What you need to do to drive for Uber Eats
To drive for Uber Eats, you submit information through the Uber app or website, pass a background check, and wait for approval — usually a few days to two weeks. You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, a vehicle registered in your name, and a smartphone. Uber Eats accepts cars, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles depending on your location. Once approved, you log into the app, accept delivery requests in your area, pick up food from restaurants, and drop it at customer addresses. You keep a portion of each delivery fee; Uber takes the rest.
The process is straightforward but has real requirements. You cannot start delivering the day you sign up. Background checks take time, and Uber will reject you if you have certain driving violations or criminal convictions. Your vehicle must pass Uber's inspection if you're driving a car. Your phone must run a current version of iOS or Android. These are not suggestions — without them, you will not be approved.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, current insurance, a registered vehicle or bike, and a smartphone to start the sign-up process.
- Uber runs a background check that typically takes three to fourteen days; you cannot deliver until it clears.
- Your vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection if you're driving a car, which involves uploading photos of the exterior and interior to the app.
- You earn money per delivery, with Uber taking a percentage and keeping tips separate — you see the full tip amount.
- You are an independent contractor, not an employee, so you pay your own taxes, gas, maintenance, and insurance.
Documents and information Uber requires before approval
Uber asks for your name, address, date of birth, email, and phone number. You upload a photo of your driver's license (front and back), proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. If you're driving a car, you also upload photos of the vehicle itself — the front, back, both sides, and the interior. Motorcycles and scooters need fewer photos. Bicycles require only proof that you own it, usually a photo of the bike with your ID next to it.
The insurance requirement is strict: your policy must cover commercial use or you must add a commercial rider. Personal auto insurance often excludes delivery work. Call your insurance company and tell them you plan to deliver food for pay; they will tell you whether your current policy covers it or what it costs to add coverage. Uber will ask you to upload your insurance card, and the dates must be current when you submit it.
Your vehicle registration must match your name or list you as an authorized driver. If someone else owns the car, Uber will not accept it. The vehicle must also meet age requirements — most cars must be 2011 or newer, though this varies by location and vehicle type. Check your local Uber Eats requirements before gathering documents.
The background check and approval timeline
After you submit your information, Uber sends it to a third-party background check company. This company reviews your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry. The check typically takes three to fourteen days, though it can take longer if there are delays or if Uber needs more information from you.
Uber will reject you if you have a DUI or reckless driving conviction within the past seven years, multiple speeding tickets or at-fault accidents, or a felony conviction. Rules vary by location, so contact Uber support if you have a violation and want to know whether it disqualifies you. Do not assume you will be rejected — Uber's standards differ by city and sometimes change.
Once the background check clears, Uber sends you an approval email. You can then log into the app and start accepting deliveries. If Uber denies you, the email will say why. You can usually reapply after a waiting period, often six months to a year, depending on the reason for denial.
Vehicle inspection and photo requirements
If you are driving a car, Uber requires you to upload photos showing the vehicle's condition. You take four exterior photos (front, back, driver side, passenger side) and one interior photo showing the dashboard and front seats. The photos must be clear, taken in daylight, and show the entire vehicle. Uber rejects blurry photos or images taken at night.
Your vehicle must be in safe, working condition. Uber will not approve a car with major dents, broken windows, or interior damage. Minor wear is acceptable. If Uber rejects your photos, you can retake them and resubmit. This usually takes one to three days to review.
Motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles have simpler requirements. You typically upload one or two photos and may not need a formal inspection. Check the app for your vehicle type's specific requirements.
How earnings work and what you pay out of pocket
Uber Eats pays you per delivery. The payment includes a base amount (which varies by location and distance) plus a portion of the delivery fee the customer pays. Tips are separate — customers add them in the app, and you receive 100 percent of the tip. Uber does not take a cut of tips.
You see the estimated payment before you accept a delivery, though the final amount may differ slightly if the distance changes. Payments go into your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. You can view your earnings in the app in real time.
As an independent contractor, you pay for everything yourself: gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, phone bill, and taxes. You also pay self-employment tax, which is roughly 15.3 percent of your net earnings. Keep records of your mileage and expenses — you can deduct them when you file taxes. Many drivers use mileage-tracking apps to make this easier.
Acceptance rates, cancellations, and deactivation
Uber tracks how often you accept delivery requests and how often you cancel after accepting. If you cancel too many deliveries or reject most requests, Uber may deactivate your account. The exact threshold is not public, but drivers report that canceling more than 10 to 15 percent of accepted deliveries can trigger a warning or deactivation.
You can decline a delivery request without penalty — declining is different from accepting and then canceling. Uber wants you to accept requests you can actually complete. If you accept a delivery and then cancel, that counts against you. If you are not sure you can reach a restaurant or customer, decline the request instead.
Deactivation can be temporary (a warning) or permanent. Uber will email you if your account is at risk. If you are deactivated, you can contact Uber support to appeal, though reinstatement is not may provide.
Getting started with the app and your first delivery
Once approved, read the Uber Driver app (different from the customer app). Log in with your email and password. The app shows available delivery requests in your area — you see the restaurant, the delivery distance, and the estimated payment. Tap to accept a request.
The app gives you turn-by-turn directions to the restaurant. You arrive, tell the restaurant you are picking up an Uber Eats order (they have it ready or will prepare it), and place the food in your vehicle. The app then directs you to the customer's address. You arrive, knock or ring the doorbell, and hand over the food. Mark the delivery complete in the app, and the payment is added to your account.
Your first few deliveries may be slower as you learn the app and the process. Most drivers complete their first delivery within an hour of approval. After that, you control your own schedule — work whenever you want, as much or as little as you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the background check take?
Most background checks complete within three to fourteen days. Some take longer if Uber needs additional information or if there are delays with the background check company. You will receive an email when your check is complete and whether you are approved or denied.
Can I deliver with someone else's car?
No. Your vehicle registration must be in your name or list you as an authorized driver. Uber verifies this during the sign-up process. If the car belongs to someone else, you cannot use it to deliver.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket while delivering?
A single ticket will not automatically deactivate your account. However, multiple violations or serious infractions (like a DUI) can lead to deactivation. Uber reviews your driving record periodically. Drive safely to avoid violations and keep your account active.
Do I have to work a certain number of hours?
No. You set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want. You can log into the app whenever you are available and log out whenever you want to stop. There are no minimum hours or shift requirements.
Can I deliver for Uber Eats and other services at the same time?
Yes. You can drive for DoorDash, Instacart, or other delivery services while also delivering for Uber Eats. Many drivers use multiple apps to maximize earnings. Just make sure you have time to complete deliveries for all services and that your insurance covers commercial delivery work.