If you’re thinking about becoming a Shipt Shopper, you’re probably wondering what the background check entails. It’s a crucial part of the application process, and understanding how it works can help you avoid delays and improve your chances of approval. This guide walks you through the essentials—from the process to potential pitfalls.

What Is the Shipt Background Check Process Like?

All candidates must pass a background check before beginning their career as Shipt Shoppers. This step is designed to ensure customer safety and maintain the company’s standards. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make the process less stressful and help you move through it more confidently.

Once you complete your Shipt application, you’ll receive an email prompting you to authorize a background check. Checkr conducts this check, which is widely used by third-party screening services trusted by gig economy platforms like Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Authorization – You’ll be asked to sign a consent form and provide basic personal details such as your full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number.
2. Data Verification – Checkr verifies your identity and checks for any inconsistencies in your records.
3. Screening Review – The background check scans national and county criminal databases, the sex offender registry, and your driving history (where applicable).
4. Status Updates – The Checkr Candidate Portal allows you to keep track of the progress of your background check and determine if it is finished, still pending, or needs more research.
5. Final Decision – Shipt receives the results and makes a final determination based on its eligibility criteria. You’ll be notified via email once a decision has been made.

While the process is usually quick and straightforward, delays can occur, especially if Checkr has trouble accessing records in certain counties or needs to verify additional details.

Key Takeaway: The Shipt background check is a standard screening process that ensures shoppers meet safety and reliability standards. As long as your records are clear and your information is accurate, you’re likely to pass without issues.

What Does Shipt Look for in a Background Check?

If you’re applying to become a Shipt Shopper, it’s important to understand what exactly Shipt is evaluating during your background screening. The company’s main goal is to ensure the safety of its members and the reliability of its customers, despite the fact that the process may seem overwhelming. Knowing what they look for can help you prepare and avoid surprises.

Shipt’s background check, conducted by Checkr, is a thorough review of your personal and legal records. While the exact criteria may vary slightly depending on your location and delivery role (especially if driving is required), here are the core components they assess:

Criminal History

Shipt examines national and county-level criminal databases to look for past convictions. Serious or recent offenses such as violent crimes, sexual offenses, theft, or fraud are typically disqualifying. However, minor or older infractions may not necessarily prevent approval, depending on the circumstances and time frame.

Driving Record (If Applicable)

If you’ll be using a vehicle to deliver orders, your driving record matters. Shipt checks for:

• Valid driver’s license
• Clean driving history (no recent DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple traffic violations)
• Proof of insurance (in some states)

A safe and responsible driving record demonstrates that you can be trusted to transport groceries safely and on time.

Identity Verification

Your details—such as full name, Social Security Number, and date of birth—must match up with official databases. This helps prevent identity fraud and confirms that your records belong to you.

Sex Offender Registry Check

Applicants are also screened against national and state sex offender registries. Anyone listed will not be eligible to join the Shipt platform.

Eligibility Based on Local or State Laws

Some cities or states have additional background check requirements. For example, certain jurisdictions may have stricter rules around the type or age of criminal offenses that disqualify applicants.

Key Takeaway: Shipt’s background check prioritizes safety, focusing on criminal activity, driving history, and identity verification. A clean record in these areas improves your chances of being approved and ensures you align with the platform’s trust and safety standards.

How Long Does the Shipt Background Check Take?

Once you’ve submitted your application and consented to the background check, the next big question is: how long will it take? Timing is important, especially if you’re eager to start earning quickly. While the process is generally smooth, delays can happen, so knowing what to expect can ease anxiety and help you plan.

Average Processing Time

For most applicants, the Shipt background check is completed within 3 to 5 business days. In many cases, it’s even faster—some people report getting results in as little as 24–48 hours. However, weekends and holidays can impact this timeline, so it’s best to count business days only.

What Can Cause Delays?

Several common factors can slow down the process:

• County Court Delays: Some county courts take longer to release public records, especially if they require manual searches.
• Incomplete or Incorrect Information: Mistakes in your name, address history, or Social Security Number can delay verification.
• Multiple Residences: If you’ve recently lived in several states or counties, it may take longer to compile and verify all records.
• Additional Documentation Requests: If there’s a discrepancy or missing info, Checkr may contact you to submit more documents.

How to Track Your Status

You don’t have to sit in the dark while waiting. Use the Checkr Candidate Portal to:

• View your current status
• See if any actions are needed
• Get estimated timelines

You’ll also receive an email from either Checkr or Shipt once your background check is complete.

When to Follow Up

If your status has been “Pending” for more than seven business days, it’s a good idea to:

• Double-check your Checkr portal for updates
• Contact Checkr support
• If Checkr confirms your report has been sent but Shipt hasn’t made a decision, reach out to Shipt support.

Key Takeaway: Most Shipt background checks are processed in under a week, but delays can occur due to court systems or data issues. Use the Checkr portal to stay informed, and follow up after seven business days if you’re still waiting.

Can You Fail a Shipt Background Check?

The background check is more than a formality—Shipt uses it to evaluate whether an applicant meets their trust and safety standards. Naturally, this raises a common concern: what happens if something shows up in your record? Can you be denied the chance of becoming a Shipt Shopper? The short answer is yes, but it depends on what’s in your background.

Reasons You Might Be Disqualified

Shipt does not disclose a rigid list of disqualifying offenses. Still, based on industry practices and third-party screener Checkr‘s criteria, you may fail the background check for the following reasons:

• Serious Criminal Offenses: Felonies or recent convictions related to violence, theft, fraud, or drug trafficking can lead to disqualification.
• Sex Offender Registry: Being listed on a state or national sex offender registry is an automatic disqualifier.
• Driving-Related Issues: If your role involves driving, a suspended license, DUI, reckless driving, or multiple recent traffic violations can lead to rejection.
• Inaccurate or Unverifiable Information: Failing to provide correct or consistent details (e.g., mismatched identity or false application info) may result in a failed background check.

Context Matters

Shipt considers not only the type of offense but also its recentness, severity, and relevance to the shopper’s role. For example, a non-violent misdemeanor from 10 years ago may not be held against you. Meanwhile, a recent conviction for theft or assault is more likely to result in disqualification.

Can You Dispute the Results?

Yes. If you believe a mistake was made or that the report contains inaccurate or outdated information, you have the right to dispute it. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Checkr Candidate Portal
2. Click the “Dispute this report” option next to your background check
3. Submit supporting documents (e.g., court records, ID corrections)

Checkr is legally required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to investigate disputes and correct errors within a reasonable timeframe—usually 30 days or less.

Can You Reapply?

If your background check fails, Shipt may not allow you to reapply immediately. However, in many cases, you can try again after 6 to 12 months, especially if the issue is time-sensitive (like a license suspension or probationary period).

Key Takeaway:

Yes, you can fail a Shipt background check—typically due to recent or serious legal issues, especially those related to safety, theft, or driving. But you do have the right to dispute inaccuracies, and many disqualifications are not permanent.

What to Do If You’re Stuck in “Background Check Pending” Status

It’s not uncommon for Shipt applicants to get stuck in the dreaded “Background Check Pending” phase for days—or even weeks. While this status doesn’t mean you’ve been rejected, it can leave you feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do next. Understanding what causes delays and how to respond can help you get answers and keep your application moving forward.

Why Your Background Check Might Be Pending

Several legitimate reasons can cause the background check to stall:

• Court Record Delays: Some counties take longer to process record requests, especially if records must be pulled manually or are not digitized.
• Multiple Residences: If you’ve lived in several states or counties, Checkr may need extra time to gather and verify data from each location.
• Inaccurate or Incomplete Info: If your name, date of birth, or Social Security Number was entered incorrectly, it can delay identity verification.
• High Volume of Applications: During peak hiring periods, such as the holidays, the system may be slower due to increased volume.

How to Check the Status of Your Background Check

You don’t have to wait in silence. Follow these steps to stay informed:

1. Visit the Checkr Candidate Portal – Log in with the email you used on your Shipt application to see real-time updates and any next steps.
2. Look for Alerts or Document Requests. Sometimes, Checkr may need additional verification or supporting documents to proceed.
3. Check Your Email—In case a message is missed, look for emails from both Shipt and Checkr, including your spam or junk folder.

When to Reach Out for Help

If it’s been more than seven business days, and your status hasn’t changed:

• Contact Checkr Support to ask about any holdups or missing information.
• If Checkr confirms the report has been sent, reach out to Shipt Support to ask about the application decision timeline.

Be polite but proactive when contacting support teams—often, just checking in is enough to move your case forward.

Key Takeaway: “Pending” doesn’t mean denied—it usually means your background check is still being processed. Use the Checkr portal to monitor your status, and follow up after seven business days to make sure nothing is holding your application back.

FAQs

Does Shipt run a credit check?

No, Shipt does not perform credit checks. It focuses on criminal and driving history.

Can I reapply if I fail the background check?

You may be eligible to reapply after 6 months, depending on the reason for disqualification.

Is the background check required in all states?

Yes, Shipt requires background checks nationwide.

Will I be notified of the results?

Yes, you’ll get an email once your background check is approved or flagged.

Can I work for Shipt with a misdemeanor?

It depends on the type and age of the misdemeanor. Non-violent, older offenses may be overlooked.

Additional Resources

• Shipt Shopper Application
• Check Candidate Portal
• Shipt Help Center
• Checkr Dispute Process
• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) PDF

Conclusion

The Shipt background check is a standard but essential step to ensure the safety of its community. Understanding how it works—and being prepared for common holdups—can help you move smoothly through the process and start earning sooner. If everything checks out, you’ll be on your way to becoming a Shipt Shopper in no time.