What the Uber Eats Driver App Does
The Uber Eats driver app is the tool you use to accept food delivery orders, navigate to restaurants and customers, and track your earnings. Once you read it and complete Uber's onboarding process, you can start receiving delivery requests in your area. The app shows you the pickup location, drop-off address, estimated pay, and distance before you accept each order — you decide which ones to take.
Unlike being an Uber passenger, the driver app is built around restaurant pickups and residential deliveries. You'll see real-time order status, customer ratings, and your own performance metrics. The app also handles payment directly to your bank account on a weekly schedule, so you don't collect cash from customers.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID to start the onboarding process.
- Background checks take several days to a few weeks, and Uber will notify you by email once you're cleared to start accepting orders.
- The app shows you estimated pay and distance before you accept an order, so you can choose which deliveries match your preferences.
- Your earnings are deposited weekly to a bank account you link during setup, minus any Uber service fees.
- You're responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, gas, and insurance — Uber does not cover these costs.
Documents You'll Need Before You Start
Uber requires specific documents to verify your identity and driving history. Have these ready before you begin the signup process: a valid driver's license, vehicle registration (showing you own or lease the car), proof of auto insurance, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you're using a vehicle registered to someone else, you'll need written permission from the owner. Some states also require additional documents like a vehicle inspection report or commercial insurance. Uber will tell you during signup if your state has extra requirements.
You'll upload photos of these documents through the app. Make sure the images are clear, fully visible, and not expired. If a document is rejected, the app will explain why and let you resubmit.
How the Background Check Works
After you submit your documents, Uber runs a background check through a third-party screening company. This check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry. The process typically takes three to five business days, but can take longer if there are delays in retrieving records from your state.
You'll receive an email once the check is complete. If you're cleared, you'll see a notification in the app saying you can start accepting orders. If there's an issue, Uber will explain what was found and whether you can dispute it. Some violations — like certain felonies or a suspended license — will disqualify you permanently. Others may require you to wait a set number of years before reapplying.
During the waiting period, you can still use the app to view your account status and check the progress of your background check.
Accepting Orders and How Pay Works
Once you're active, the app sends you order requests in real time. Each notification shows the restaurant location, customer drop-off address, estimated distance, and estimated earnings. You have a few seconds to accept or decline — if you decline, the order goes to another driver. There's no penalty for declining orders, so you can be selective about which deliveries you take.
Pay is calculated based on distance, time, and demand in your area. Uber shows you the estimated amount before you accept, though the final amount may be slightly different if the actual route is longer or shorter. Tips are separate and appear in the app after delivery — customers can add or modify tips up to one hour after you complete the order.
Your weekly earnings are deposited directly to your bank account every Tuesday (timing varies slightly by location). You can see a detailed breakdown of each delivery, tips, and any adjustments in the Earnings section of the app.
Vehicle Requirements and Insurance
Your vehicle must be at least four years old (in most areas), have valid registration and insurance, and pass a vehicle inspection if your state requires one. Uber does not provide insurance — you're responsible for maintaining your own auto policy. Standard personal auto insurance may not cover commercial delivery work, so check with your insurance company about whether your policy covers food delivery driving.
Some drivers purchase commercial or rideshare insurance as an add-on to their personal policy, which typically costs $10 to $25 per week. This protects you if you're in an accident while working. Uber also offers optional damage protection through its app, though this is not a substitute for insurance and has limits and exclusions.
You're also responsible for all vehicle maintenance, gas, and tolls. Keep receipts for these expenses — they may be deductible if you file taxes as a self-employed driver.
Setting Up Your Bank Account and Tax Information
During signup, you'll link a bank account where Uber deposits your weekly earnings. The account must be in your name and be a U.S. bank account. You'll provide your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
Uber also asks for your tax information during onboarding. As a delivery driver, you're classified as an independent contractor, not an employee. This means Uber does not withhold taxes from your pay. At the end of the year, Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form showing your total earnings, and you're responsible for paying taxes on that income.
Keep track of your mileage and expenses throughout the year. The IRS allows self-employed drivers to deduct vehicle expenses, which can significantly reduce your tax bill. Many drivers use a mileage tracking app to record every delivery trip.
What Happens If Your Account Is Deactivated
Uber can deactivate your account if you violate its community guidelines. Common reasons include low acceptance rates, canceling too many orders after accepting them, poor customer ratings, traffic violations, or complaints about cleanliness or behavior. You'll receive a notification explaining why your account was deactivated.
If you believe the deactivation was a mistake, you can appeal through the app. Uber reviews appeals and may reinstate your account if it finds an error. Some deactivations are permanent, particularly those related to safety or criminal activity. If your account is deactivated, you lose access to the app and cannot accept new orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get your free guide after I submit my documents?
The background check typically takes three to five business days. Once you're cleared, you can start accepting orders when ready. Some areas may have longer wait times if there are delays in processing records from your state or if Uber needs additional information from you.
Can I use someone else's car to make deliveries?
Yes, but you'll need written permission from the vehicle owner, and the car must still meet Uber's requirements. The registration and insurance must be valid, and the vehicle must be at least four years old. The owner's name will appear on the registration documents you submit.
What if I get into an accident while delivering?
Report it to your insurance company when ready. Uber's optional damage protection does not cover accidents — only your personal auto insurance will. This is why checking with your insurance company before you start is critical. If you don't have coverage for commercial delivery, you could be personally liable for damages.
Do I have to accept every order the app sends me?
No. You can decline as many orders as you want without penalty. However, accepting orders consistently and maintaining a high acceptance rate helps the app prioritize you for future requests in busy periods.
When do I get paid, and can I cash out early?
Earnings are deposited weekly, typically on Tuesdays. Uber offers an when ready cash-out feature that lets you withdraw your available balance to a linked debit card, though there may be a small fee for this service. Check the Earnings section of the app to see your current available balance.