What You Need to Work as an Instacart Shopper in South Carolina

Basic requirements to become an Instacart shopper

To work as an Instacart shopper in South Carolina, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and pass a background check. Instacart will also verify your identity using your driver's license or state ID. You do not need a commercial driver's license or special vehicle registration — a regular personal vehicle works.

The background check looks at criminal history, driving records, and sex offender registries. Instacart uses a third-party company to run this check, and the process usually takes a few days to a week. If you have a criminal conviction or serious driving violations, you may be rejected, though Instacart does not publish exact disqualifying offenses.

You will also need a smartphone with either iOS or Android to use the Instacart shopper app. The app is where you receive orders, navigate to stores, scan items, and communicate with customers.

Key Takeaways

• You must be at least 18, have a valid ID and Social Security number, and pass a background check before you can start taking orders.
• A personal vehicle in working condition is required; you do not need commercial insurance or a special license, though you should check your personal auto policy.
• Instacart shoppers are independent contractors, not employees, so you are responsible for your own taxes, vehicle maintenance, and gas.
• You can start receiving orders within a few days of approval if your area has active demand, though some regions have waiting lists.
• Your earnings come from order fees, tips, and occasional promotions; there is no may provide hourly wage or minimum earnings.

Vehicle requirements and insurance

Your vehicle must be in safe working condition and registered in your name or the name of someone who has given you permission to use it. Instacart does not require a specific make, model, or year, but the vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection through the app. You will need to provide your vehicle's license plate, VIN (vehicle identification number), and proof of registration.

Instacart does not provide insurance. Your personal auto insurance policy covers you while you are driving for personal reasons, but most personal policies do not cover commercial delivery work. Contact your insurance company to ask whether your policy covers gig work or delivery services. Some insurers offer a commercial or rideshare endorsement for a small additional fee; others may require you to switch to a commercial policy. Driving without proper coverage could leave you liable if you cause an accident.

You are responsible for all vehicle maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs. Keep your vehicle in good repair and make sure your registration and inspection tags stay current, since Instacart can deactivate your account if your vehicle information expires.

Background check and approval timeline

After you submit your information through the Instacart app, the company runs a background check through a third-party screening service. This check includes your criminal history, driving record, and sex offender registry status. The process usually takes three to seven business days, though it can take longer if there are delays or if the screening company needs to verify information.

If you are approved, you will receive an email notification. If you are denied, Instacart will tell you that your account cannot be activated but may not explain the specific reason. If you believe the decision was based on inaccurate information, you can contact the background check company directly to dispute the report — Instacart will provide you with contact information if you ask.

Once approved, you can start receiving orders immediately in areas with high demand. In some regions, there may be a waiting list, and you might not receive orders for several weeks or months. Instacart does not may provide when or how many orders you will receive.

How earnings and taxes work

Instacart shoppers are independent contractors, not employees. This means you do not receive a paycheck, benefits, or paid time off. Instead, you earn money per order, and your pay depends on the order size, distance, complexity, and customer tips. Instacart also runs occasional promotions or bonuses for completing a certain number of orders in a week.

You are responsible for paying your own taxes. Instacart will send you a 1099-NEC form at the end of the year showing your total earnings. You will owe federal income tax, self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare), and possibly South Carolina state income tax on this income. Many gig workers set aside 25 to 30 percent of their earnings to cover taxes, though the exact amount depends on your total income and other tax situations. Consider consulting a tax professional or using tax software designed for self-employed workers.

You can deduct certain business expenses on your taxes, including mileage, vehicle maintenance, phone service, and supplies. Keep records of these expenses throughout the year.

What disqualifies you from working

Instacart will not activate your account if you do not pass the background check. The company does not publish a detailed list of disqualifying offenses, but serious criminal convictions and major driving violations (such as DUI, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents) typically result in rejection. Sex offender registry status is also grounds for denial.

Even after you are approved, Instacart can deactivate your account if you violate the company's terms of service. This includes theft, fraud, poor customer ratings, or unsafe driving. If your account is deactivated, you lose access to orders immediately.

Your vehicle can also cause deactivation if your registration or inspection expires, if you fail a vehicle inspection, or if you report a vehicle that does not meet safety standards.

Getting started with the application

Download the Instacart Shopper app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Create an account using your email address and phone number. You will then be asked to provide your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, vehicle information, and bank account details for direct deposit of your earnings.

Have these documents ready before you start: a valid photo ID, your vehicle's registration and VIN, and your bank account information. The app will guide you through each step. Once you submit all information, the background check begins automatically.

If you have questions during the process, Instacart offers in-app support and a help center on its website. Response times vary, and support may take several hours or days to reply.

Regional differences and availability

Instacart operates in most of South Carolina, but availability varies by city and neighborhood. Some areas have high demand and steady orders; others may have few or no orders available. You can check whether Instacart serves your area by entering your zip code on the Instacart website before you apply.

Even in areas where Instacart operates, order volume fluctuates. Weekends and evenings typically have more orders than weekday mornings. During slow periods, you may receive no orders for hours or days. There is no may provide of work or minimum earnings.

If you live in a rural area or small town, Instacart may not operate there at all. In that case, you would need to look at other delivery or gig work options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a commercial driver's license to work for Instacart?

No. A regular personal driver's license is sufficient. Instacart shoppers are not commercial drivers because they are delivering groceries for customers, not operating a commercial vehicle for hire.

What happens if I get into an accident while doing an Instacart order?

Your personal auto insurance should cover the accident, but only if your policy covers gig work or delivery. If your policy does not cover commercial delivery and you are in an accident, your claim could be denied. Contact your insurance company before you start working to confirm your coverage.

Can I use someone else's vehicle to work for Instacart?

Yes, but the vehicle must be registered in your name or the name of someone who has given you written permission. You will need to provide the vehicle's registration and VIN, and the vehicle must pass Instacart's inspection. Make sure the vehicle owner's insurance covers you as a driver.

How much do Instacart shoppers make?

Earnings vary widely based on order size, distance, tips, and your location. There is no may provide hourly wage. Some shoppers report earning $15 to $25 per hour, while others earn less, especially in slow periods. Tips make up a significant portion of income for many shoppers.

What if Instacart deactivates my account?

If your account is deactivated, you lose access to orders immediately. Instacart may or may not explain the reason. You can contact Instacart support to ask why your account was deactivated, but the company's decision is usually final. You would need to look for other work.