Eligibility checklist
Instacart Shopper requirements in 2026
The short version: You need to be 18 or older, or the age of majority where you live. You'll also need a recent smartphone, a valid government ID, a bank account for direct deposit, and enough physical ability to lift around 50 lbs. Then you pass a background check. Full-Service shoppers need a reliable car and valid auto insurance on top of that. In-Store shoppers don't need a car at all. The program runs across the US and Canada. New shoppers can enter referral code BEAN85579C at sign-up. Check the Instacart Shopper app for the current details, since they shift by market.
The bar to get in is low on purpose. Instacart wants people who can earn on their own schedule, so there's no résumé, no interview, and no prior gig experience required. Here's the full list of what you need, what tends to get applications turned down, and how the two shopper roles actually differ.
Core requirements (everyone)
- Age: At least 18, or the age of majority in your province or state.
- Smartphone: A reasonably current iPhone or Android that can run the Shopper app. Keep data and location turned on.
- Valid government ID: A current driver's license or passport, used to confirm you are who you say you are.
- Bank account: A checking account (or an eligible debit option) so Instacart can pay you by direct deposit.
- Physical ability: You should be able to lift around 50 lbs, roughly 23 kg, with or without reasonable accommodation. Picture a Costco batch with a case of water, a bag of cat litter, and a few cans of paint in the cart. That's why the rule exists.
- Background check: You consent to one and you have to clear it. It runs after you apply and usually takes about 3 to 10 business days.
- Legally authorized to work in the country where you'll shop, the US or Canada.
Checking every box doesn't guarantee you get in. Instacart decides eligibility and reviews each application on its own. This list reflects what's typically published, and it can change from one market to the next.
Full-Service vs In-Store: which fits you?
There are two roles at sign-up. The real dividing line is whether you have a car. Pick the one that matches what you've got.
| Requirement | Full-Service Shopper | In-Store Shopper |
|---|---|---|
| What you do | Shop and deliver to customers | Shop only, inside one store |
| Vehicle | Required, reliable car, scooter or similar | Not required |
| Auto insurance | Valid, current insurance required | Not applicable |
| Schedule | Fully flexible, shop when you want | Set shifts you sign up for |
| Pay type | Per-batch pay + 100% of tips | Hourly rate (varies by market) |
| Availability | Widely available across US & Canada | Limited to select stores/markets |
Most new people go Full-Service. It's the most widely available and you set your own hours. No car? Look for In-Store roles near you during sign-up. Whichever one you pick, enter code BEAN85579C so you're counted as a referred new shopper.
Extra requirements for Full-Service (car) shoppers
- A reliable vehicle to move groceries around. Insulated bags help a lot with cold and frozen stuff.
- Valid auto insurance in your name that meets your local minimums.
- A valid driver's license. This one can double as your identity ID.
- Room and safety to carry a bunch of bags, and the occasional bulky order.
Where you can shop
The Shopper program runs across the United States and Canada. Full-Service work shows up in most metro areas and plenty of suburbs. In-Store roles depend on which partner stores are near you. When you sign up, the app reads your location and shows what's open in your zone. If your area is thin, you might land on a waitlist instead.
What can disqualify an applicant
Instacart makes the final call, so treat this as a general guide, not a complete list. Applications tend to get declined or paused for reasons like these:
- Being under the minimum age for your market.
- Not clearing the background check. Certain criminal or driving records can matter for driving roles.
- An ID or details that can't be verified, or that don't match up.
- No valid auto insurance when you're applying for a Full-Service driving role.
- Not being legally authorized to work in the country.
- Applying somewhere the program is full or unavailable right now.
If your first try isn't approved, the app or your confirmation email usually walks you through what to do next. Background-check results fall under fair-hiring laws, and you generally have the right to review the report and dispute anything wrong with the screening provider.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Want these requirements laid out as a full walkthrough, from prep to your first week on the job? See the full step-by-step guide to qualifying and applying.
The requirements that actually trip people up
Most people clear the basics without a second thought. The parts that cause real delays are smaller than you'd expect, and knowing them ahead of time saves you a week of waiting.
The background check. Instacart runs it through Checkr, and it usually comes back in a few business days. It can take longer if you've lived in several states or your name is common enough to pull extra records. There's nothing to fix on your end here. Just apply before you need the money, not the week rent is due.
Your vehicle and insurance, Full-Service only. There's no fancy car requirement. It needs to run, hold a decent load, and be insured in your name. Bring a couple of insulated bags for cold and frozen items too. In-Store shoppers skip this part completely, since that role never leaves the store.
Your phone. The Shopper app is heavy and runs all shift. An old phone with a weak battery will make a long day miserable and can drop you mid-batch, which hurts your rating. A car charger stops being optional the day you start doing this for real.
Where you live. Availability moves with local demand. A busy metro might onboard you in days. A smaller town might put you on a waitlist until a spot opens. That waitlist is about your market, not about you, so it's worth checking the app in your area before you get your hopes up.
Get your ID, address, and banking details right the first time and you skip the most common back-and-forth. A typo in your bank info is a boring reason to wait an extra week for your first payout.
One more thing worth planning for from day one: taxes. As a shopper you're an independent contractor, so nothing is withheld from what you make. Set aside a slice of every payout and tax season stays boring instead of painful. A rough 20% to 30% of what you earn is a common starting point, but your own bracket and write-offs, like mileage, set the real number. This is general info, not tax advice, so check with a professional about your situation.
Start your application on Instacart's official site and enter the referral code when it asks.
Requirements FAQ
Do I need a car to be an Instacart Shopper?
Not always. Full-Service shoppers shop and deliver, so they need a reliable vehicle and valid auto insurance. In-Store shoppers only work inside a store and don't need a car. The catch is that In-Store roles only exist in select markets.
How old do I have to be?
At least 18, or the age of majority in your state or province if that's higher.
What does the background check look at?
Usually your identity and criminal history, plus your driving record if you're going for a driving role. It runs after you apply and takes about 3 to 10 business days. Results are handled under fair-hiring laws.
Is Instacart shopping available in Canada?
Yes. The Shopper program runs in both the US and Canada. What's open depends on your exact location, which the app checks when you sign up.
Do I need my own insurance for the groceries?
You don't insure the groceries. Full-Service driving shoppers do need valid personal auto insurance to drive their car. In-Store shoppers don't need auto insurance at all.
How much do I have to be able to lift?
Around 50 lbs, roughly 23 kg. Think a case of water or a big bag of pet food. That's with or without reasonable accommodation.
Where do I enter code BEAN85579C?
Put it in the referral or promo code field during the new-shopper sign-up flow. It tags you as a referred new shopper. Check any bonus target and window inside the Shopper app, because the amount varies by market and current promotion.