What You Need to explore for Uber Eats
Uber Eats accepts drivers with a personal vehicle, a bicycle, or a scooter, depending on what's available in your area. The baseline requirements are straightforward: you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid government-issued ID, and pass a background check. If you're driving a car, you'll need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. Bicycle and scooter couriers skip the vehicle documents but still need the ID and background clearance.
The process itself happens entirely online through the Uber Eats app or website. You'll create an account, upload documents, and wait for Uber to review everything. The whole process typically takes one to two weeks, though it can stretch longer if your documents are unclear or if the background check needs additional review.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid ID, proof of insurance (for car drivers), and vehicle registration, plus you must be at least 18 and pass a background check.
- The process is entirely online through the Uber Eats app or website, and you upload all documents yourself without visiting an office.
- Background checks typically take one to two weeks, but can take longer if documents are unclear or if the check flags something that needs review.
- Once approved, you can start accepting deliveries when ready, but you won't see earnings until your first week of work is complete.
- Uber Eats does not reimburse vehicle expenses, insurance, or maintenance, so factor those costs into whether the pay works for you.
Step-by-Step process Process
Start by downloading the Uber Eats app or going to ubereats.com and selecting "Become a Delivery Partner" or "Sign Up to Deliver." You'll create an account with your email address and phone number. Uber will send a verification code to your phone—enter it to confirm.
Next, you'll enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, and address. This must match your government ID exactly. Upload a photo of your ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Make sure the photo is clear, well-lit, and shows all four corners of the document. Blurry or cropped photos cause delays.
If you're driving a car, upload a photo of your insurance card and vehicle registration. Both documents must be current and show your name or an address matching your process. Some states require additional documents like proof of vehicle inspection—Uber will tell you during the process if your state needs these.
You'll also provide your Social Security number, which Uber uses for the background check and tax reporting. After you submit everything, Uber's system reviews your documents for completeness. If something is missing or unclear, you'll receive an email asking you to resubmit. Check your email daily during this period.
The Background Check and Approval Timeline
Uber runs a background check through a third-party company, typically checking your driving record (for car drivers), criminal history, and sex offender registry. The check usually takes three to five business days, but can take up to two weeks if the company needs to verify information or if your record requires manual review.
You'll receive an email when the background check is complete. If you're approved, the email will say you're cleared to start delivering. If something on your background comes back that concerns Uber, you'll get a separate email explaining what was found and whether you can appeal. Uber's criteria are strict about certain convictions and driving violations, so if you're denied, the email will explain why.
During the waiting period, you can't see delivery requests or start earning. Some drivers explore and get approved within a week; others wait the full two weeks. There's no way to speed this up—it depends on how quickly the background check company processes your information.
Document Requirements by Delivery Method
| Delivery Method | Required Documents | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Driver's license, insurance card, vehicle registration | Insurance must list you as a driver; some states require proof of inspection |
| Bicycle | Government-issued ID only | No vehicle documents needed; background check still required |
| Scooter/Motorcycle | Driver's license, insurance, registration | Requirements vary by state; check local regulations before explore |
Common Reasons Applications Get Delayed or Denied
Blurry or incomplete photos are the most common cause of delays. If Uber can't read your ID clearly, they'll ask you to resubmit. Take photos in good lighting, make sure all four corners of the document are visible, and avoid glare from phone flash.
Name mismatches between your ID and your process cause rejections. Your full legal name on your ID must match exactly what you enter in the app. If you've changed your name, you may need to provide legal documentation of the change.
Insurance issues are common for car drivers. Your insurance card must show you as a named driver, and the policy must be active. Some insurance companies exclude commercial delivery work, so check your policy before explore. If your insurance doesn't cover delivery, you'll need to switch to a policy that does or use a commercial rideshare insurance add-on.
Background check concerns can result in denial. Uber typically denies applications for serious felonies, certain driving violations (like a DUI in the past three to seven years, depending on your state), or multiple traffic violations. If you're denied, you can appeal through the email Uber sends you, but the decision is usually final.
What Happens After Approval
Once approved, you'll see a "Start Delivering" button in the app. You can turn on your availability and start accepting orders when ready. Your first deliveries may come slowly as the app learns your preferences and location, but you should see requests within a few hours of going online.
Uber doesn't pay you until your first week of deliveries is complete. After that, earnings are deposited to your bank account every week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. You'll see a breakdown of your earnings in the app, including base pay per delivery, tips, and any promotions Uber is running in your area.
Keep in mind that Uber Eats does not reimburse gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, or phone data. These are your expenses to cover. Many drivers find that after accounting for these costs, the hourly rate is lower than it appears in the app. Calculate your actual profit by subtracting vehicle expenses from your weekly earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the background check actually take?
Most background checks finish within three to five business days. If Uber needs to verify something or if your record requires manual review, it can stretch to two weeks. You'll receive an email when it's complete, whether approved or denied. There's no way to check the status mid-process—you have to wait for the email.
Can I deliver with someone else's car or insurance?
No. Your name must appear on the insurance card and vehicle registration. Uber verifies this during the background check. If you're caught delivering with a vehicle registered to someone else, your account will be deactivated and you won't be paid for those deliveries.
What if my background check comes back with something I didn't expect?
Uber will email you explaining what was found. You can appeal through the link in that email, providing additional context or documentation. Appeals are reviewed by a person, not automatically, but Uber's decision is usually final. If you're denied, you can reapply after a certain period (usually six months to a year), but there's no may provide the outcome will change.
Do I need commercial insurance to deliver for Uber Eats?
Personal auto insurance typically does not cover commercial delivery work. You'll need either a commercial policy or a rideshare insurance add-on from your current provider. Check your policy before explore—if it doesn't cover delivery, you'll need to switch before you can be approved. Some insurance companies offer cheap add-ons specifically for gig work.
Can I use a rental car or a car I'm financing?
Yes, as long as your name is on the registration and insurance. For financed vehicles, your name should appear on the title or registration. For rentals, you'll need written permission from the rental company, and your name must be on the rental agreement. Some rental companies prohibit commercial delivery work, so check your agreement first.