What you need to do to start delivering for Uber Eats

To become an Uber Eats driver, you sign up through the Uber app or website, pass a background check, and wait for approval — usually a few days to a week. You'll need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle (car, motorcycle, scooter, or bike depending on your area). Once approved, you can start accepting delivery orders immediately.

The process is straightforward because Uber handles most of it digitally. You don't interview with anyone, don't meet in person, and don't need prior delivery experience. The main barrier is the background check, which screens for serious criminal history and driving violations.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID to sign up.
  • Background checks typically take three to seven days, and you can't start deliveries until Uber approves your account.
  • You keep a percentage of each delivery fee after Uber's cut, and you're responsible for your own gas, maintenance, and vehicle insurance.
  • You work on your own schedule and can pause or stop accepting orders whenever you want — there are no shift requirements or minimum hours.
  • Your earnings depend on delivery distance, time of day, and demand in your area, and they fluctuate week to week.

Documents and information you'll need to provide

When you sign up, Uber will ask for your name, email, phone number, and date of birth. You'll also upload photos of your driver's license (front and back), vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. All three documents must be current and match the name on your Uber account.

Uber also needs your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax reporting. If you're self-employed, you may need to provide an EIN instead, depending on how you structure your business. Have these documents ready before you start the signup process — it speeds things up.

Some states or cities have additional requirements. A few places require a commercial driver's license or a special delivery permit. Check your local city or county website or contact your Department of Motor Vehicles to see if your area has extra rules.

The background check process

Uber uses a third-party company to run a background check on every driver. The check looks at your criminal history, driving record, and sex offender registry. It typically takes three to seven days, though it can take longer if there are delays or if Uber needs to verify information.

You'll receive an email when the check is complete. If you're approved, your account becomes active and you can start accepting deliveries. If Uber denies you, the email will explain why. Common reasons include serious felonies, recent DUIs, or multiple traffic violations within a certain timeframe. Uber's specific standards change, so if you're denied, you can contact their support team to ask whether you might reapply later.

During the background check, Uber may ask you to verify your identity or provide additional documents. Respond quickly if they reach out — delays on your end can slow down approval.

How earnings work and what you actually take home

Uber Eats pays you per delivery, not per hour. The payment includes a base amount (which varies by location and distance) plus any tips customers add in the app. Uber takes a commission from the restaurant's order total, but that doesn't come out of your pay — you receive the full delivery fee and tips.

Your actual earnings depend on several factors: how far you drive, how long the delivery takes, the time of day, and demand in your area. A short delivery during lunch rush might pay $5 to $8, while a longer evening delivery could pay $12 to $20. Tips vary widely — some customers tip generously, others don't tip at all.

You're responsible for all your own costs: gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and phone service. You also owe self-employment taxes on your earnings, which is typically 15.3% of your net income. Uber doesn't withhold taxes, so you'll need to set money aside or pay quarterly estimated taxes. Keep records of your mileage and expenses — they're deductible when you file your taxes.

Vehicle requirements and insurance

Your vehicle must be registered in your name, have a valid registration, and pass Uber's inspection. The car needs to be in good working condition — no major dents, broken windows, or mechanical problems. Uber doesn't require a specific age or model, but very old vehicles sometimes fail inspection.

You must carry active auto insurance in your own name. Uber provides some coverage while you're actively delivering (between pickup and dropoff), but it only covers damage to the customer's food or the restaurant's order — not your vehicle or liability. Your personal insurance is the primary coverage, so make sure your policy is current before you start.

Some insurance companies charge more if you use your car for delivery work. A few offer specific rideshare or delivery policies. Call your insurance company and tell them you plan to deliver for Uber Eats — they'll let you know if your rate changes or if you need a different policy.

How to sign up step by step

Download the Uber app or go to uber.com and select "Drive" or "Deliver." Choose "Uber Eats" as your delivery option. Enter your email address and create a password, then add your phone number and date of birth.

Next, upload photos of your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Make sure the photos are clear and all text is readable. Uber will reject blurry or incomplete images, so take them in good lighting.

Enter your Social Security number or ITIN, your bank account information (for direct deposit), and your vehicle details (make, model, year, and license plate). Review everything for accuracy — mistakes can delay approval. Submit your application and wait for the background check email.

Once approved, you'll receive instructions on how to start accepting deliveries. Download the driver app (separate from the customer app) and log in. You can then toggle "online" to start receiving delivery requests in your area.

What to expect in your first week of deliveries

Your first few deliveries will feel unfamiliar. You'll learn where restaurants keep pickup areas, how to navigate the app's navigation, and how to handle different customer requests. Most deliveries are straightforward: pick up the order, check that it's complete, drive to the customer, and drop it off.

You can pause or stop accepting orders anytime — there's no penalty. If you need a break, just toggle offline in the app. You can also decline individual delivery requests, though accepting most of them keeps your acceptance rate high (which can affect how many orders you receive).

Pay attention to the delivery details before you accept. The app shows the pickup location, dropoff location, estimated pay, and distance. You can see whether a customer has tipped before you accept, which helps you decide if the delivery is worth your time and gas.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most states don't require a commercial license for food delivery. However, a few cities or counties have their own rules. Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles or city government website to confirm. If your area does require one, you'll need to get it before Uber approves your account.

What happens if I get into an accident while delivering?

Your personal auto insurance is the primary coverage. Uber provides secondary coverage for damage to the customer's order, but not for your vehicle or injuries. Report the accident to your insurance company immediately and to Uber through the app. Keep photos and the police report if one was filed.

Can I use a vehicle that someone else owns?

No. The vehicle must be registered in your name. If you want to use someone else's car, they would need to sign up as the driver instead. You can't transfer a vehicle to your account later, so make sure you're using a car you own or have legal title to before you apply.

How often do I get paid?

Uber deposits your earnings to your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. The deposit covers deliveries from the previous week. You can also cash out your earnings on demand through the app, though there may be a small fee for instant payouts.

What if Uber denies my background check?

Uber will email you the reason for denial. Common reasons include felonies, recent DUIs, or multiple traffic violations. You can contact Uber support to ask about the specific issue and whether you might reapply in the future. Some disqualifying events have waiting periods — for example, you might be able to reapply after a certain number of years have passed.