What you need to do to start delivering for Uber Eats
To deliver for Uber Eats, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license or ID, pass a background check, and own or have access to a vehicle (car, bike, scooter, or motorcycle depending on your area). You will also need a smartphone with the Uber Driver app installed, a bank account for deposits, and proof of insurance if you are using a car. The background check typically takes a few days to a week.
The signup process happens entirely through the Uber Driver app. You enter your personal information, upload photos of your ID and vehicle, provide your Social Security number, and link your bank account. Uber will then run the background check. Once approved, you can start accepting delivery requests in your area. Different cities have different vehicle requirements — some allow bikes and scooters, while others require a car — so check what is available in your location before you start.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 or older, have a valid ID, pass a background check, and own or access a vehicle to deliver for Uber Eats.
- The signup process is done through the Uber Driver app and takes about a week from start to first delivery.
- You are an independent contractor, not an employee, which means Uber does not withhold taxes or provide benefits like health insurance.
- Your earnings come from delivery fees, tips, and occasional promotions, and vary based on demand, distance, and how many deliveries you complete.
- You are responsible for vehicle maintenance, gas or charging costs, and any damage to your vehicle or to orders you deliver.
How Uber Eats calculates what you earn per delivery
Uber Eats pays you a base amount per delivery plus tips from customers. The base amount varies by location and demand — Uber does not publish a fixed rate, so what you earn in one city may differ from another. You see the estimated payout before you accept each delivery, though the final amount may change if the distance turns out to be different or if Uber adjusts the payment after the fact.
Tips are separate from the base pay and go directly to you. Customers can tip in the app at the time of order or after delivery, and some tip in cash. You keep 100 percent of tips. Uber occasionally runs promotions like "earn an extra $5 for every 5 deliveries completed between 6 and 9 p.m." — these bonuses appear in the app and vary by week and location.
Your actual hourly earnings depend on how many deliveries you complete, how far you travel between pickups, and how much customers tip. A delivery that pays $6 base plus $3 tip takes 20 minutes, but the next one might pay $4 base plus $1 tip and take 30 minutes. You do not earn money while waiting for a restaurant to prepare an order or while driving to the pickup location, only for the time you are actively delivering.
What taxes and expenses you are responsible for
Uber Eats treats you as an independent contractor, not an employee. This means Uber does not withhold income tax, Social Security tax, or Medicare tax from your earnings. You are responsible for paying these taxes yourself, usually through quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS. At the end of the year, Uber sends you a Form 1099-NEC showing your total earnings, and you report this on your tax return.
You also pay for all vehicle-related expenses: gas or electricity, maintenance, oil changes, tire replacements, insurance, and registration. These costs reduce your actual profit. If your vehicle is damaged during a delivery or you damage a customer's order, you may be liable for the cost. Uber provides some protection through its insurance program, but it does not cover all situations — read the details in the app to understand what is and is not covered.
Many independent contractors deduct vehicle expenses on their taxes using either the standard mileage rate (set by the IRS each year) or actual expenses. Keeping records of your mileage and receipts makes tax time easier. Consider setting aside 25 to 30 percent of your earnings to cover taxes and expenses, though the exact amount depends on your situation.
How the Uber Eats app works when you are on a delivery
Once you log into the Uber Driver app and go online, you start receiving delivery requests. Each request shows you the pickup location, the delivery address, the estimated distance, and the estimated payout. You can accept or decline the request — there is no penalty for declining, though accepting more requests generally leads to more earnings and may may have access to you for promotions.
After you accept, the app guides you to the restaurant using GPS. You arrive, pick up the order (sometimes the restaurant has it ready, sometimes you wait), and then the app directs you to the customer's address. You follow the app's navigation, arrive at the location, and mark the delivery as complete. The customer receives a notification that you are nearby, and you may need to take a photo of the order at the door or hand it directly to them depending on their instructions.
The app tracks your location and shows your progress to the customer in real time. If there is a problem — the restaurant says the order is not ready, the customer is not home, or the address is wrong — you contact the customer or restaurant through the app's messaging system. Uber's support team is available through the app if you need help, though response times vary.
Acceptance rates, deactivation, and account standing
Uber monitors your acceptance rate (the percentage of requests you accept), your cancellation rate (how often you cancel after accepting), and your rating from customers. While Uber does not publish a minimum acceptance rate, consistently declining requests or canceling after accepting can result in fewer delivery offers sent your way. Your customer rating is based on feedback about cleanliness, professionalism, and order accuracy — ratings below a certain threshold (typically around 4.6 out of 5 stars) can lead to deactivation.
Deactivation means Uber removes you from the platform and you can no longer deliver. Common reasons include a low rating, too many cancellations, violations of Uber's community guidelines, or a failed background check renewal. If you are deactivated, you can appeal through the app, though the outcome depends on the reason and Uber's policies at that time.
Your account is also tied to your background check, which Uber may renew periodically. If your background check fails or expires, your account may be suspended until you complete a new one. Staying in good standing means accepting most requests, maintaining a high rating, and following Uber's policies on safety and professionalism.
Differences between delivering by car, bike, or scooter
Uber Eats lets you deliver by car, bike, scooter, or motorcycle depending on what is available in your city. Car deliveries typically pay more because they cover longer distances and can carry larger orders. Bike and scooter deliveries usually pay less but are faster for short distances in dense urban areas, and you avoid gas costs and parking hassles.
Each vehicle type has different insurance and registration requirements. Cars require standard auto insurance and registration. Bikes and scooters may have lower or no insurance requirements depending on your state and local laws, but you are still liable if you cause damage. Uber's insurance coverage also varies by vehicle type — check the app to see what is covered for your specific vehicle.
The orders you receive depend on your vehicle type. If you are signed up as a bike courier, you will only see orders that fit in a backpack or small bag. Car deliveries include larger orders from restaurants and grocery stores. Switching vehicle types usually requires updating your profile in the app and may require a new background check or vehicle verification.
When you can work and how scheduling works
Uber Eats does not require you to work set hours or schedule shifts in advance. You log into the app whenever you want and go online to start receiving requests. You can work one hour a day or twelve hours a day — it is entirely up to you. You can also log off at any time without notice or penalty.
Demand for deliveries varies by time of day and day of week. Lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) are typically the busiest times, and you will receive more requests and often higher pay during these windows. Weekends are usually busier than weekdays. Bad weather can increase demand because fewer people want to go out, but it also makes deliveries slower and more difficult.
Some cities have "surge pricing" or temporary bonuses during peak times — the app notifies you when these are active. If you want to maximize earnings, working during peak hours and accepting promotions is the most direct way. However, you are never required to work at any particular time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own car to deliver for Uber Eats?
You need access to a vehicle, but it does not have to be registered in your name. You can use a family member's car, a rental, or a car-sharing service like Turo. The vehicle must pass Uber's inspection, which checks that it is safe and in good condition. Insurance requirements vary by location — check your local rules and Uber's requirements before you start.
How long does the background check take?
Most background checks take three to seven days, though some are completed within 24 hours. Uber uses third-party background check companies, and the timeline depends on how quickly they process your information and how quickly your state's records are available. You can check the status in the Uber Driver app.
What happens if I get into an accident while delivering?
Uber provides limited insurance coverage for accidents that occur while you are actively delivering an order. However, this coverage is secondary to your personal auto insurance, meaning your insurance pays first. You are responsible for your deductible and any costs not covered by either policy. Report the accident to Uber through the app when ready.
Can I deliver for Uber Eats and other services at the same time?
Yes. You can work for Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, and other delivery platforms simultaneously. Many delivery workers use multiple apps to maximize earnings and have more requests to choose from. However, you cannot accept a request from one platform and then accept a conflicting request from another — you must complete or cancel each delivery before taking the next one.
What if a customer reports that their order was wrong or damaged?
Uber investigates complaints about damaged or missing items. If a customer reports a problem, Uber may refund them and deduct the amount from your earnings, or it may ask you to explain what happened. Repeated complaints can lower your rating and lead to deactivation. Taking photos of orders before you leave the restaurant and handling them carefully reduces disputes.