What you need to do to start delivering with Uber Eats
To become an Uber Eats driver, you sign up through the Uber Eats app or website, provide personal information and documents, pass a background check, and then you can start accepting delivery orders. The whole process typically takes one to two weeks from the moment you submit your information to your first delivery. You'll need a smartphone, a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle or bicycle depending on which delivery method you choose in your area.
Uber Eats lets you work on your own schedule — you turn the app on when you want to work and off when you don't. You keep a percentage of what customers pay for each delivery, minus Uber's commission and any applicable fees. How much you earn depends on the delivery distance, the time of day, and how many orders are available in your area.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and own or have access to a vehicle or bicycle to deliver.
- The sign-up process requires a government-issued ID, proof of vehicle insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID for background checks.
- Uber runs a background check that typically takes three to five business days, and you cannot start delivering until it clears.
- You earn money per delivery based on distance and demand, and Uber takes a commission from each order you complete.
- You are responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, gas or bike upkeep, and any damage to your car during deliveries.
Age, license, and vehicle requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license issued by your state or country. If you plan to deliver by car, you need to own or have regular access to a vehicle that is in working condition. If you plan to deliver by bicycle or scooter (available in some cities), you don't need a driver's license but still must be 18.
Your vehicle must be insured. Uber requires proof of active auto insurance that covers you while you're driving for deliveries. Your personal auto insurance policy may or may not cover commercial delivery work — check with your insurance company before you sign up. Some drivers purchase a separate commercial or rideshare insurance policy to make sure they're covered.
The vehicle itself has no strict age limit set by Uber, but it must be safe and roadworthy. You are responsible for keeping it maintained, paying for gas, and covering any repairs. Wear and tear from deliveries is your cost, not Uber's.
Documents and information you'll need to provide
When you sign up, Uber asks for your legal name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. You'll also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) so Uber can run a background check and report your earnings to the IRS at the end of the year.
You'll upload a photo of your driver's license (front and back) and a photo of your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance. If you're delivering by car, you may also need to upload a photo of yourself for the app. Make sure all documents are clear and readable — blurry or cut-off photos can delay your sign-up.
Uber also asks for your bank account information so it can deposit your earnings. You'll need a U.S. bank account in your name. Uber typically deposits your pay weekly, though the exact day depends on your bank.
How the background check works
After you submit your information, Uber sends it to a third-party background check company. This company checks your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry. The background check typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if there are delays or if Uber needs to verify information.
You cannot start delivering until the background check clears. Uber will notify you by email or in the app when it's complete. If the background check is denied, Uber will tell you why and may give you the option to dispute the result if you believe there's an error.
Background check requirements vary slightly by location. Some cities or states have additional rules about what disqualifies a driver. If you have questions about your specific situation, you can contact Uber support through the app before you sign up.
Setting up your payment method and tax information
You'll need a U.S. bank account to receive your earnings. During sign-up, you provide your routing number and account number so Uber can deposit your weekly pay directly. Make sure the account is in your name and that you have access to it.
Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form at the end of each tax year if you earned more than $600. This form reports your income to the IRS. You are responsible for paying taxes on your Uber Eats earnings — Uber does not withhold taxes automatically. Many drivers set aside a portion of each week's pay to cover taxes, or they work with a tax professional to understand their obligations.
You can view your earnings in the Uber Eats app anytime. The app shows you how much you've made per delivery, your total for the week, and your lifetime earnings. You can also see a breakdown of Uber's commission and any fees.
How to set up your account and start taking orders
Once your background check clears, your account is active. Open the Uber Eats driver app on your smartphone and log in with the email and password you created during sign-up. The app shows a map of your area with restaurants and active delivery requests.
To start receiving orders, toggle the "Go Online" button in the app. You'll start seeing delivery requests pop up in real time. You can accept or decline each request — there's no penalty for declining. When you accept an order, the app gives you the restaurant's location, the customer's delivery address, and the estimated pay for that delivery.
You pick up the food from the restaurant, follow the app's navigation to the customer's address, and complete the delivery. After you drop off the order, mark it as delivered in the app. The customer can rate you, and you can rate the customer and the restaurant.
Understanding how you get paid
Your pay for each delivery comes from three sources: a base amount Uber sets, a distance and time component, and any surge pricing or promotions active at that moment. The app shows you the estimated pay before you accept the order, though the final amount may be slightly different.
Uber takes a commission from each delivery — typically 25 to 30 percent of the order total, though this varies by location and can change. You also don't receive tips that customers add through the app until after you complete the delivery. Some customers tip in cash at the door, which is yours to keep.
Your weekly earnings are deposited into your bank account every week, usually on the same day. You can also cash out your earnings more frequently through Uber's when ready cash-out feature, though there may be a small fee for using it.
What happens if you're deactivated or want to stop
Uber can deactivate your account if you violate its community guidelines — for example, if you have too many customer complaints, a safety incident, or poor ratings over time. Uber will notify you if your account is at risk and give you a chance to improve. If you're deactivated, you lose access to the app and cannot accept new orders.
If you want to stop delivering, you can straightforward stop logging into the app. There's no contract or notice period required. Your account will remain inactive, and you can reactivate it later by logging back in, though you may need to pass another background check if too much time has passed.
If you're deactivated and believe it was a mistake, you can contact Uber support through the app to appeal. Uber reviews appeals on a case-by-case basis, but reactivation is not may provide.
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 only need a commercial driver's license (CDL) if you're driving a vehicle over a certain weight limit, which does not explore to food delivery.
Can I use someone else's car to deliver?
You can use a car you don't own, but the insurance and registration must be in the owner's name or must explicitly cover you as an authorized driver. Uber may ask you to confirm who owns the vehicle. The owner is responsible for the vehicle's condition and insurance.
What if I get in an accident while delivering?
Report it to your insurance company and to Uber through the app. Your personal auto insurance should cover the accident, though you'll want to confirm that your policy covers commercial delivery work. Uber does not cover vehicle damage.
How much do Uber Eats drivers typically earn?
Earnings vary widely depending on your location, the time of day you work, and how many orders are available. Drivers in busy cities during peak hours typically earn more than drivers in rural areas or during slow times. There's no may provide minimum pay per hour or per delivery.
Can I deliver for Uber Eats and other services at the same time?
Yes. Many drivers work for multiple delivery services simultaneously. You can have the apps for Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, and others all active at the same time and choose which orders to accept based on pay and location.