DoorDash Inc. California Drivers Class Action Settlement, Limited Eligibility, March 18, 2026 Deadline
DoorDash reached a settlement with the State of California to provide restitution to specific groups of California drivers who opted out of previous class action settlements. If you delivered for DoorDash in California during specific time periods and opted out of the Marciano or Marko settlements, you can file a claim by March 18, 2026.
What Is the DoorDash California Drivers Settlement About?
The People of the State of California sued DoorDash Inc. over business practices related to driver classification and compensation. The settlement resolves allegations that DoorDash misclassified California drivers as independent contractors—workers who are self-employed rather than employees—and engaged in related practices that allegedly violated California labor laws.
Unlike broader settlements that covered all DoorDash drivers, this settlement specifically provides restitution to drivers who opted out of two previous class action lawsuits: Marciano v. DoorDash Inc. and Marko v. DoorDash Inc.
DoorDash denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle to resolve the state’s claims.
Who Is Eligible to Claim?
Eligibility for this settlement is extremely limited. Only two specific groups of drivers qualify:
Marciano Restitution Eligible Drivers: You must have completed at least one delivery in California between June 17, 2016, and August 29, 2016, AND opted out of the settlement class in Marciano, et al. v. DoorDash Inc., San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CGC-15-548101.
Marko Restitution Eligible Drivers: You must have completed at least one delivery in California between August 30, 2016, and December 31, 2020, AND opted out of the settlement class in Marko, et al. v. DoorDash Inc., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. CGC-18-567869.
If you participated in those previous settlements or didn’t opt out, you are not eligible for this restitution settlement.
This settlement does not cover drivers who worked during other time periods or those who accepted settlements in the Marciano or Marko cases. For information about other DoorDash settlements, including the DoorDash Lawsuit, Breaking Down The $28M+ Settlement With DoorDash Over Unpaid Tips New York State, check those specific settlement websites.
What DoorDash Allegedly Did Wrong
The settlement stems from California’s investigation into DoorDash’s classification of drivers and related business practices.
Misclassification Allegations: California alleged DoorDash improperly classified drivers as independent contractors when they should have been treated as employees under state law. This classification allegedly denied drivers protections and benefits required under California Labor Code provisions.
Wage and Hour Concerns: When workers are misclassified as contractors, they may not receive minimum wage for all hours worked, overtime pay for hours exceeding 40 per week, or reimbursement for business expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance.
Meal and Rest Break Violations: California law requires employers to provide meal breaks after five hours of work and rest breaks every four hours. Independent contractors don’t receive these protections.
Expense Reimbursement Issues: Employees have the right to reimbursement for necessary work expenses under California Labor Code Section 2802. Independent contractors typically bear these costs themselves.
The state’s enforcement action focused on these practices and their impact on California drivers during the covered time periods.
Settlement Terms and Payment Details
The settlement administrator will distribute the total settlement fund among all eligible drivers who submit valid claims by the March 18, 2026 deadline.
Distribution Method: The fund will be divided among all approved claimants. The exact amount each driver receives depends on the total number of valid claims submitted.
Payment Calculation: Your individual payment will be determined after the claim deadline passes and the settlement administrator processes all submissions. Drivers who worked more deliveries during the covered periods may receive proportionally larger payments, though the settlement agreement hasn’t publicly disclosed the exact calculation formula.
Administrative Deductions: Before distribution, the settlement administrator will deduct costs for processing claims and distributing payments. These administrative expenses reduce the net settlement fund available to claimants.
Without knowing the total settlement fund amount or number of eligible drivers, predicting exact payment amounts is impossible. Based on similar gig worker settlements, individual payments could range from dozens to hundreds of dollars, depending on participation and work history.
How to File a Claim
You have two options for submitting your claim:
Online Filing:
- Visit DoorDashRestitutionEligibleDrivers.com
- Complete the online claim form
- Provide required information including your contact details and work history
- Submit before the March 18, 2026 deadline
Mail Filing:
- Download the PDF claim form from DoorDashRestitutionEligibleDrivers.com
- Print and complete the form
- Mail to: The People of the State of California v. DoorDash Inc., c/o Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 26170, Santa Ana, CA 92799
- Ensure it’s postmarked by March 18, 2026
Required Information:
- Full legal name
- Current mailing address
- Email address (if available)
- Phone number
- Confirmation that you opted out of either the Marciano or Marko settlements
- Dates you worked as a DoorDash driver in California during the eligible periods
Questions or Help: Contact the settlement administrator at 833-417-4906 or [email protected] if you need assistance determining eligibility or filing your claim.
Critical Deadline: March 18, 2026
This is the absolute deadline to file your claim. Claims submitted after March 18, 2026, will not be accepted, and you will forfeit any compensation you might have received.
Unlike some settlements that offer extensions, class action deadlines are typically firm. Mark this date on your calendar and file as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Background on Previous DoorDash Settlements
Understanding this settlement requires knowing about the two previous class actions:
Marciano v. DoorDash Inc. (2015): This lawsuit alleged DoorDash misclassified drivers and violated California labor laws during 2016. DoorDash settled the case, but some drivers opted out to preserve their right to sue independently.
Marko v. DoorDash Inc. (2018): This case covered a longer period (August 2016 through December 2020) and resulted in a $100 million settlement. Again, some drivers opted out rather than accepting the settlement terms.
Drivers who opted out of those settlements didn’t receive money from them but maintained their ability to pursue claims. This new restitution settlement now provides those opt-out drivers an opportunity for compensation.
What California Labor Laws Apply
Several California laws govern the relationship between companies and workers:
California Labor Code: Comprehensive statutes covering wages, hours, working conditions, and employee rights. Sections 2802 (expense reimbursement), 510 (overtime), and 1194 (minimum wage enforcement) are particularly relevant.
Meal and Rest Break Requirements: California law mandates 30-minute meal breaks for shifts over five hours and 10-minute rest breaks for every four hours worked.
Independent Contractor Test: California uses the “ABC test” established in Dynamex Operations West Inc. v. Superior Court (2018) to determine worker classification. Under this test, workers are presumed to be employees unless the company proves all three conditions:
- (A) Worker is free from company control
- (B) Worker performs work outside the company’s usual business
- (C) Worker has an independent trade or business
Proposition 22: In 2020, California voters passed Proposition 22, which exempted app-based transportation and delivery companies from classifying drivers as employees. However, this settlement covers periods before Proposition 22 took effect.
For more information about gig economy worker protections, see the Instacart Lawsuit Alert: $60M FTC Settlement Approved, which addresses similar issues in the delivery industry.
Common Misconceptions About This Settlement
Many California DoorDash drivers mistakenly believe they’re eligible for this settlement. Here’s what you need to know:
Misconception: All California DoorDash drivers can file claims. Reality: Only drivers who specifically opted out of the Marciano or Marko settlements qualify. If you participated in those settlements, you already received compensation and cannot claim again.
Misconception: This settlement covers recent DoorDash drivers. Reality: The latest eligible work period ended December 31, 2020. Drivers who started after that date cannot claim.
Misconception: Filing a claim means admitting DoorDash did something illegal. Reality: DoorDash explicitly denies wrongdoing. Settlements resolve disputes without determining liability.
Misconception: You can file multiple claims to increase payment. Reality: Duplicate claims will be rejected. Submit one accurate claim only.
What Happens After You File
Once you submit your claim, here’s what to expect:
- Confirmation: You should receive confirmation that your claim was received. Save this for your records.
- Review Period: The settlement administrator will verify your eligibility by checking whether you opted out of the previous settlements and worked during the covered periods.
- Approval or Denial: If your claim is approved, you’ll be notified. If denied, the administrator will explain why.
- Payment Distribution: After the March 18, 2026 deadline passes and all claims are processed, payments will be distributed to approved claimants. Expect payments several months after the deadline.
- Payment Method: Most settlements distribute payments via check mailed to the address you provided. Some may offer electronic payment options.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
If the settlement administrator denies your claim, they must provide a reason. Common denial reasons include:
- You didn’t opt out of the Marciano or Marko settlements
- You didn’t work during the covered time periods
- You provided incomplete or inaccurate information
- Your claim was submitted after the deadline
- Records don’t show you performed deliveries in California during eligible periods
If you believe your claim was wrongly denied, contact the settlement administrator immediately at 833-417-4906 or [email protected]. Provide documentation supporting your eligibility, such as:
- Proof you opted out of previous settlements
- DoorDash earnings statements or tax records showing California deliveries during covered periods
- Email confirmations from previous class action administrators
Broader Implications for Gig Workers
This settlement represents ongoing legal battles over worker classification in the gig economy.
California’s Leadership: California has led the nation in regulating gig economy companies and protecting worker rights. This settlement reflects the state’s aggressive enforcement of labor laws.
Worker Classification Remains Contested: Despite Proposition 22, questions persist about how companies classify workers and what protections apply.
Multiple Settlements: DoorDash has settled numerous cases involving driver classification, tips, and pay practices. Each settlement covers different time periods and different groups of drivers.
Other Platforms Face Similar Challenges: Uber, Lyft, Instacart, and other gig platforms face ongoing litigation over worker classification and compensation practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DoorDash Inc. California Drivers Class Action Settlement?
This settlement provides restitution to California DoorDash drivers who opted out of previous class action settlements (Marciano and Marko cases). It resolves California’s allegations that DoorDash misclassified drivers and violated state labor laws between 2016 and 2020.
Am I eligible to claim?
You’re eligible only if you completed at least one California delivery between June 17, 2016, and August 29, 2016, and opted out of Marciano, OR you completed deliveries between August 30, 2016, and December 31, 2020, and opted out of Marko.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
The claim filing deadline is March 18, 2026. Claims submitted after this date will not be accepted.
How much money can I receive?
The amount depends on the total settlement fund, number of valid claims, and your delivery history during covered periods. Individual payments will vary and cannot be determined until all claims are processed.
How do I file a claim?
Visit DoorDashRestitutionEligibleDrivers.com to file online or download the PDF claim form to mail. You must provide contact information and confirm you opted out of previous settlements.
What documentation do I need?
You need to provide your contact information and confirm your opt-out status from previous settlements. The settlement administrator may request additional documentation if they cannot verify your eligibility through DoorDash records.
When will I receive payment?
Payments will be distributed several months after the March 18, 2026 claim deadline, once the settlement administrator processes all claims and calculates individual payment amounts.
Last Updated: January 18, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
What to Do Next: If you opted out of the Marciano or Marko DoorDash settlements and worked in California during the covered periods, file your claim before March 18, 2026.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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