What you need to do to start delivering for Uber Eats
Uber Eats accepts new delivery drivers through an online form on their website or mobile app. You create an account, provide personal information and documents, and wait for approval — usually a few days to two weeks. The process is straightforward, but Uber has specific requirements about age, vehicle type, background history, and documents you must submit before you can start.
You do not need to own a car. Uber Eats accepts drivers who use cars, bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, and on foot in some cities. The vehicle type you choose affects which restaurants and orders you can pick up, so that choice happens during signup.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid government ID, and pass a background check that looks at criminal history and driving record.
- The documents you submit depend on your vehicle type — a car requires a driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance, while a bicycle requires only ID.
- Approval typically takes three to fourteen days after you submit all required documents, though some cities process faster than others.
- You can start taking orders as soon as your account is approved, and you keep a percentage of each delivery fee after Uber's cut.
Age, identity, and background requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Uber verifies your identity against this document and checks your name, date of birth, and address.
Uber runs a background check through a third-party screening company. This check looks at your criminal history and, if you are driving a vehicle, your driving record. Convictions for violent crimes, sexual offenses, or felonies involving fraud typically disqualify you. Traffic violations and minor misdemeanors do not automatically block approval, but serious or recent driving violations (like a DUI) often do. The exact rules vary by state and city.
You will need to authorize the background check as part of your application. Uber will tell you if the check comes back with a problem before you can proceed.
Documents required for car, bike, or scooter delivery
The documents you need depend on how you plan to deliver. Uber groups delivery methods into three categories, and each has different requirements.
| Delivery Method | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Car | Valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, vehicle inspection (in some states) |
| Bicycle or scooter | Valid government ID only |
| Motorcycle | Valid motorcycle endorsement on driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance |
If you are delivering by car, your insurance must be active and cover commercial delivery. Personal auto insurance often does not. You will upload a photo of your insurance card during signup. Your vehicle registration must match the name on your ID, and the vehicle must pass a safety inspection in states that require one — Uber will direct you to a partner inspection location if your state requires this.
For bicycle or scooter delivery, you only need a valid ID. You do not need insurance or registration for these methods in any state.
The signup process step by step
Start by opening the Uber Eats app or visiting the Uber Eats website and selecting "Sign up to deliver." You will create an account with your email address and phone number, then enter your legal name, date of birth, and address. Uber will send a verification code to your phone.
Next, you choose your delivery method — car, bicycle, scooter, or on foot. This choice determines which documents you upload and which restaurants and orders you can accept. If you choose car delivery, you enter your vehicle information: make, model, year, license plate, and VIN (vehicle identification number). You then upload photos of your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card.
You authorize the background check by signing a consent form in the app. Uber will run the check through a third-party company, which typically takes one to three business days. You will receive an email when the check is complete.
Once your background check clears and all documents are verified, Uber sends a final approval email. You can then log into the app and start accepting delivery orders. Some cities have additional steps — a few require a local background check or vehicle inspection — and Uber will notify you if your city has extra requirements.
How long approval takes and what happens if you are denied
Most drivers receive approval within three to fourteen days of submitting all required documents. The timeline depends on how quickly the background check company processes your information and how fast Uber's verification team reviews your documents. Weekends and holidays can add a few days.
If Uber denies your application, they will send an email explaining the reason. Common reasons include a background check issue (a conviction or serious traffic violation), missing or unclear documents, or an address mismatch between your ID and application. If you believe the denial was a mistake — for example, if the background check pulled up someone else's record — you can contact Uber support and request a review.
If you are denied, you can reapply after addressing the issue. For example, if a document was unclear, you can resubmit a clearer photo. If the issue is a background check problem, you may need to wait a certain period before reapplying, depending on what the issue was.
What you earn and how payment works
Uber Eats pays you a combination of a base amount per delivery plus a portion of the delivery fee the customer pays. The base amount varies by city and ranges from roughly $2 to $5 per delivery. You also receive a percentage of the delivery fee — typically 25 to 50 percent, depending on your city and the type of order.
You do not receive tips through Uber Eats the way you might with other gig work. Customers can tip in cash or through the app, but Uber does not may provide or disclose tip amounts before you accept an order. You see the base pay and delivery fee before accepting, but not the tip.
Uber deposits your earnings into your bank account weekly, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. You can view your earnings in the app in real time as you complete deliveries. You are responsible for tracking your own income and expenses for tax purposes — Uber does not withhold taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's car or ID to sign up?
No. Uber requires that the name on your ID, vehicle registration, and insurance all match. The account must be in your name, and you must be the person making deliveries. Using false documents or someone else's information will result in permanent deactivation.
What if I do not have proof of insurance for my car?
You cannot deliver by car without active insurance that covers commercial delivery. Contact your insurance company and ask about adding commercial coverage or switching to a policy that includes it. Some insurers offer affordable add-ons for gig work. You will need to upload proof of the updated policy before Uber approves you.
How do I know if my city is accepting new Uber Eats drivers?
Uber Eats is available in most major U.S. cities, but not all cities are actively recruiting drivers at all times. When you start the signup process, Uber will tell you whether your city is accepting applications. If it is not, you can enter your email to be notified when it opens again.
Can I deliver for Uber Eats if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type and age of the conviction. Violent crimes, sexual offenses, and recent felonies typically disqualify you. Older misdemeanors or non-violent convictions may not. Uber does not publish exact rules, so the only way to know is to apply and see what the background check reveals. If you are denied, you can request a review and explain your situation.
What happens after I am approved but before I start delivering?
After approval, log into the app and complete any final setup — usually just confirming your bank account for deposits and reviewing the terms of service. You can then go online and start accepting orders immediately. There is no additional training or onboarding call required.