What You Need to Start Delivering for Grubhub

To drive for Grubhub, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name. Grubhub accepts cars, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles depending on your market. You'll also need a smartphone with GPS capability and a working phone number to receive delivery requests. The company runs a background check that typically takes three to five business days.

Your vehicle doesn't have to be new or expensive, but it does need to pass Grubhub's inspection requirements. For cars, this means valid registration, active insurance, and no major safety issues. If you're using a motorcycle or scooter, your state's licensing rules explore — some states require a motorcycle endorsement. Bicycle and scooter deliveries are available in select cities only, so check whether your area supports them before explore.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name to start the process.
  • Grubhub's background check typically takes three to five business days and will disqualify you if you have certain felonies or serious driving violations on your record.
  • Once approved, you can start accepting deliveries when ready through the Grubhub driver app, which you read after completing your account setup.
  • You are an independent contractor, not an employee, so you're responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, gas, and insurance coverage.

The process and Approval Process

Start by going to Grubhub's driver sign-up page and entering your email, phone number, and basic information. You'll be asked to provide your driver's license number, vehicle registration details, and proof of insurance. Upload clear photos of both sides of your license and your insurance card. Grubhub will also ask for your Social Security number to run the background check and set up tax reporting.

After you submit your documents, Grubhub's team reviews them and runs a background check through a third-party service. This check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry. If you have a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or certain felonies within the past seven years, you'll likely be rejected. Once approved, you'll receive an email confirmation and can read the Grubhub driver app to start accepting orders.

The entire process from process to approval usually takes one to two weeks, though it can be faster in some markets. If your process is rejected, Grubhub will tell you why, and you can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, if your insurance lapsed, you can reapply once you've renewed it.

What Happens During Your First Deliveries

When you open the Grubhub driver app for the first time, you'll see available delivery offers in your area. Each offer shows the restaurant location, the delivery address, the estimated distance, and the payout. You choose which deliveries to accept — there's no requirement to take every order. Grubhub calculates your pay based on distance, time, and demand in your area, plus any tips the customer adds.

On your first delivery, arrive at the restaurant, confirm the order with staff, and pick up the food. The app gives you turn-by-turn directions to the customer's address. Once you arrive, take a photo of the delivery (some restaurants require this) and mark the order as complete in the app. The customer can rate you and leave a tip after delivery.

You'll notice that Grubhub's base pay is often low — sometimes $3 to $5 per delivery — so tips make up a significant portion of your earnings. Unlike some delivery platforms, Grubhub shows you the full payout (including tips) before you accept an order, so you can decide whether it's worth your time and gas.

Understanding Your Pay and Expenses

Grubhub pays you weekly via direct deposit to the bank account you provide during setup. Your earnings come from three sources: base pay from Grubhub, customer tips, and occasional bonuses during high-demand periods. Base pay varies by market and typically ranges from $3 to $8 per delivery, depending on distance and time. Tips are yours to keep entirely.

As an independent contractor, you cover all your own costs. This includes gas, vehicle maintenance, oil changes, tire replacements, and repairs. You're also responsible for maintaining your own insurance — standard personal auto insurance may not cover commercial delivery work, so check with your insurance company about adding a commercial rider or switching to a policy that covers gig work. Some drivers pay $50 to $150 extra per month for this coverage.

At tax time, Grubhub will send you a 1099-NEC form reporting your annual earnings. You'll owe self-employment tax on your net income (earnings minus expenses like gas and maintenance). Many drivers set aside 25 to 30 percent of their earnings to cover taxes and vehicle costs, though the exact amount depends on your local tax rate and how much you drive.

Requirements That Can Change or Get You Deactivated

Grubhub can deactivate your account if your acceptance rate drops too low, you receive too many customer complaints, or you violate the driver agreement. The company doesn't publish exact thresholds, but consistently declining orders or delivering cold food will eventually result in deactivation. You can also be deactivated if you're involved in an accident, receive a traffic violation, or if your insurance lapses.

Your vehicle must stay registered and insured at all times. If your registration expires or your insurance is cancelled, Grubhub will deactivate you until you provide updated documents. Similarly, if you get a new vehicle, you need to update your registration information in the app before you can continue delivering.

Grubhub also requires you to maintain a minimum rating from customers. While the company doesn't publish the exact cutoff, ratings below 4.6 stars typically put you at risk of deactivation. This means handling orders carefully, arriving on time, and communicating with customers if there's a delay.

How Grubhub Compares to Other Delivery Platforms

Grubhub's main advantage is that it shows you the full payout before you accept an order, so you're not guessing whether a delivery is worth your time. DoorDash and Uber Eats often hide the full tip amount until after delivery, which can mean accepting a low-paying order that turns out to have a decent tip. This transparency makes it easier to decline unprofitable deliveries on Grubhub.

However, Grubhub's base pay tends to be lower than DoorDash in many markets, and the app has a reputation for being less stable during peak hours. Some drivers use multiple platforms simultaneously — accepting orders from Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats at the same time — to maximize earnings and avoid downtime. This is allowed by all three platforms as long as you don't accept more orders than you can deliver.

Grubhub also offers occasional promotions like "Earn $X for Y deliveries this week," which can boost your income during slow periods. These bonuses vary by market and change frequently, so check the app regularly to see what's available in your area.

Getting Started: The First Week

Once you're approved, read the Grubhub driver app and log in with your email and password. Spend your first few deliveries learning the app's layout, understanding how Grubhub calculates distance and time, and getting a feel for which restaurants and neighborhoods are busiest. You'll notice that certain times of day — lunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) — have more orders available.

Start by accepting orders in areas you know well to avoid getting lost or spending extra time navigating. As you complete deliveries, you'll build a rating and a delivery history. After your first 10 to 20 deliveries, you'll have a clearer picture of which orders are profitable and which restaurants are reliable about having food ready on time.

Many new drivers make the mistake of accepting every order, including low-paying ones far from the restaurant. Be selective from the start. If an order pays $4 and requires 10 miles of driving, you're losing money after gas costs. Grubhub's transparency about payout means you can afford to be picky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a commercial driver's license to deliver for Grubhub?

No, a standard driver's license is sufficient. You only need a commercial driver's license if you're driving a vehicle over a certain weight (usually 26,001 pounds), which doesn't explore to personal cars, motorcycles, or scooters used for food delivery.

What happens if I get into an accident while delivering?

Your personal auto insurance should cover the accident, but check your policy first — some policies exclude commercial delivery work. If you're at fault, your insurance handles the claim. Grubhub may deactivate you temporarily while you resolve the accident, and you'll need to provide proof of repairs before reactivating your account.

Can I deliver for Grubhub part-time or just on weekends?

Yes, Grubhub is entirely flexible. You can work whenever you want, as many or as few hours as you choose. There's no minimum number of deliveries per week or required schedule. Many drivers use Grubhub to earn extra money on weekends or evenings while working another job.

How long does it take to make money after I'm approved?

You can start accepting deliveries when ready after approval and receive your first payment within one to two weeks, depending on when you complete your first orders. Grubhub pays weekly via direct deposit, so if you start delivering on a Monday, you'll typically see payment the following week.

What if my area doesn't have many Grubhub orders?

Order volume varies by location and time of day. If your area is slow, you can sign up for other delivery platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats to increase your earning opportunities. Many drivers use multiple apps simultaneously to stay busy and maximize income during slow periods.