What you need to do to start delivering with Uber Eats
To become an Uber Eats driver, you create an account on the Uber Eats app or website, provide your personal information and documents, pass a background check, and then you can start accepting delivery orders. The process takes a few days to a couple of weeks depending on how quickly your background check clears. You'll need a smartphone, a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle — either a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle depending on what's available in your area.
Uber Eats lets you work on your own schedule. You choose when to open the app and start accepting orders, and you can stop whenever you want. You keep a portion of what customers pay, though Uber takes a cut and may deduct fees for things like tolls or damage claims.
Key Takeaways
- You need a smartphone, valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle to start delivering.
- The sign-up process requires a background check that typically takes a few days to two weeks to complete.
- You can choose your own hours and work as much or as little as you want each week.
- Your earnings come from delivery fees and customer tips, minus Uber's commission and any applicable charges.
- Different vehicle types are available in different cities — cars, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles all have separate driver programs.
Documents and information you'll need to provide
When you sign up, Uber asks for your full name, email address, phone number, and date of birth. You'll also need to provide your Social Security number so Uber can run a background check. Have your driver's license ready — Uber will ask for the number, issue date, and expiration date.
You'll need to upload a photo of your driver's license and a photo of your vehicle's insurance card. If you're driving a car, you'll also need to upload photos of your vehicle from the front, back, and sides. Uber uses these to confirm the vehicle matches what you registered. Make sure the photos are clear and all text is readable.
If you're using a motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle, the document requirements are simpler — you still need your driver's license and insurance (though some areas don't require insurance for bicycles), but you won't need vehicle registration documents.
How the background check works
Uber uses a third-party company to run a background check on all new drivers. The check looks at your driving history, criminal history, and sex offender registry. The whole process usually takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if there are delays or if the company needs to verify information.
You'll get an email when the background check is complete. If you pass, you can start accepting orders right away. If there are issues, Uber will tell you what they found and whether you can still drive. Some things automatically disqualify you — like certain felonies or a history of violent crimes — while other issues might just delay your start date while Uber reviews them.
If your background check is denied, you can contact Uber's support team to ask about the specific reason and whether you have options to appeal.
Setting up your payment method and bank account
Before you can cash out your earnings, you need to add a bank account to your Uber Eats driver account. Go to the earnings or wallet section of the app, select "Add a bank account," and enter your routing number and account number. You can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
Uber deposits your earnings on a weekly schedule — usually every Monday or Tuesday, depending on your location. You don't have to wait until you reach a certain amount; Uber pays out whatever you've earned that week. Some drivers also use Uber's when ready cash-out feature, which lets you withdraw money more frequently for a small fee.
Make sure the bank account is in your name and that the routing and account numbers are correct. If you enter the wrong information, the deposit will fail and you'll have to update it before trying again.
Choosing your vehicle type and getting started
After your background check passes, you'll choose what type of vehicle you want to use. In most cities, you can deliver with a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle. Each option has different requirements and may earn different amounts per delivery.
Car deliveries are available in the most cities and usually pay the most per order. Motorcycles and scooters are faster in traffic and use less gas, but they're only available in certain areas. Bicycles are available in many urban neighborhoods and don't require insurance or a driver's license, though you do need to be at least 18 years old.
Once you've selected your vehicle type and everything is approved, you can open the Uber Eats driver app and start accepting orders. The app shows you available deliveries nearby, tells you the restaurant, the delivery distance, and the estimated payment. You choose which orders to accept.
What happens on your first deliveries
When you accept an order, the app gives you the restaurant's address and the customer's delivery address. You drive to the restaurant, pick up the order (the restaurant staff will hand it to you), and then drive it to the customer. The app guides you with turn-by-turn directions.
After you deliver the food, you mark the delivery as complete in the app and take a photo of the order at the customer's door (or hand it to them directly). The customer can then rate you and leave a tip. Tips usually come through the app, though some customers leave cash.
Your earnings for each delivery are shown in the app before you accept it. You can see the breakdown: how much Uber is paying you, what the customer's tip is (if they tipped upfront), and any bonuses or promotions running that day. Keep in mind that the tip amount shown before delivery can change — customers can adjust tips after delivery is complete.
Insurance, vehicle maintenance, and ongoing requirements
You're responsible for maintaining your own vehicle and keeping your insurance current. Your personal auto insurance must cover commercial delivery work — standard personal policies often don't. Some drivers buy a commercial rideshare insurance policy, which costs extra but covers you while you're working.
Uber doesn't provide vehicle maintenance, gas, or repairs. Those are your costs. You'll also be responsible for any tolls, parking fees, or traffic tickets you get while delivering.
Your driver's license and insurance must stay valid at all times. If either expires, Uber will pause your account until you upload updated documents. The same goes for your vehicle registration — if it expires, you can't drive until you update it in the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I need to be to drive for Uber Eats?
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license if you're driving a car, motorcycle, or scooter. Bicycle deliveries also require you to be 18, but you don't need a driver's license for that option.
Can I use someone else's car to deliver?
No. The car you register must be in your name, and you must be the one driving it. Uber checks the vehicle's registration during sign-up and may verify it matches your account.
What if I get into an accident while delivering?
Report it to your insurance company and to Uber through the app. Uber has insurance that covers accidents while you're actively on a delivery, but your personal insurance is the primary coverage. The specifics depend on your policy and your location.
How much can I earn as an Uber Eats driver?
Earnings vary widely based on your city, the time of day, demand, and how many orders you accept. Uber shows you the estimated payment for each order before you accept it, so you can see what you'll earn. Tips are separate and can significantly increase your total.
Can I drive for Uber Eats and other delivery services at the same time?
Yes. Many drivers work for multiple delivery platforms like DoorDash, Instacart, or Grubhub at the same time. You can have the apps open and choose which orders to accept from each one.