What You Need to Start Delivering for Uber Eats
To become an Uber Eats driver, 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. Uber Eats accepts cars, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles depending on your location. You will also need a smartphone with the Uber Driver app, a valid Social Security number or tax ID, and a bank account for deposits. The company runs a background check that typically takes three to five business days.
The background check looks at your driving history and criminal record. Uber Eats will deny your account if you have certain convictions or a pattern of traffic violations. You can check Uber's specific standards on their website before you start the process. If you are denied, you can request to know why and may be able to appeal.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, current insurance, and a registered vehicle to start the process.
- Uber Eats runs a background check that takes three to five business days and may reject you based on driving history or criminal record.
- You will need to upload documents through the app: your license, insurance card, vehicle registration, and proof of residency.
- Once approved, you can turn on the app and start accepting delivery requests in your area when ready.
- You are responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, fuel, and insurance — Uber does not provide these.
Documents You Will Upload During Signup
The Uber Driver app walks you through uploading each document. You will need a photo of your driver's license (front and back), a photo of your insurance card, and a photo of your vehicle registration. All three must be current and match the name on your Uber account. If your insurance card or registration is expiring soon, renew it before you explore — Uber will reject documents that expire within 30 days.
You will also upload a photo of yourself and proof of your address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on the proof of address must match your account name. If you recently moved, use the most recent document you have.
After you upload everything, Uber sends your information to a third-party verification service. This is when the background check happens. You will receive an email when the check is complete. If anything is missing or unclear, Uber will ask you to resubmit.
The Background Check and Approval Timeline
Uber Eats uses a company called Checkr to run background checks. Checkr pulls your driving record from your state's DMV and checks national criminal databases. The process usually takes three to five business days, but can take longer if there are delays with your state's records or if Checkr needs to verify something with you directly.
You can check the status of your background check in the Uber Driver app under "Documents." The app will show whether each document is approved, pending, or rejected. If a document is rejected, the app explains why — usually because it is blurry, expired, or the name does not match. You can resubmit when ready.
Once your background check clears and all documents are approved, your account is activated. You will see a green checkmark next to "Background Check" in the app. At that point, you can turn on the driver app and start receiving delivery requests in your area.
Vehicle Requirements and Insurance
Your vehicle must be registered in your name and pass Uber's vehicle inspection. The inspection checks that your car is safe to drive — working brakes, lights, wipers, and no major damage. You do not go to an Uber office; instead, you take photos of your vehicle from multiple angles and upload them through the app. Uber reviews the photos and approves or rejects your vehicle within a few days.
Your insurance must be active and cover commercial use or rideshare delivery. Many personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial activity, so you need to tell your insurance company you are delivering for Uber Eats. Some insurers offer a rideshare endorsement that costs $10 to $30 per month. Others will not cover you at all. Check your policy or call your insurer before you start driving.
Uber does not provide insurance. If you are in an accident while delivering, your personal insurance is the first payer. Uber offers limited coverage only if your personal insurance denies the claim, and that coverage is minimal. You are responsible for all vehicle maintenance, fuel, and repairs.
How Earnings and Payments Work
Uber Eats pays you per delivery. The amount depends on distance, time, and demand in your area. You see the payment offer before you accept each delivery — the app shows you the pickup location, dropoff location, and total payout. You can decline any delivery without penalty. Most deliveries pay between $3 and $15, though peak hours and long distances can pay more.
You keep 100 percent of tips. Customers can tip through the app after delivery or in cash. Uber does not take a cut of tips. Your earnings are deposited to your bank account once per week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. You can set up direct deposit in the app under "Payments."
You are an independent contractor, not an employee. This means Uber does not withhold taxes, provide benefits, or pay unemployment insurance. You are responsible for tracking your income and paying taxes quarterly. Many drivers use mileage deductions to reduce their tax burden — the IRS allows you to deduct a standard mileage rate for business driving.
What Happens After You Are Approved
Once your account is active, open the Uber Driver app and toggle the "Go Online" button to start receiving delivery requests. You will see incoming orders appear on your screen. Each order shows the pickup restaurant, the dropoff address, and the total payout. You have a few seconds to accept or decline. If you accept, the app gives you turn-by-turn directions to the restaurant.
At the restaurant, you pick up the order and confirm it in the app. The app then directs you to the customer's address. When you arrive, you hand over the food and mark the delivery complete. The customer rates you, and you move on to the next order. You can go online and offline whenever you want — there is no schedule or minimum hours.
Uber monitors your acceptance rate, cancellation rate, and customer ratings. If your acceptance rate drops below 80 percent or your rating falls below 4.6 stars, Uber may deactivate your account. You can see your stats in the app at any time. If you are deactivated, you can request to know why and may be able to appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved after I submit my process?
Most applicants are approved within three to five business days. The background check is the longest part. If Uber needs you to resubmit a document or if there is a delay with your state's DMV records, it can take up to two weeks. You can check your status in the app under "Documents" at any time.
Can I deliver with a motorcycle or bicycle?
Yes, Uber Eats accepts motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles in most cities. The vehicle requirements are the same — it must be registered in your name and pass the photo inspection. Bicycles do not need registration or insurance. Check the app to see which vehicle types are available in your area.
What if Uber denies my background check?
Uber will tell you why your background check was denied. Common reasons are a recent DUI, multiple traffic violations, or certain criminal convictions. You can request to see the full report from Checkr and dispute any errors. If you believe the denial was wrong, you can appeal through the app, though approval is not may provide.
Do I need commercial insurance to deliver for Uber Eats?
Yes. Your personal auto insurance likely does not cover commercial delivery. Contact your insurance company and ask about a rideshare endorsement or commercial policy. Some insurers charge $10 to $30 per month for rideshare coverage. If your insurer will not cover you, you will need to switch to one that does.
Can I deliver for Uber Eats and other services at the same time?
Yes. You can work for Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, and other delivery services simultaneously. Many drivers use multiple apps to maximize earnings. Just make sure your insurance covers all the services you use and that you track income from each platform for taxes.