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Walmart’s Spark Driver program has become a popular delivery service app in the gig economy, connecting customers with contracted drivers who shop for and deliver their orders directly from Walmart stores. With a solid pay scale and flexible working hours, it’s become a popular entry in the gig work space.
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However, if you want to start driving for Spark Driver, you’ll need to make sure you fit their requirements. The good news is that Walmart’s requirements to get started with Spark Driver aren’t too difficult to meet.
Spark Driver Quick Facts
- Spark is a major part of Walmart’s effort to challenge Amazon, serving as a direct competitor to Amazon Flex.
- Spark Driver connects to over 85% of US households, adding 12 million more in 2024-2025.
- Drivers can expect to earn somewhere between $16 and $25 an hour.
Walmart Spark Driver Requirements Explained
On Spark Driver’s official website, only a few direct requirements are listed:
- You must be 18 years or older to deliver for Spark Driver.
- You need a valid, unexpired driver’s license issued by a state in the US.
- Note: There are no minimum driving experience requirements for Spark Driver.
- Proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be using to deliver.
- You don’t necessarily have to own the vehicle. Borrowed, leased, or even rented vehicles can work as long as the insurance is in your name.
- You may need to pass a background check, including motor vehicle records and a criminal background check.
- Authorization to work in the US as an independent contractor, which means having a valid Social Security number.
With that said, you will also need a few other things in order to deliver for Spark Driver.
- A reliable vehicle.
- An iPhone or Android with a functional camera that is able to run the Spark Driver app.
- The ability to lift items that weigh up to 60 pounds.
- You may need to handle things like cases of water, bags of pet food, etc.
If you meet all of the above criteria, then congrats – you’re more than likely going to be able to deliver for Spark Driver! Need some more detail on some of these requirements? Keep reading below.
Vehicle and Insurance Requirements for Spark Driver
What Car Can I Use for Spark Driver?
Just about any type of car, SUV, truck, van, station wagon, etc. are usable with Spark Driver. There are no restrictions on the vehicle make, model, or year, which means you can drive for Spark whether you have a brand new 2025 model or any type of reliable older vehicle.
With that in mind, you cannot use things like motorcycles, scooters, or bicycles. Given that grocery orders can often involve many bags, fragile items, and temperature-sensitive products, these modes of transport won’t provide the necessary space or protection for all orders.
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In addition, having a smaller vehicle might limit the types of deliveries you are able to accept. Things like larger furniture items or bulk grocery orders may not fit in a more compact car, which could in turn affect your earning opportunities.
If you’re using a rental vehicle, make sure the rental company allows for commercial use and that you can get the proper insurance coverage. Some rental agreements specifically prohibit using the vehicle for things like delivery services.
Insurance Coverage Requirements for Spark Driver
Insurance requirements for Spark drivers typically follow your state’s minimum car insurance laws, which typically include bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.
Unlike some other gig apps, Walmart doesn’t provide any supplemental insurance coverage while you’re driving. This means your personal auto insurance is your primary protection, so you’ll want to make sure it’s adequate for commercial use.
Many personal insurance policies don’t cover accidents that occur while you’re using your vehicle for business purposes. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to discuss whether you need rideshare insurance or any other type of coverage to be fully protected while driving for Spark.
Does Spark Driver Require a Background Check?
Walmart partners with Checkr, an employee background screening service, to conduct their background checks. In order to drive for Spark, you’ll need to pass reviews of both your driving history and criminal record.
This process will take somewhere between 1-7 days. Having a few traffic tickets most likely won’t disqualify you, but things like suspended licenses, major violations, or serious criminal convictions have a good chance to result in a rejection.
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You’ll also need to provide a valid driver’s license and current auto insurance policy.
How to Apply to Spark Driver
Applying to be a Spark Driver is a fairly straightforward process, conducted entirely online and through the mobile app. It shouldn’t take more than a few days for everything to be complete.
The first thing you should do is visit the Spark Driver website, tap “Sign up” in the top right of the page, and enter your zip code to check if it’s available in your area. If it is, select a pickup location near you and continue with the sign up process.
You’ll need your home address, a US driver’s license, an image of your current auto insurance policy that has your name, expiration date, and vehicle information, and your Social Security number.
It’ll also have you take a photo of yourself to further authenticate your identity to make sure you’re the same person as your driver’s license photo.
Walmart Spark Driver FAQ
Q: How much do Spark Drivers earn?
A: A typical Spark Driver can expect to earn somewhere between $16 and $25 an hour. This can vary depending on factors like your location, the types of orders you accept, customer tips, and how strategically you schedule your driving time during peak demand periods.
Q: How long does it take to get approved as a Spark Driver?
A: The approval process shouldn’t take more than a few days, and usually depends on how quickly your background check processes. Some regions may have waitlists that can extend your time to several weeks or even months before you can start driving.
Q: What will disqualify me from becoming a Spark driver?
A: Major driving violations (like DUI or reckless driving), serious criminal convictions, a suspended license, or failing to meet their basic requirements like age or vehicle standards. Things like minor traffic tickets usually won’t prevent you getting approved.
Q: Are you an employee of Walmart as a Spark Driver?
A: No. As a Spark Driver, you’re an independent contractor, which means you’re self-employed and not a Walmart employee directly.
Q: Can I use other gig economy/delivery apps as a Spark Driver?
A: Since you’re an independent contractor, you absolutely can drive for any other delivery provider or gig app.
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Maximize Your Success (and Earnings) as a Spark Driver
Once you’re approved and ready to start driving, the first thing you need to do is properly orient the way you’re treating this work. As an independent contractor, you should treat this venture as a small business rather than a casual income source.
Doing so can make a huge difference in your bottom line, especially given the differences in tax requirements between employees and independent contractors. As a Spark driver, you’re going to be doing a lot of driving, which means one of your biggest business costs are going to be vehicle expenses.
Every mile you drive for Spark deliveries is tax-deductible at the current IRS rate of 70 cents per mile in 2025, which could result in thousands of dollars in tax savings. Using an automatic mileage tracker app like TripLog is the best way to keep track of your mileage for this deduction!
Click here to learn more about TripLog, or simply download the app on iOS or Android to get started today!
