What you need to do to start delivering for Uber Eats

To become an Uber Eats driver, you create an account on the Uber app or website, submit documents that verify your identity and driving record, pass a background check, and wait for approval — which usually takes a few days to two weeks. You'll need a smartphone, a vehicle (car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle depending on your location), a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID. Once approved, you can start accepting delivery orders in your area.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you're delivering by car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle. Car and motorcycle drivers face stricter background check requirements than cyclists. Some cities also have additional local rules about vehicle registration or commercial permits that Uber will tell you about during signup.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license (for car, motorcycle, or scooter delivery), and pass a background check that reviews your driving and criminal history.
  • The documents you submit — license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration — are verified through third-party services, and Uber will reject incomplete or expired documents.
  • Background checks take three to five business days on average, but can take longer if the service needs to verify information with your state or if your history requires manual review.
  • Once approved, you can turn the app on and start accepting orders when ready, but you only earn money when you accept and complete a delivery.
  • Your vehicle must meet Uber's insurance requirements, which vary by state and delivery type — standard personal auto insurance often does not cover commercial delivery.

Documents and requirements for each delivery type

The documents you need depend on how you plan to deliver. For car delivery, you'll submit your driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and vehicle inspection documents (in some states). For motorcycle or scooter delivery, you need a valid motorcycle or moped license endorsement, registration, and insurance. Bicycle delivery requires only your driver's license or state ID and proof of address.

All documents must be current and match the name on your Uber account. Expired documents will be rejected, and you'll need to resubmit. Proof of insurance is the document most often flagged — it must show your name as the policyholder or named driver, and it must cover the vehicle you'll use for deliveries. Many personal auto policies exclude commercial use, so check with your insurance company before you submit.

You'll upload documents directly in the Uber app during signup. Uber uses third-party verification services to check that your license is valid and that your vehicle registration and insurance match your vehicle. If there's a mismatch — for example, if your insurance lists a different vehicle — you'll be asked to resubmit.

Background check process and what disqualifies you

Uber runs a background check through a third-party service that reviews your criminal history and driving record. The check covers the past seven years for most offenses. You'll be asked to authorize the check when you sign up, and the service will pull records from state and local databases.

Uber will not approve you if you have certain convictions on your record, including felonies (with limited exceptions depending on how long ago they occurred), violent crimes, sexual offenses, or crimes involving fraud or theft. For driving records, Uber will reject you if you have more than three moving violations in the past three years, a DUI or DWI in the past seven years, or a license suspension or revocation. Hit-and-run convictions and driving with a suspended license also disqualify you.

The background check typically takes three to five business days. If the third-party service needs to verify information directly with your state or if your record requires manual review by Uber, it can take longer — sometimes two to three weeks. You can check the status of your background check in the app under your account settings.

Age, location, and vehicle requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to deliver for Uber Eats by car, motorcycle, or scooter. Bicycle delivery has no age restriction in most places, though some cities require you to be 18. You must also have a valid driver's license if you're using a motorized vehicle, or a state ID if you're cycling.

Uber Eats is not available in every city. You can check whether it operates in your area by entering your address in the Uber app. If the service is available, you'll see the option to sign up as a driver. Some cities have waiting lists or periodic signup windows, especially if the market is saturated.

Your vehicle must be in good working condition and meet your state's safety standards. For cars, Uber requires that your vehicle be no more than 12 to 15 years old (the exact age varies by market and vehicle type). Motorcycles and scooters must be registered and insured. Bicycles have no age requirement. Your vehicle must also be insured for commercial use — standard personal auto policies typically exclude delivery work, so you may need to add a commercial rider or switch to a policy that covers gig work.

How to submit your process through the Uber app

Open the Uber app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Select "Earn" or "Drive," then choose "Deliver with Uber Eats." You'll be asked to enter your email address and create a password, or sign in with an existing Uber account. If you already drive for Uber, you can use the same account.

Next, you'll enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, phone number, and address. Uber will verify that you're at least 18 and that your address matches your ID. You'll then select your delivery vehicle type (car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle) and enter your vehicle details — make, model, year, and license plate.

Upload your documents in the order the app requests them. Take clear photos of both sides of your driver's license, your vehicle registration, and your proof of insurance. Make sure the photos are well-lit and all text is readable. If a document is rejected, the app will tell you why — usually because the image is blurry, the document is expired, or the information doesn't match your account.

Once you've submitted all documents, you'll authorize the background check. You'll receive an email confirming that your process is under review. Check your email and the app regularly for updates — Uber may ask you to resubmit a document or provide additional information.

What happens after approval and how to start earning

Once Uber approves your process, you'll receive an email and a notification in the app. Your account will be activated, and you can start accepting deliveries when ready. Open the app, toggle the "Go Online" button, and you'll begin receiving delivery requests in your area.

You only earn money when you accept and complete a delivery. Uber Eats shows you the pickup location, drop-off location, and estimated payout before you accept — you can decline orders without penalty. Your earnings come from a combination of base pay (which Uber sets per delivery) and tips from customers. Tips are separate from the base pay and go directly to you.

You'll need a way to keep food warm or cold during delivery — an insulated bag is recommended but not required by Uber. Some drivers use their own bags; others purchase one from a third-party seller. Uber does not provide bags or equipment.

Your earnings are deposited into your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your bank. You can view your weekly and lifetime earnings in the app under "Earnings." Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form at the end of the year for tax purposes — you're responsible for reporting this income and paying self-employment taxes.

Insurance and vehicle requirements for commercial delivery

Standard personal auto insurance does not cover commercial delivery work. If you're in a car accident while delivering for Uber Eats, your personal insurance may deny your claim because you were using the vehicle for business. Uber provides some coverage during active deliveries, but it has limits and gaps.

Uber's insurance covers liability (damage to other people or property) and collision and comprehensive coverage (damage to your vehicle) while you're actively delivering — meaning from when you accept an order until you complete it. However, Uber's coverage is secondary, meaning your personal insurance is billed first. If your personal policy excludes commercial use, Uber's coverage may not explore.

Before you start delivering, contact your insurance company and tell them you plan to use your vehicle for Uber Eats delivery. Ask whether your policy covers gig work or whether you need to add a commercial rider. Some insurers offer affordable add-ons for gig drivers; others require you to switch to a commercial policy. The cost varies widely depending on your location, vehicle, and driving history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved after I submit my process?

Most applications are approved within three to five business days. Background checks are the main factor — they typically take that long. If Uber needs to verify information with your state or if your background requires manual review, approval can take up to two weeks. You can check your status in the app.

What if my background check is denied?

Uber will send you an email explaining why you were denied. If it's due to a background check issue, you can contact Uber support to ask for details or to dispute information you believe is incorrect. Some denials can be appealed, but it depends on the reason.

Do I need commercial insurance to deliver for Uber Eats?

Your personal auto insurance may not cover commercial delivery. Contact your insurance company before you start to confirm whether your policy covers gig work or whether you need to add coverage. Uber provides secondary coverage during active deliveries, but it doesn't replace personal insurance.

Can I use someone else's car to deliver for Uber Eats?

No. The vehicle must be registered in your name, and you must be the primary driver. The car's registration and insurance must match your account information. You cannot use a borrowed or leased vehicle unless it's registered to you.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket or accident while delivering?

Traffic tickets and accidents go on your driving record. Uber monitors your driving record periodically. Too many violations or accidents can result in deactivation. If you're in an accident during a delivery, report it to Uber through the app and to your insurance company when ready.