What You Need to Do to Start Delivering

To deliver for Uber Eats, you sign up through the Uber Driver app, pass a background check, and wait for approval — usually a few days to a week. You'll need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle (car, motorcycle, scooter, or bike, depending on your city). Once approved, you can turn on the app and start accepting delivery orders whenever you want.

The process is straightforward because Uber handles the customer contact, payment, and routing. You pick up food from restaurants, deliver it to customers' addresses, and the app tells you where to go at each step. You keep a percentage of what customers pay, plus tips they add in the app.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and a smartphone with the Uber Driver app to start.
  • The sign-up process includes a background check that typically takes three to seven days.
  • You can work whenever you want — turn the app on to accept orders, turn it off to stop.
  • Your earnings come from Uber's base pay per delivery plus customer tips, which you see before accepting each order.
  • Different cities allow different vehicle types, so check what's permitted in your area before you start.

Documents and Information You'll Need

Have these ready before you start the sign-up process. You'll need your full legal name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Uber will ask for your driver's license number and state, your vehicle's license plate, and your vehicle identification number (VIN) — you can find the VIN on your registration or on the driver's side of your windshield.

You'll also need to upload a photo of your driver's license and a photo of your vehicle's registration. Some cities require proof of vehicle insurance; if yours does, have that document ready too. The app will tell you what's required in your specific area during sign-up.

The Sign-Up and Approval Process

read the Uber Driver app from your phone's app store and tap "Sign up." Enter your email and phone number, then create a password. The app will walk you through entering your personal information, driver's license details, and vehicle information. You'll upload photos of your license and registration at this stage.

After you submit everything, Uber runs a background check. This usually takes three to seven days, though it can be faster or slower depending on your state and local records. You'll get an email or notification in the app when the check is complete. If approved, you can turn on the app and start accepting orders right away. If there's an issue, Uber will tell you what needs to be fixed.

Once you're approved, you don't need to do anything else to stay active — just keep your app updated and your information current. If your license or insurance expires, update it in the app before the expiration date.

How to Accept and Complete Deliveries

Open the Uber Driver app and toggle the switch to "Online." The app will start showing you available delivery orders in your area. Each order shows the restaurant, the delivery distance, Uber's base pay, and the customer's tip. You can see all this information before you accept, so you decide which orders to take.

Tap "Accept" on an order you want. The app gives you the restaurant's address and directions. Drive there, park, and go inside to pick up the order. Some restaurants have a pickup counter; others will hand you a bag when you arrive. Check that the order looks complete — the restaurant usually seals it, but if something seems wrong, ask before you leave.

Once you have the food, the app shows you the customer's address and directions. Drive there and follow the app's instructions for drop-off — some customers want the food left at the door, others want you to hand it to them. Mark the delivery as complete in the app, and you're done. The payment goes into your Uber account, and you can accept another order when ready or take a break.

How You Get Paid and When Money Reaches Your Bank

Uber pays you a base amount per delivery plus the customer's tip. The base pay varies by city and distance — Uber shows you the exact amount before you accept each order. Tips are added by customers in the app after delivery, usually within a few hours, though some add them days later.

Your earnings appear in the "Wallet" section of the Uber Driver app as soon as the delivery is marked complete. You can cash out to your bank account through the app's "Cash Out" feature, which is available multiple times per day. Most transfers take one to two business days, though some banks receive them faster. Uber also offers an optional when ready Cash Out feature in some cities, which charges a small fee but deposits money within minutes.

At the end of each week, Uber sends you a summary of your earnings, tips, and any adjustments. You're responsible for tracking your income for taxes — Uber will send you a 1099 form at the end of the year if you earn over a certain threshold.

Vehicle Types and City Requirements

Most cities allow cars for Uber Eats delivery. Some also allow motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles. The vehicle type you can use depends on where you deliver — check the app during sign-up to see what's permitted in your area.

Your vehicle must have valid registration and insurance. Some cities require the insurance to specifically cover commercial use (delivery work), while others accept standard personal auto insurance. Check your insurance policy or call your provider to confirm what you have covers delivery work. If it doesn't, you may need to add a rider or switch to a commercial policy.

Your vehicle also needs to be in safe working condition — no major damage, working lights, and functioning brakes. Uber may ask you to upload new photos of your vehicle if it changes significantly or if there's damage.

What Happens If Your process Is Denied or Delayed

If your background check comes back with an issue, Uber will email you explaining why. Common reasons include a recent traffic violation, an accident on your driving record, or a mismatch between the name on your license and the name you entered. If there's a mismatch, you can resubmit with the correct information. If it's a driving record issue, you may need to wait — Uber's requirements vary by city, but generally they look at the last three to seven years of your record.

If your process is taking longer than a week, you can contact Uber support through the app. Go to the menu, select "Help," and choose "Account and Sign Up." Explain that your background check is pending and ask for an update. Support can sometimes expedite the process or tell you if there's a specific issue holding it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A standard driver's license is all you need. You only need a commercial license if you're driving a vehicle over a certain weight or carrying passengers for hire — food delivery doesn't require it.

Can I use someone else's car to deliver?

The car must be registered in your name or you must be listed on the insurance. Uber verifies the vehicle matches your account. If you use a car registered to someone else, you won't be able to complete sign-up.

What if I get into an accident while delivering?

Report it to your insurance company first. Then contact Uber support through the app and let them know. Uber has insurance that covers accidents during active deliveries in most cases, but your personal insurance is the primary coverage. Don't admit fault to anyone except police and your insurance company.

Can I deliver for Uber Eats and other services at the same time?

Yes. You can work for Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, or any other delivery service simultaneously. Many drivers use multiple apps to maximize earnings. Just make sure you're not accepting orders from two apps at the same time — complete one delivery before accepting another.

What if a customer says their order didn't arrive or was wrong?

Uber handles the dispute. The customer reports the issue in the app, and Uber investigates. You may be asked to provide photos or details about the delivery. If the restaurant packed the wrong order, that's not your fault — you delivered what they gave you. If you forgot to pick something up, Uber may adjust your pay for that delivery.