Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to help you understand the process—and take action if you choose to.

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Step 1: Send an Informal Dispute Resolution Notice (REQUIRED)

Before you can file for arbitration, DoorDash requires that you attempt to resolve the issue informally.

You must request an informal phone or video conference, and DoorDash has 60 days to complete this process.

📧 Send the request to:

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✅ What to Include in the Email:

• Your full legal name

• Phone number on file

• Email linked to your Dasher account

• Clear description of the issue

• That you are requesting the required “informal dispute resolution conference”

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📧 Example Email

To: dasher.informal.resolution@doordash.com
Subject: Request for Informal Dispute Resolution Conference

Hi DoorDash,

My name is John Doe. I am a Dasher with the phone number (555) 123-4567 and email john.doe@example.com.

I’m reaching out to initiate an informal dispute resolution conference as required under the DoorDash Independent Contractor Agreement. My issue relates to my deactivation on May 10, 2025, which I believe was done in error without proper evidence or explanation. I would like to discuss this and seek reinstatement or compensation for lost earnings.

Please let me know your availability for a phone or video conference.

Thank you,
John Doe

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⚠️ Important:

You MUST attend this conference (even if you have a lawyer).
Skipping it may cause your arbitration filing to be rejected.

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Step 2: Send a “Notice of Intent to Arbitrate”

If the informal dispute conference does NOT resolve the issue, you must notify DoorDash that you intend to move forward with arbitration.

This is a required step under the ICA.

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✉️ Where to Send It (Official Instructions)

DoorDash requires written notice delivered by either:

Option 1 — Certified Mail (REQUIRED)

Send to:

General Counsel, DoorDash, Inc.
303 2nd Street, Suite 800
San Francisco, CA 94107

👉 Use Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, so you have proof of delivery.

Option 2 — Email

If you interacted with a specific DoorDash lawyer during the informal process, you may email the notice to them to try and speed things up, BUT you must still send certified mail for proof.

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📦 What the Notice Must Include:

• A statement confirming that you completed the informal conference

• Your full contact information

• A summary of your claims

• A brief description of facts

• What remedy you are asking for (money, reinstatement, etc.)

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Step 3: File Your Arbitration Demand

The official DoorDash ICA states:

👉 ALL arbitrations must be filed with CPR

(International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution)
using the:

• CPR Administered Arbitration Rules

📄 CPR Arbitration Rules:

https://www.cpradr.org/resource-center/rules/arbitration/employment-related-mass-claims-protocol

📄 CPR Filing Information:
https://www.cpradr.org

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🧾 What Your CPR Demand Must Include:

• Full name

• Phone number

• Email

• Mailing address

• Description of legal claim(s)

• Supporting facts

• Amount of damages requested

• Your signature

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🧠 Example Claim Language

Claim: Wrongful Deactivation Without Cause
Facts: I was deactivated on May 10, 2025, for alleged contract violations, but DoorDash provided no specific evidence. This violated the Independent Contractor Agreement.
Remedy: I seek $2,500 in lost earnings and full reinstatement.

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Step 4: Pay the Filing Fee (or Seek Help)

The official ICA states:

✔ YOU pay the portion equal to a court filing fee

You do not pay more than what a court fee would have cost in your state.

✔ DOORDASH pays all arbitration-specific costs

Examples:

• Arbitrator fees

• Hearing room rental

• Administrative fees unique to arbitration

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❓CPR hardship waiver

You may submit a hardship waiver form if you’re unable to afford CPR’s administrative fees. The waiver form titled “Affidavit in Support of Administrative Fees Hardship Waiver” is available here: Affidavit in Support of Administrative Fees Hardship Waiver (PDF)

Once completed, email it to CPRNeutrals@cpradr.org, or mail it to:
CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution
30 East 33rd Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10016

Please note: approval of the waiver is not guaranteed. Also, the waiver relates to administrative fees and does not automatically relieve you of other costs such as the arbitrator’s compensation.

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Step 5: Attend the Arbitration Hearing

You may choose:

• Phone hearing

• Video hearing

• In-person hearing

Both sides present evidence. The arbitrator issues a final and binding decision.

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Tips for Success

• Keep all emails, screenshots, and correspondence

• Document pay issues, deactivation reasons, and dates

• Stay professional

• Consider a lawyer if the issue involves discrimination, retaliation, or other serious legal violations

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🛑 Important Legal Notes

• You cannot join a class-action lawsuit

• Arbitration is required unless you opted out within 30 days of signing the ICA

• Arbitration decisions are private and binding

• You must complete the informal dispute conference before filing

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Final Thoughts

Filing arbitration against DoorDash can feel overwhelming, but following the required steps—especially the informal dispute process and certified-mail notice—ensures your claim will be accepted.

This updated guide reflects the official ICA and gives you the clearest path to having your case heard fairly.

If you’re unsure at any step, consult a lawyer who handles gig-worker arbitration disputes.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

I am not an attorney, and this blog post does not constitute legal advice. The information here is based on the official DoorDash Independent Contractor Agreement and is intended for informational purposes only.