What you need before you start
To drive for Uber Eats, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name. You'll also need a smartphone with the Uber Driver app, a bank account for payouts, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax purposes.
The vehicle itself can be a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bike, depending on what Uber Eats offers in your city. If you're using a car or motorcycle, your insurance must be active and current — Uber does not cover personal vehicle insurance. Some cities require additional documents like a commercial driver's license or vehicle inspection, so check what your local rules are before you begin.
You'll also need a way to receive and store food orders. Most drivers use an insulated bag or backpack to keep hot food hot and cold food cold during delivery. This isn't required by Uber, but customers rate deliveries lower when food arrives at the wrong temperature, which affects your earnings.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, current insurance, and a registered vehicle to sign up as an Uber Eats driver.
- The sign-up process happens entirely on your phone through the Uber Driver app and typically takes a few days to a few weeks for background checks to clear.
- Uber will ask for your Social Security number or ITIN, bank account details, and vehicle information during registration.
- You can start accepting delivery orders as soon as your background check is approved and you've completed the required orientation steps in the app.
- Your earnings come from delivery fees, tips, and occasional promotions, and Uber deposits them into your bank account weekly.
Steps to create your driver account
read the Uber Driver app on your smartphone and tap "Sign up." Enter your phone number and create a password. Uber will send you a verification code by text — enter that code to confirm your number. Then fill in your first and last name, email address, and date of birth.
Next, you'll enter your Social Security number or ITIN. This is required for tax reporting and background checks. Then add your bank account information — Uber needs your routing number and account number so it can deposit your weekly earnings. Make sure the account is in your name.
Upload a photo of your driver's license (front and back) and a photo of your vehicle insurance card. Take these photos in good lighting so all text is readable. Then add your vehicle information: the year, make, model, and license plate number. If you're using a motorcycle, scooter, or bike instead of a car, select that option when prompted.
Finally, upload a clear photo of your face. Uber uses this to verify your identity and to confirm it's you when you're picking up orders. Once you've submitted all documents, you'll see a message saying your account is under review.
What happens during the background check
After you submit your information, Uber runs a background check through a third-party screening company. This check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and vehicle registration. The background check typically takes three to seven business days, though it can take longer if there are delays or if Uber needs to verify information.
During this time, you cannot accept orders. You'll see a status message in the app telling you the check is in progress. If Uber needs more information — for example, if your license photo is unclear or your insurance card is expired — the app will tell you what to resubmit.
If your background check is denied, Uber will send you a message explaining why. Common reasons include a recent serious traffic violation, a criminal conviction, or a gap in your driving history. If you believe the decision is wrong, you can request that Uber review it again, though the process for appeals varies by location.
Completing orientation and going online
Once your background check is approved, you'll see an orientation section in the Uber Driver app. This includes a short video about how to pick up and deliver orders, how to handle customer requests, and what to do if there's a problem. You don't have to watch it all at once — you can pause and return to it later.
After you finish the orientation, you're ready to go online and start receiving delivery requests. Tap the "Go Online" button in the app, and Uber will begin sending you nearby orders. You can see the pickup location, the restaurant, the delivery address, and the estimated payout before you accept each order. You're never required to take an order — you can decline as many as you want.
Your first few orders may take longer to arrive because Uber's system is learning your location and preferences. After you complete a few deliveries, orders will come in more regularly. Keep the app open and your phone charged while you're online, because orders can arrive at any time.
Documents you'll need to upload
| Document | What Uber needs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license | Front and back photos, clearly readable | Must be valid and match the name on your account |
| Insurance card | Front and back photos of current policy | Must be active; expired cards will be rejected |
| Vehicle registration | Photo of current registration document | Must match the vehicle you listed in your account |
| Proof of identity | Clear photo of your face | Used to verify you match your driver's license photo |
| Social Security number or ITIN | Entered as text during sign-up | Required for background check and tax reporting |
How you get paid and what affects your earnings
Uber deposits your earnings into your bank account once a week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. Your weekly payout includes delivery fees (the amount Uber charges the restaurant), tips from customers, and any promotions Uber is running that week. You can see your earnings broken down by order in the app at any time.
Your earnings depend on several things: how many orders you accept, how far you have to drive, how long the delivery takes, and whether customers tip. Uber also runs promotions like "earn an extra $5 for every 5 deliveries" during busy times, which can boost your weekly total. Tips are usually added within a few hours of delivery, though some customers add tips later through the app.
Keep in mind that as a driver, you're responsible for your own expenses: gas, vehicle maintenance, phone service, and the insulated bag. You also owe self-employment taxes on your earnings, which means setting aside money from each payout. Many drivers find it helpful to track their mileage and expenses for tax purposes.
What to do if your sign-up is stuck or rejected
If your background check is taking longer than a week, check the app to see if Uber is asking for additional documents. Sometimes a photo is too blurry or a document is expired, and resubmitting a clearer version will move the process forward. If the app doesn't show a specific request, you can contact Uber support through the app by tapping the help icon.
If your account is rejected, Uber will tell you the reason. If it's something like an expired license or insurance, you can reapply once those documents are current. If it's a background check issue, you may be able to request a review, though Uber's decision is usually final. Some cities have specific rules about who can drive, so it's also worth checking your local transportation authority's website to see if there are restrictions you didn't know about.
If you're having trouble uploading photos or creating your account, make sure you're using the latest version of the Uber Driver app. Restart your phone and try again. If the problem continues, contact Uber support — they can sometimes help you complete sign-up over the phone or through email.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved as an Uber Eats driver?
The background check usually takes three to seven business days. Some people are approved in two days; others wait up to two weeks if Uber needs to verify information or if there's a delay with the background check company. You'll see your status in the app at all times.
Can I use someone else's vehicle to deliver for Uber Eats?
No. The vehicle must be registered in your name, and your insurance must cover it. Uber checks the vehicle registration against your account during sign-up, so using a borrowed or shared vehicle will cause your account to be rejected.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You'll need to enter it during sign-up. If you don't have either, you won't be able to create an Uber Eats driver account, because Uber is required to verify your identity for tax purposes.
Can I deliver for Uber Eats on a motorcycle or bike?
Yes, if Uber Eats offers motorcycle or bike delivery in your city. Not all cities do. During sign-up, you'll select your vehicle type, and Uber will tell you whether that option is available in your area. Bikes and scooters are popular in dense urban areas where parking is difficult.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket while driving for Uber Eats?
A single ticket usually won't affect your account. However, multiple violations or serious infractions like a DUI can get you deactivated. Uber reviews your driving record periodically, so major violations may show up months after they happen. Safe driving keeps your account active and your customer ratings high.