What you need to do to start delivering for Uber Eats

To become an Uber Eats driver, you create an account on the Uber Driver app, provide personal information and documents that Uber verifies, pass a background check, and then you can start accepting delivery orders. The process takes roughly one to two weeks from process to your first delivery, though the background check timing varies by location.

You do not need to own a car, have a commercial license, or work set hours. Uber Eats accepts drivers using cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters. You choose when and where you work, and you keep the earnings from each delivery minus Uber's commission and any platform fees.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid government ID, and pass a background check that Uber runs through a third-party service.
  • The documents Uber requires depend on your vehicle type: a driver's license and vehicle registration for cars, a state ID for bicycles or scooters.
  • Your bank account information is required so Uber can deposit your earnings, usually within one to three business days after each week of deliveries.
  • You can use any vehicle you own or have permission to use, and you are responsible for fuel, maintenance, insurance, and any tolls or parking costs.

Age, identity, and background check requirements

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued photo ID. Uber uses a third-party background check company to review your driving history, criminal history, and sex offender registry status. The company Uber uses varies by state and region.

If you have a criminal conviction, a suspended or revoked license, or multiple traffic violations, Uber may deny your account. Uber does not publish a specific list of offenses that automatically disqualify you, so the outcome depends on the details of your record and how recent the incidents are. You can contact Uber support to ask about your specific situation before you submit your process.

Documents you need based on vehicle type

The documents Uber requires change depending on how you plan to deliver. For a car, you need a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. For a motorcycle, you need the same three documents plus a motorcycle endorsement on your license. For a bicycle or scooter, you need only a state-issued ID — no vehicle documents.

All documents must be current and match the name on your Uber account. If your license or registration has expired, you will need to renew it before Uber will verify your account. Uber accepts photos of documents taken with a phone camera, but the image must be clear enough to read all text and numbers.

How the verification process works

After you enter your information in the Uber Driver app, Uber's system checks your documents against government records and runs the background check. This automated step usually takes a few hours to a few days. If Uber needs more information or cannot verify a document, you will receive an email or in-app message asking you to resubmit or clarify.

Once Uber approves your account, you can log into the Uber Eats app and start receiving delivery requests in your area. Some cities have additional local requirements — for example, a health permit or a city business license — and Uber will tell you during signup if your location requires these. You are responsible for obtaining any local permits before you start working.

Insurance and vehicle responsibility

Uber does not provide vehicle insurance. You are responsible for maintaining your own auto insurance or renters insurance (for bicycles and scooters), and your personal policy must cover commercial use. Many personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial delivery work, so you should contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage or add a commercial rider.

You also pay for all vehicle costs: fuel or electricity, maintenance, repairs, registration renewal, and any tolls or parking fees. These costs reduce your net earnings. Uber does not reimburse mileage or provide vehicle maintenance support, though some drivers deduct these expenses on their taxes as business costs.

How earnings and payment work

Uber calculates your pay based on distance, time, and demand in your area. You see the estimated payment before you accept each delivery. Uber takes a commission from each order, and you receive the remainder. The commission percentage varies by city and changes periodically.

Uber deposits your earnings into your bank account once per week, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. The deposit covers all deliveries you completed in the previous week. You can view your earnings breakdown in the Uber Driver app, which shows each delivery's payment, Uber's commission, and any bonuses or promotions you earned.

What happens after you are approved

Once your account is active, you log into the Uber Eats driver app and toggle yourself online. The app then shows you delivery requests from restaurants and customers in your area. You choose which requests to accept, and the app gives you the restaurant location, customer address, and estimated payment before you commit.

You pick up the order from the restaurant, follow the app's navigation to the customer's address, and confirm delivery in the app. The customer rates you after each delivery, and your average rating affects which orders you see. Ratings below 4.6 stars can result in account deactivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the background check take?

Most background checks complete within three to five business days, though some take up to two weeks depending on your state and the third-party company Uber uses. You can check the status in the Uber Driver app under your account settings. If the check is delayed, contact Uber support for an update.

Can I use a car that is not registered in my name?

Yes, but the person whose name is on the registration must give you written permission, and you must provide that permission letter to Uber. The vehicle must still pass Uber's inspection requirements and be insured for commercial use. Some insurance companies require the registered owner to be present when you add a commercial rider.

What if Uber denies my account?

Uber sends a reason for denial in an email. Common reasons include a background check issue, an expired or invalid ID, or a vehicle that does not meet requirements. You can contact Uber support to ask for details and find out whether you can reapply after addressing the issue.

Do I have to work full-time?

No. You control your own schedule and can work as many or as few hours as you want. Many drivers work part-time around other jobs. You can turn the app on and off whenever you choose, and there is no minimum number of deliveries you must complete each week.

What if I get into an accident while delivering?

Your personal auto insurance is responsible for covering the accident. Uber does not provide collision or liability coverage. Report the accident to your insurance company and to Uber through the app. Depending on the damage and your insurance, you may need to stop delivering until your vehicle is repaired.