What are the rules for delivering alcohol on Instacart?
To deliver alcohol on Instacart you must be 21 or older and complete the in-app alcohol training; at handoff you scan the recipient's valid, physical ID in the app and hand the order to that adult in person. Never accept a photo of an ID or an expired ID, never leave alcohol at the door, and never hand it to anyone under 21 or visibly intoxicated. If you cannot complete the handoff, follow the app's flow to return the alcohol to the store.
The 4 red lines
| Never | Instead |
|---|---|
| Accept a photo or photocopy of an ID | Scan the physical ID in the app |
| Accept an expired ID | Follow the ID-could-not-be-verified flow |
| Leave alcohol at the door | Hand it over in person, or return it |
| Deliver to a minor or intoxicated person | Withhold the alcohol and follow the app |
Alcohol delivery is regulated mainly by state law, and state alcohol agencies may run compliance checks. Violations can mean deactivation and legal penalties.
Commonly accepted IDs
- US state driver's license or state ID card
- US or foreign passport (original)
- US military ID
The app's scan and your state's rules decide what is valid.
Customer not home or no valid ID
- Start the customer-unavailable or ID-not-verified flow and wait the time the app shows.
- Deliver any non-alcohol items as the app allows.
- Take the alcohol back to the store as directed and get a return receipt.
- Upload the receipt the way the app asks.
Shoppers frequently report an extra return payment for alcohol returns (often cited as about $15). The amount and conditions can change; check the current policy. If it does not appear, ask Support with your return receipt.
Why shoppers like alcohol orders
Orders from liquor stores are often few items with a high basket value, so they are quick to shop and percentage tips can be meaningful. That appeal comes with the strictest rules on the platform, so never cut corners at the door.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to deliver alcohol on Instacart?
21 or older, and you must complete the alcohol training required in the Shopper app.
Can I accept a photo of an ID for an Instacart alcohol order?
No. You must scan a valid physical ID in the app. Photos, photocopies and expired IDs are not accepted.
What happens if the customer is not home for an alcohol delivery?
Follow the app's customer-unavailable flow, then return the alcohol to the store as directed and upload the return receipt. Never leave alcohol at the door.
Do Instacart shoppers get paid for alcohol returns?
Shoppers frequently report an extra return payment, often cited as about $15. Check the current policy in the app.
Go deeper. Chapter 6 of the guide covers alcohol and special batches, including the store return process and prescription delivery privacy. Get the full guide or read chapters 1–2 free.
Related guides
- Which Instacart stores have the highest tips?
- How do you protect yourself from Instacart "not delivered" complaints?
- How do you appeal an Instacart deactivation?
Sources
- Instacart Shopper app: alcohol training and delivery flow (in app)
- Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): state alcohol beverage authorities