What You Need Before You Start
To drive for Uber Eats, you need a smartphone with the Uber Driver app, a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name. The vehicle can be a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bike depending on what Uber Eats offers in your city. You also need to be at least 18 years old and have a Social Security number or tax ID.
Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended. Your vehicle's registration and insurance must both be current. Uber will ask you to upload photos of these documents during signup. If any document is expired or missing, you will not be able to proceed until you provide it.
You will also need a bank account in your name to receive payments. Uber deposits your earnings weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on your location. The account must match the name on your tax ID.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a smartphone to start delivering.
- The signup process involves uploading documents and passing a background check, which typically takes three to five business days.
- You can start accepting delivery requests as soon as your account is activated and you have turned on the app.
- You earn money per delivery based on distance, time, and demand, plus tips from customers paid through the app.
- Your earnings are deposited weekly to your bank account, and you are responsible for tracking mileage and expenses for taxes.
The Signup Process Step by Step
Open 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 it to confirm your number. Then provide your email address and full legal name.
Next, you will upload a photo of your driver's license (front and back), a photo of your vehicle registration, and a photo of your proof of insurance. These must be clear, readable, and current. Uber will also ask for your Social Security number or tax ID. Do not submit documents that are blurry, cropped, or expired — Uber will reject them and ask you to resubmit.
After you submit documents, Uber runs a background check. This usually takes three to five business days. You will receive an email when the check is complete. If you are approved, your account will be activated and you can start accepting deliveries. If Uber needs more information, they will email you with instructions.
How to Accept and Complete Deliveries
Once your account is active, open the Uber Eats Driver app and toggle the switch to "Online." The app will show you available delivery requests in your area. Each request shows the restaurant location, the delivery address, the estimated distance, and the amount you will earn. You can accept or decline any request.
When you accept a delivery, the app gives you directions to the restaurant first. Drive there and park. Go inside or use the pickup area and tell the staff you are picking up an Uber Eats order. The app shows you the order number. Wait for the order to be ready, then pick it up and place it securely in your vehicle.
The app then directs you to the customer's address. Follow the navigation and drive to the location. When you arrive, the app will prompt you to confirm pickup and show you where to deliver the food. Take the order to the customer's door, knock or ring the bell, and wait for them to answer. Hand them the order and take a photo if the app asks you to. Mark the delivery complete in the app.
Understanding How Much You Earn
Uber Eats pays you per delivery, not per hour. Your earnings for each delivery depend on three things: the distance from the restaurant to the customer, the time it takes, and current demand in your area. Uber shows you the estimated earnings before you accept the delivery, so you can decide whether to take it.
Most deliveries pay between $2 and $15, though this varies widely by city and time of day. During busy times (lunch, dinner, bad weather), Uber often offers higher pay per delivery. Customers can also add a tip through the app, which goes directly to you. Tips are separate from the base pay Uber gives you.
Uber deposits your weekly earnings to your bank account every week. You can also check your balance and earnings history anytime in the app under "Earnings." Keep track of how many miles you drive for deliveries, because you will need this information when you file taxes — mileage is a deductible business expense.
What Happens If Your Account Is Not Approved
If Uber rejects your background check, they will email you with a reason. Common reasons include a suspended or revoked driver's license, a vehicle that does not meet requirements, or a criminal history that does not meet Uber's standards. Uber's policies vary by state and city, so what disqualifies you in one place may not in another.
If your documents were rejected because they were unclear or expired, you can resubmit new ones. Take clear photos in good lighting and make sure all text is readable. If your driver's license or registration is expired, renew it first, then upload the new document.
If your background check was denied for other reasons, you can contact Uber support through the app to ask for more details. Some decisions can be appealed, though the process and timeline vary. Uber's support team can tell you whether your situation is appealable.
Staying Safe and Following the Rules
Keep your vehicle in good condition and your insurance current at all times. Uber requires that your insurance cover commercial driving — personal auto insurance may not. Check with your insurance company to confirm your policy covers food delivery work.
Follow all traffic laws and drive safely. Uber can deactivate your account if you receive too many traffic violations or complaints about your driving. Do not eat or drink from customer orders, and do not open sealed containers. Treat the food with care so it arrives in good condition.
Be professional with customers and restaurants. If a customer is not home when you arrive, follow the app's instructions — usually you will wait a few minutes, then leave the order in a safe place and take a photo. If there is a problem with an order (it is wrong, incomplete, or damaged), contact Uber support through the app before leaving the location.
Managing Taxes and Expenses
You are an independent contractor, not an Uber employee. This means you are responsible for paying your own taxes. Uber does not take taxes out of your weekly deposits. You will need to set aside money from your earnings to pay federal and self-employment taxes when they are due.
Track your mileage carefully. Every mile you drive for a delivery is deductible. Use a mileage app or a simple notebook to record the date, starting location, ending location, and miles driven for each delivery. At tax time, multiply your total delivery miles by the current IRS mileage rate to calculate your deduction.
Keep records of your earnings and expenses. Uber sends you a summary of your annual earnings, but you should keep your own records too. Other deductible expenses may include phone service, vehicle maintenance, and car insurance premiums. Talk to a tax professional or accountant about what you can deduct in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved after I submit my documents?
Background checks usually take three to five business days. You will receive an email when the check is complete. If Uber needs more information or documents, they will email you with instructions. Resubmitting documents can add a few more days.
Can I deliver with a motorcycle or bike instead of a car?
Yes, Uber Eats offers motorcycle and bike delivery in many cities. You will need to select your vehicle type during signup. Requirements vary by location — some cities allow bikes, others only motorcycles or cars. The app will tell you what is available in your area.
What if I get into an accident while delivering?
Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Also report it to Uber through the app under "Help" or "Account." Uber has insurance that covers accidents during active deliveries, but your personal insurance is the primary coverage. Do not admit fault at the scene — let the insurance companies investigate.
Can I pause my account if I need to take a break?
Yes. You can toggle offline in the app anytime to stop receiving delivery requests. You can go back online whenever you want. If you need a longer break, contact Uber support to ask about temporarily deactivating your account without losing it.
Do I have to accept every delivery request I receive?
No. You can decline any delivery. However, if you decline too many requests in a row, Uber may temporarily pause your ability to receive new requests. The exact threshold varies by location. Accepting most requests you receive keeps your account in good standing.