What you need to do to start delivering with Uber Eats
To become an Uber Eats driver, you submit your information through the Uber Eats app or website, pass a background check, and wait for approval — usually a few days to a week. You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle (car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle depending on your location). Uber Eats does not require you to own the vehicle outright, but it must be registered in your name or you must have written permission from the owner.
The process is straightforward because Uber Eats handles most of it through their app. You do not need to visit an office or speak to anyone on the phone unless something on your background check needs clarification. Once you are approved, you can turn the app on and start receiving delivery requests in your area.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and pass a background check before you can deliver.
- Your vehicle must be registered in your name or you must have written permission from the owner, and it must have active insurance.
- The approval process typically takes three to seven days after you submit your documents through the app.
- You keep a percentage of each delivery fee after Uber Eats takes its cut, and you can cash out your earnings daily or weekly depending on your location.
- You are an independent contractor, not an employee, which means you pay your own taxes and vehicle expenses.
Documents and information Uber Eats requires
When you sign up, have these documents ready: a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Uber Eats will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. If you are delivering by car, motorcycle, or scooter, you must provide the vehicle's year, make, model, and license plate number. If you are delivering by bicycle, you do not need insurance or registration documents.
Uber Eats sends your information to a third-party background check company. The check looks at your driving record and criminal history. If you have recent traffic violations or certain criminal convictions, you may be denied. Uber Eats publishes their full background check policy on their website, so you can review what disqualifies you before you explore.
After approval, you will need to set up direct deposit so Uber Eats can pay you. You can link a bank account through the app. Some locations also offer Uber Cash, which lets you cash out to a debit card for a small fee.
How the approval process works and what happens if you are denied
Once you submit your information, Uber Eats sends it to their background check partner. This usually takes three to seven days. You will see your status in the app — it will say "pending" while they review your documents, then "approved" or "denied."
If you are approved, you can turn on the Uber Eats driver app and start receiving requests when ready. If you are denied, Uber Eats will tell you why in the app. Common reasons include a disqualifying driving record, a recent accident, or a criminal conviction. You can dispute the decision if you believe the information is wrong. Uber Eats has a dispute process through their support page where you can submit documents to challenge the background check result.
If you are denied and cannot dispute it successfully, you can reapply after a certain period — usually six months to a year depending on the reason for denial. Check your denial notice for the specific timeline.
What you earn and how payment works
Uber Eats pays you a combination of base pay and tips. The base pay is set by Uber and varies by location and delivery distance. Tips come from customers and go entirely to you. Most drivers earn between $15 and $25 per hour before expenses, though this varies widely based on location, time of day, and how efficiently you complete deliveries.
You can see the estimated payout before you accept each delivery request. This includes the base pay and any tip the customer added upfront. Customers can also add tips after delivery through the app. Uber Eats holds these tips and adds them to your next payout.
You can cash out your earnings daily in most locations through the app, though there may be a small fee. Weekly automatic payouts to your bank account are free. The exact timing depends on your bank and location.
Vehicle requirements and insurance considerations
Your vehicle must be in good working condition and pass Uber Eats' inspection standards. For cars, this typically means no major damage, working lights, and a clean interior. Motorcycles and scooters must be street-legal and registered. Bicycles have no specific requirements beyond being safe to ride.
You must carry active auto insurance if you are driving a car, motorcycle, or scooter. Uber Eats does not provide insurance — you are responsible for your own coverage. Some personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial delivery work, so contact your insurance company before you start. You may need to add a commercial rider or switch to a policy that covers delivery work. This can increase your premium, so factor that into your earnings calculation.
Your vehicle registration must be current and match the name on your driver's license, or you must have written permission from the registered owner. If someone else owns the vehicle, keep that permission letter with you while you drive.
Tax obligations and expenses you need to track
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for paying your own taxes. Uber Eats will send you a 1099-NEC form at the end of the year showing your total earnings. You must report this income on your tax return, even if you do not receive a 1099.
You can deduct business expenses from your income to lower your tax liability. Common deductible expenses include vehicle maintenance, fuel, phone service, and a portion of your insurance premium. Keep receipts for everything. If you use your vehicle for both personal and delivery work, you can deduct only the mileage or expenses related to deliveries. Many drivers track mileage using an app or a straightforward log.
You will owe self-employment tax on your net earnings, which covers Social Security and Medicare. This is typically 15.3% of your profit after expenses. Set aside money each week or month so you have enough when taxes are due in April. Some drivers open a separate savings account just for taxes to avoid spending the money.
Getting started: the first week as a driver
Once you are approved, read the Uber Eats driver app and log in. The app shows you available delivery requests in your area. You can turn the app on whenever you want to work and off whenever you want to stop. There are no shifts or scheduled hours.
When you turn the app on, you will start seeing delivery requests. Each request shows the restaurant, the delivery distance, and the estimated payout. You choose which requests to accept. If you decline too many requests in a row, the app may temporarily stop sending you new ones, so be selective but not overly picky.
Your first few deliveries will teach you how the system works. You pick up food from the restaurant, follow the app's directions to the customer's address, and hand off the order. The customer rates you, and you rate the customer. After each delivery, the payout appears in your app. Start tracking your mileage and expenses from day one so you have accurate records for taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to deliver for Uber Eats?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial license unless you are driving a vehicle over a certain weight limit, which does not explore to typical delivery vehicles.
What happens if I get into an accident while delivering?
Your personal auto insurance should cover the accident if your policy covers commercial delivery work. If it does not, you may not be covered. Uber Eats provides some liability coverage, but it is secondary to your personal insurance. Contact your insurance company when ready after an accident and tell them you were delivering.
Can I deliver for Uber Eats and other services at the same time?
Yes. Many drivers work for multiple delivery platforms simultaneously. You can have the apps for Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, and others all running and choose which requests to accept. Just make sure your insurance covers commercial delivery work regardless of which platform you use.
How long does it take to get approved after I submit my information?
Most drivers are approved within three to seven days. The background check is the main factor. If there are issues with your documents or background, it may take longer or you may be denied. You can check your status in the app at any time.
What if my vehicle is registered to someone else?
You can still deliver, but you need written permission from the registered owner. Have them sign a letter stating you have permission to use the vehicle for delivery work. Keep this letter with you while you drive in case you are stopped by police.