidate Portal and submit your corrections. Include documents (court records, ID, etc.) that support your claim.Wait for Checkr to investigate.
They’re required by law to complete the investigation within 30 days. If they don’t fix the issue, you may have grounds for legal action.
Tip: Before submitting your DoorDash background check dispute, consult with a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) attorney. They can help ensure your case is strong and take legal steps if Checkr doesn’t respond properly.
Your DoorDash Background Check Dispute: The Benefits of Legal Help
If you've been denied work due to a DoorDash background check error, don’t handle it alone. One of the smartest steps you can take is to have a qualified Fair Credit Reporting Act attorney review your report before you file a DoorDash background check dispute. While Checkr allows you to dispute a DoorDash background check through their website, many of these disputes are handled by automated systems that quickly reject valid claims or fail to investigate properly. By involving an attorney early, you increase your chances of correcting the record quickly and protecting your rights under federal law.
An attorney can identify whether Checkr or DoorDash violated the FCRA, such as by failing to notify you properly, reporting sealed or outdated criminal records, or misidentifying you in a criminal database. If the violation is clear, your lawyer may recommend skipping the standard dispute process and filing legal action immediately - a move that not only strengthens your claim but also holds these companies accountable.
The benefits of legal action go beyond fixing a single DoorDash background check error. Filing a lawsuit puts pressure on background check companies like Checkr to improve their systems and reduce the chances of these same errors happening again, whether in your DoorDash application or when applying to other gig platforms like Uber, Instacart, or Lyft. It also creates a record that prevents the same false information from being recycled across different background checks.
In terms of cost, the law is on your side. Most FCRA attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. If you win, the background check company is required to pay your attorney’s fees. In addition, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Actual damages, like lost income, job opportunities, or emotional distress
Statutory damages of up to $1,000 per violation
Punitive damages, if the violation was willful or reckless
So if you’re facing a failed DoorDash background check due to inaccurate information, don’t just submit a dispute and hope for the best. Get legal help. It’s often free to start, and it can make the difference between being denied work and clearing your name for good.
FCRA Violations That Can Lead a Failed DoorDash Background Check
If you were denied work because of a DoorDash background check error, and the report was prepared by Checkr, you may have a right to sue under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The law contains specific sections that define your rights and the obligations of background check companies. Below are the most common FCRA claims that apply when you dispute a DoorDash background check or suffer harm due to reporting errors:
15 U.S.C. § 1681e(b) – Failure to Use Reasonable Procedures to Ensure Accuracy
Checkr is required to use “reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy” of the information it includes in your report. If they include:
Criminal records that belong to someone else (mixed files),
Expunged or sealed charges,
Outdated information that should no longer be reported (e.g., arrests older than 7 years with no conviction),
...you may have a strong claim under § 1681e(b). This is one of the most frequently cited FCRA violations in lawsuits involving DoorDash background check disputes.
15 U.S.C. § 1681i(a) – Failure to Properly Investigate a Dispute
If you dispute a DoorDash background check with Checkr and they:
Fail to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation,
Don’t correct or delete inaccurate information,
Take longer than 30 days to respond,
Ignore the documents you submitted,
...they may be in violation of § 1681i(a). This section gives you the right to sue if the dispute process is mishandled or automated without proper human review.
15 U.S.C. § 1681k(a) – Failure to Notify You When Public Record Information Is Used
If Checkr reports public record information (like criminal charges) that could negatively affect your DoorDash application, they must either:
Notify you at the time the report is sent to DoorDash, or
Maintain strict procedures to ensure the information is up to date and accurate.
Failure to do either violates § 1681k(a) and may be grounds for legal action—especially if the information was incomplete or outdated.
15 U.S.C. § 1681b(b)(3) – Failure to Provide Pre-Adverse Action Notice
Before DoorDash can reject you based on the background check, they must give you:
A copy of the report,
A written notice of your rights under the FCRA,
A reasonable opportunity to dispute or explain the report.
If you didn’t get this notice, or were rejected immediately without time to respond, that’s a violation of § 1681b(b)(3).
An error on your DoorDash bbackground check could be grounds for a lawsuit.
Don’t settle for a fixed report if the damage is already done!
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Sources & Legal References
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – 15 U.S.C. §§ 1681–1681x
§1681e(b) – Accuracy of reported information
§1681i – Dispute resolution process
§1681k – Use of public records in employment reports
§1681g – Right to access your file
§1681n – Liability for willful violations
§1681o – Liability for negligent violations
CRA Dispute and Support Resources
Checkr Dispute Portal – https://checkr.com/applicant
Checkr Help Center / FAQ – https://help.checkr.com
DoorDash Support Portal - https://help.doordash.com/
Dasher Background Check FAQ - Dasher Background Check FAQ