Guide › If you're deactivated
What to do if you're deactivated on Spark, DoorDash or Uber Eats
Losing your account overnight is scary, because it's how you make money. The good news: almost every deactivation can be appealed. Here's why it happens, how to appeal on each app and how to avoid it.
- Don't panic or send 10 messages. On Spark, submitting your appeal more than once slows it down.
- Read the whole notice (email or in-app message): it almost always says why and how to appeal.
- Gather proof today, while you remember: delivery photos, chat screenshots, order numbers.
- Turn on another app while it's sorted out. That's why it's smart to have more than one.
"Under review" isn't the same as "deactivated"
- Under review: the app is looking into a report. On Spark, for example, you can't turn on Spark Now while your account is under review, but if it clears, you go back to work.
- Deactivated: your access was removed. Spark says it's usually permanent, but all three apps have a way to appeal.
Why accounts get deactivated
The most common reasons, according to the apps' rules:
- Low customer ratings.
- Too many unfinished orders: accepting them and then canceling.
- Safety: unsafe driving, working under the influence, harassment or discrimination. This can be immediate.
- Fraud: marking something delivered that wasn't, having multiple accounts or letting someone else use your account.
- Documents: expired car insurance, an invalid license, or failing an identity or background check.
- Banned "helper" apps: ones that accept orders for you or access the app in unauthorized ways. Spark says this clearly.
The numbers that count
| App | Minimum rating | Completed orders | Accepting orders |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | 4.2 stars (last 100 ratings) | 90% (last 100 accepted orders) | No minimum |
| Spark | No published number; your rating affects who gets offers | No published number | No minimum |
| Uber Eats | Varies by city; check your app | Check your app | No published minimum |
On DoorDash, declining orders won't get you deactivated; what counts is finishing the ones you accept. DoorDash may warn you when you're close to the limit, but it says you're responsible for checking your own numbers.
How to appeal on each app
Spark Driver
- Open the app and tap the "Account deactivated" banner.
- Scroll to the bottom of the Account Status page and tap "What if I have further questions or disagree with my deactivation?"
- Tap "go here" to open the appeal form and fill it out.
- If you see an "Appeal decision pending" banner, you can add more information before the date shown: tap it, then "RESPOND NOW".
Spark reviews appeals in 5 to 7 days and replies by text message. If the problem was your identity, upload your current license; if you don't have a Real ID license, you may be asked for your original Social Security card, not a copy.
DoorDash
- Check the deactivation email: it says whether you appeal in the app or with a form.
- In the app, log into your Dasher account and tap "Start appeal".
- Explain what happened and upload your proof.
DoorDash generally gives you up to one year to appeal, and 90 days in Seattle. If you were deactivated over a background check, there's a separate process explained in that same email.
Uber Eats
- Open the app and go to the Review Center, where the reason for the deactivation is shown.
- Request a review and upload photos, videos or documents you haven't sent before.
In Seattle you have 90 days to request a review. Some safety-related deactivations may not have an appeal.
What to write in your appeal
Short, polite and factual. Whoever reads it reviews many cases a day: help them see quickly that it was a mistake.
"Hello. My account was deactivated on [date] for [reason in the notice]. I believe this was a mistake because [what happened, in one or two sentences]. I'm attaching [delivery photos / chat screenshots] for order [number] on [date]. I have completed [number] deliveries with a [number] rating. Please review my case. Thank you."
- No anger or insults, even if you're right.
- Dated proof: delivery photos, chat screenshots with the customer, receipts, your current insurance.
- Send it once and keep a copy of what you sent.
Watch out for scams
Online, people charge to "reactivate your account". It's a scam. No outsider can reactivate an account, and many ask for your password to steal from you. Only appeal from the official app or the link in the app's email.
If they say no
- Check your city's laws. Seattle and New York City have local rules that give delivery workers more protection when they're deactivated.
- Look for free help: there are app-worker organizations and legal clinics that review cases at no cost.
- Arbitration: your contract with the app explains how to file a claim outside the app. On Spark it's called an Informal Dispute Conference and it's in the arbitration section of your agreement.
How to keep it from happening
- Take a photo of every delivery that shows the house number or the door.
- Don't accept orders you won't finish. Declining is better than accepting and canceling.
- Message the customer if something's missing or you're running late.
- Keep your insurance and license current; upload the new ones as soon as you get them.
- Never share your account, not even with family.
- Don't use apps that accept orders for you.
- Check your numbers every week: rating and completed orders.
Quick summary
- Read the notice: it says why and how to appeal.
- Gather proof and appeal once, from the official app.
- Spark: form in Account Status, answer in 5 to 7 days.
- DoorDash: "Start appeal" in the app or the form in the email; up to one year.
- Uber Eats: Review Center in the app.
- Nobody can reactivate your account for money.
Have a plan B: see how to start on other apps.
Getting started on the appsSources: official help pages from DoorDash (deactivation), DoorDash (ratings), DoorDash (appeals), Spark Driver and Uber. Checked November 2026; rules can change.