You're looking at your car, looking at your bank account, and thinking about Walmart. It makes sense. Walmart Spark has basically exploded in popularity over the last few years because, honestly, it often pays better than DoorDash or Uber Eats in certain markets. But before you download the app and start dreaming of those incentives, there is a hard line in the sand regarding your age.
So, how old do you have to be to do Spark? You have to be at least 18 years old.
That’s the baseline. If you’re 17 and have a license, I'm sorry, but you're out of luck for now. Walmart is extremely strict about this because of insurance liabilities and the nature of the contracts you sign as an independent contractor. Unlike some specialized heavy-machinery jobs or high-end courier services that demand you be 21, Spark keeps the door open for legal adults.
Why 18 is the Magic Number for Spark
Most people assume that because you're delivering groceries, the rules might be lax. They aren't. When you sign up for Spark, you aren't an employee of Walmart; you are a business owner. You are entering into a binding legal contract. In the United States, you generally cannot enter into these types of "indemnity" agreements until you reach the age of majority, which is 18.
It's about the paperwork.
🔗 Read more: How New York State Department of Transportation Standard Specifications Actually Work on the Ground
Walmart uses a third-party platform called DDI (Driver Delivery Institute), which they actually acquired a while back to streamline the process. DDI requires a valid Social Security number and a background check. If the system sees a birthdate that makes you 17 and 364 days old, the algorithm will auto-reject the application. There is no "parental consent" workaround.
The 21-Year-Old Exception You Need to Know
Wait. I just said 18, right? Well, there is a catch. While the answer to how old do you have to be to do Spark is technically 18, your age might limit what you can deliver.
Walmart delivers alcohol in many states. If you are 18, 19, or 20, you might find yourself restricted from certain "batches" or orders that contain wine, beer, or spirits. In states like California or Texas, the law regarding who can handle and transport alcohol is very specific. If you're under 21, the app’s dispatch system is designed to filtered those orders out. This can occasionally mean you see fewer high-paying "dotcom" batches or large grocery hauls in areas where booze is a frequent add-on.
It's a bummer, but it's the law.
Beyond Age: The Other "Hard" Requirements
Being 18 is just the first hurdle. You could be 40 and still get rejected. To actually get on the road, you need a few other things that are just as non-negotiable as your birth certificate.
First, you need a valid driver's license. This seems obvious, but "valid" is the keyword. If you have a permit or a provisional license with heavy restrictions, you’re going to run into walls during the background check. Speaking of which, Walmart uses Checkr for their background screenings. Checkr is notorious for being thorough. They look at your driving record for the last three to seven years. If you’re 18 and already have a DUI or three speeding tickets, your age won't save you. They want clean records.
You also need proof of auto insurance. The policy has to be in your name or list you as a covered driver. Some people try to use their parents' insurance without being listed on the policy—don't do that. When you upload that photo of your insurance card, if your name isn't on it, the verification will fail.
- Reliable Vehicle: It doesn't have to be a 2026 Tesla, but it can't be a scooter. Spark is primarily for grocery sets, often including multiple cases of 40-count water bottles.
- Smartphone: You need a relatively modern iPhone or Android. The Spark Driver app is a battery hog and requires GPS to be on constantly.
- Clean Record: Minor fix-it tickets are usually fine, but major moving violations are a dealbreaker.
Is Spark Actually Better Than DoorDash for 18-Year-Olds?
If you're just hitting that 18-year-old mark, you have options. DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats (for bikes) also allow 18-year-olds. So why obsess over Spark?
The volume is different. With Spark, you’re often doing "Curbside Pickup." You pull into a numbered spot, a Walmart associate brings the groceries out, and they load your car. You don't even have to get out in some cases. Compare that to DoorDash, where you're constantly parking, running into busy McDonald's lobbies, and waiting for a distracted cashier to hand you a bag.
Spark also pays differently. You get a base pay plus tips, but Walmart also offers "Incentives." For example, "Complete 10 trips this weekend for an extra $60." For a young driver trying to build up a savings account, these bonuses are significantly more lucrative than the "Peak Pay" $1.00 bonuses you see on food delivery apps.
However, the waitlist is a nightmare.
Because the pay is decent, almost every zone is flooded with drivers. You might apply at 18 and not get off the waitlist until you're 19. I've seen people sit in "In Review" status for six months. The trick is to apply in zones that are slightly further away from major city centers if you want to get in faster.
The Reality of the Background Check
When you're 18 or 19, your "file" is thin. This can actually be a good thing. Checkr will pull your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR). Since you haven't been driving long, there’s less time for you to have messed up. However, if you live in a state like Virginia where a "reckless driving" charge is a misdemeanor and stays on your record forever, that will show up.
Walmart is protective of its brand. They don't want someone with a history of aggressive driving delivering to a suburban doorstep where kids might be playing in the driveway. It's a liability thing. If you're worried about your record, you can actually go to Checkr's candidate portal and see what they've found on you for other gigs. It’s a good way to "pre-game" your application.
Dealing With the "No Openings" Message
So you're 18, you've got your license, and you've got a Corolla. You apply, and the screen says: "No openings in your area."
Don't delete the app.
The Spark platform is seasonal. During "Back to School" or the holidays (October through January), they onboard people in massive waves. If you apply in June, you might get nothing. But stay in the system. Check your email regularly because when they send that "You're in!" link, you usually only have a few days to complete the onboarding before they give your spot to the next person in line.
Handling Money and Taxes at 18
This is the part most 18-year-olds ignore, and it bites them in the butt in April. When you do Spark, Walmart does not take taxes out of your check.
If you make $1,000, you don't actually have $1,000. You probably have about $700 after you account for gas, wear and tear, and the self-employment tax. Since you're young and possibly still a dependent on your parents' taxes, this can get complicated. Use an app like Stride or MileIQ from day one. Track every single mile you drive from the moment you turn on the app to the moment you finish your last drop-off.
The IRS allows you to deduct a certain amount per mile (it’s usually over 60 cents). If you don't track this, you are literally throwing money away. Being an adult on Spark means acting like a business owner, not just a driver.
Breaking Down the Experience
Let's talk about the actual work. You’ve met the age requirement, you’re approved, and you’re at Walmart. What now?
There are a few types of orders:
- Curbside: You stay in the car. Most common.
- Shopping & Delivery: You go inside, grab a cart, and shop for the items yourself. These pay the most.
- GMD (General Merchandise): These are like Amazon packages. You might have 15 drops, no tips, but high base pay.
If you’re 18, I highly recommend the Shopping & Delivery orders. You’re young, you’ve probably got the energy to hustle through the aisles, and you can finish them way faster than the app estimates. Speed equals more money per hour.
Final Steps to Get Started
If you've confirmed you meet the age requirement and you're ready to go, follow this sequence to avoid the common "stuck" status:
🔗 Read more: Is the BCBS Settlement Legit? What to Know in 2026
- Clean up your phone: Ensure you have at least 2GB of free space. The app is heavy and crashes on full phones.
- Check your documents: Is your insurance card expired? Is your license address current? Fix it now.
- Apply early in the week: Don't apply on a Saturday night when support is closed. Try Tuesday morning.
- Set up Branch or One: Walmart pays through these digital banking platforms. You'll need to set up an account there to actually get your money. One is usually faster for payouts nowadays.
- Get some bags: While Walmart provides plastic or paper bags, having a few insulated bags in your trunk shows the customers you care, which leads to better tips.
Doing Spark at 18 is a solid way to make way more than minimum wage, provided you treat it like a job and not just a hobby. Stay on top of your metrics—specifically your "On-Time Arrival"—and you'll keep getting the "good" orders while other drivers get throttled.
Go ahead and start the application. The worst they can say is "waitlist."