What you need to do to drive for Uber Eats

To drive for Uber Eats, you create an account on the Uber Driver app, provide personal information and documents that Uber requests, pass a background check, and wait for approval — which typically takes a few days to a few weeks. You do not need to own a car; you can deliver on a bike, scooter, or on foot. Uber will ask for your Social Security number, a valid ID, proof of your address, and a photo of yourself. The entire process happens through the app.

The speed of approval depends on how quickly you submit documents and how long Uber's background check takes. Some people are approved within days; others wait several weeks. You cannot start accepting deliveries until Uber confirms your account is active.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid ID, and provide your Social Security number before Uber will review your account.
  • Uber runs a background check on every driver; the results determine whether you are approved or rejected.
  • You can deliver by car, bike, scooter, or on foot — the vehicle type you choose affects which orders you see in the app.
  • Once approved, you control when you work by turning the app on and off; there is no minimum number of hours or deliveries required.
  • Uber takes a percentage of each delivery fee, and you keep the rest plus tips from customers.

Documents Uber requires before approval

Uber will ask you to upload documents directly in the Driver app. You need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are delivering by car, you also need proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a photo of your vehicle's license plate.

The photo ID must match the name on your Social Security number. If your name has changed, you may need to provide a marriage certificate or court order. Uber also takes a photo of your face during the sign-up process to verify it matches your ID.

Keep copies of everything you submit. If Uber rejects your account and asks for resubmission, having the documents ready speeds up the process.

How the background check works

Uber uses a third-party company to run a background check on your criminal history, driving record (if you are driving a car), and sex offender registry. The check covers the past seven years of criminal history in most states, though some states allow checks going back further. Uber does not publish a detailed list of offenses that automatically disqualify you, but serious felonies, violent crimes, and sex offenses typically result in rejection.

If you have a criminal record, you can still explore; Uber reviews each case individually. The background check takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the company's workload and how quickly your records are retrieved from local courts.

If your account is rejected, Uber will tell you it did not pass the background check but usually does not explain which offense caused the rejection. You can contact Uber support to ask for more detail, though they may not provide specifics.

Choosing your delivery method: car, bike, or on foot

When you sign up, you select how you will deliver: by car, bike, scooter, or on foot. This choice affects which orders appear in your app. Car deliveries typically include larger orders from restaurants and grocery stores. Bike and scooter deliveries are usually shorter distances and lighter loads. Walking deliveries are available in dense urban areas.

You can change your delivery method later, though you may need to resubmit documents if you switch to car delivery (since Uber will need new vehicle information). If you choose car delivery, Uber requires proof of insurance that covers commercial use or rideshare use; personal auto insurance often does not cover delivery work, so check your policy before you sign up.

Some cities have restrictions on which delivery methods are allowed. Uber will show you during sign-up whether your chosen method is available in your area.

What happens after you are approved

Once Uber confirms your account is active, you can open the Driver app and turn on your availability. Orders will start appearing on your screen. You accept or decline each order; there is no penalty for declining. You navigate to the restaurant or store, pick up the order, and deliver it to the customer's address. Uber provides turn-by-turn directions in the app.

You earn money from the delivery fee (which Uber sets based on distance and demand) and tips customers add in the app or give you in cash. Uber takes a percentage of the delivery fee; the exact percentage varies by city and changes over time. Tips are yours to keep in full.

You are responsible for your own expenses: vehicle maintenance, gas or electricity, phone service, and any tolls. You also pay self-employment taxes on your earnings. Uber does not withhold taxes or provide a W-2; you receive a 1099 form at the end of the year if you earn over $600.

Common reasons accounts are rejected or delayed

Accounts are most often rejected because of background check results, but delays happen for other reasons. If your ID photo is blurry or does not match your face clearly, Uber will ask you to resubmit. If your address proof is outdated or illegible, you will need to upload a new document. If your vehicle insurance does not cover commercial delivery, Uber will reject your car delivery process.

Sometimes the background check takes longer because records are slow to arrive from the court system, especially in rural areas or if you have moved frequently. If your account has been pending for more than three weeks, you can contact Uber support through the app to ask for a status update.

If your account is rejected and you believe the decision is wrong — for example, if the background check pulled records for someone with a similar name — you can dispute it through Uber support. Provide documentation that shows the records do not belong to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driver's license to deliver for Uber Eats?

Only if you are delivering by car. If you deliver by bike, scooter, or on foot, you do not need a driver's license. You do need a government-issued photo ID in all cases — a passport or state ID card works if you do not have a driver's license.

Can I deliver for Uber Eats if I do not own a car?

Yes. You can deliver by bike, scooter, or on foot. Bike and scooter deliveries are available in most cities. Walking deliveries are available in dense urban areas. Choose your delivery method during sign-up, and Uber will show you which options are available in your location.

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

Approval typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly Uber processes your background check. Some people are approved within 48 hours; others wait 3 to 4 weeks. If your account has been pending for more than three weeks, contact Uber support to check the status.

What if I have a criminal record?

You can still explore. Uber reviews each case individually and does not automatically reject applicants with a criminal history. Serious felonies, violent crimes, and sex offenses typically result in rejection, but other offenses may not. If your account is rejected, you can contact Uber support to ask for more information.

Do I have to work a certain number of hours or deliveries per week?

No. Once approved, you control when you work. You turn the app on when you want to accept orders and turn it off when you want to stop. There are no minimum hours, no minimum number of deliveries, and no penalty for taking time off.