How do you appeal a DoorDash deactivation?
Open the Dasher app, tap "Start appeal", pick a reason, explain what happened and attach evidence (up to 5 photos or documents and 2 short videos), then submit. DoorDash allows appeals for up to 1 year after deactivation (90 days for Seattle Dashers). You can track the appeal in the app; if it is denied, you may be able to appeal again after 90 days. Deactivations based on a background check follow a different route through Checkr.
Common reasons for deactivation
DoorDash's Service Provider Platform Access Policy lists these main groups:
- Ratings: customer rating below 4.2 or completion rate below 90% (both over your last 100). There is no minimum acceptance rate.
- Safety: violence or abusive language, driving under the influence, unsafe driving (such as texting while driving), discrimination or harassment.
- Fraud or abuse: account sharing, multiple accounts, GPS spoofing, false claims that a store is closed or an item is unavailable, misusing the Red Card, gaming promotions, bots or scraping, and stretching deliveries in Earn by Time.
- Contract and service issues: marking orders delivered when they were not, repeated late deliveries, wrong or missing orders, tampering with food, not checking ID on alcohol orders.
- Identity and background: failing an identity check or background check, at sign-up or later.
How to appeal in the app, step by step
- Read the email titled "Your Dasher account has been deactivated". It states the reason and the appeal steps.
- Log in to the Dasher app and tap Start appeal.
- Choose the reason for reactivation and write a clear, factual explanation (dates, order details, what happened).
- Attach evidence: up to 5 photos or documents (25 MB each) and 2 videos (250 MB and 90 seconds each), JPG, PNG, HEIC, PDF, MP4 or MOV.
- Submit and track: the app shows Submitted, Under review (with an estimated date) and Decision. The decision also arrives by email.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Time to appeal | 1 year (Seattle: 90 days) |
| Re-appeal after a denial | After 90 days, if eligible |
| Attachments | Up to 10 files, 500 MB total |
Evidence that helps
- Delivery disputes: your drop-off photo, screenshots of the order and chat, the time stamps.
- Restaurant delays or app glitches: screenshots of the pickup screen, error messages or the merchant's status.
- Safety or conduct reports: dashcam clips (short, under 90 seconds), and a calm account of what happened.
- Identity issues: a clear photo of your ID and proof of address if the app asks.
Keep the tone factual. Admit honest mistakes and say what you changed. Do not send threats or long complaints; they slow down the review.
Background-check deactivations
Your Pre-Adverse Action notice (from DDChAANotices@doordash.com) includes the report from Checkr. If something in the report is wrong or outdated, dispute it with Checkr through the Checkr Candidate Portal. If the report is accurate but you want DoorDash to consider context (rehabilitation, training certificates, reference letters), email it to checkr-review@doordash.com.
The fake-support scam that takes over accounts
DoorDash warns Dashers about a common scam: someone places a small order, then calls or texts claiming to be DoorDash Support. They say the order used a stolen card, tell you to end your dash and "verify" your account, and ask you to read out a code sent to your phone. That code gives them your account, and they change the bank details to take your earnings.
- DoorDash will never call and ask for your one-time code or password.
- Hang up and contact Support yourself through the Dasher app (chat) or 855-431-0459.
- Never share your account or let anyone else dash on it. Account sharing is a deactivation reason in itself.
- If you think you were hit: change your Dasher and email passwords, check your bank details and contact Support right away.
The same code-theft pattern hits shoppers on other apps; see the verification code scam.
Watch: automated fraud flags and deactivation
kim'ssidemoneyplans, who says she has dashed for more than 7 years, reacts to what she describes as a rise in AI-based fraud flags in 2026: how photos, GPS and behavior patterns may be reviewed, situations where legitimate Dashers can get flagged, and steps to protect yourself. DoorDash has not published how its fraud systems work, so treat the details as the creator's view.
12:38
Local protections
Seattle has its own app-based worker ordinances, enforced by the Seattle Office of Labor Standards, and DoorDash gives Seattle Dashers a separate 90-day appeal window. New York City enforces delivery-worker pay laws through DCWP. If you think a deactivation broke a local law, contact your city's labor office as well as appealing in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to appeal a DoorDash deactivation?
Up to 1 year from the date of deactivation. Seattle Dashers have 90 days.
Can I appeal a DoorDash deactivation for low ratings?
The in-app appeal covers most deactivations, including those under the Independent Contractor Agreement and the platform access policy. Explain the circumstances and attach evidence, such as screenshots showing app or restaurant problems.
What happens if my DoorDash appeal is denied?
You get an email and the app shows Rejected. If you are eligible, you can appeal again after 90 days; the app shows when the next window opens.
Does DoorDash Support ever ask for my verification code?
No. DoorDash says it will never call you to ask for your one-time verification code or password. Anyone asking is a scammer.
How do I dispute a DoorDash background check?
If the report is wrong, dispute it with Checkr through the Checkr Candidate Portal. If it is accurate but you want context considered, email documents to checkr-review@doordash.com.
Go deeper. Chapter 9 of the DoorDash Dasher Playbook covers account safety, scams and deactivation appeals in full, with appeal templates by reason. Get the DoorDash e-book or read chapters 1–2 free.
Related guides
- What ratings do you need on DoorDash in 2026?
- How does DoorDash pay Dashers in 2026?
- Which DoorDash offers are worth accepting?