What you need to do to start delivering for Uber Eats

To become an Uber Eats driver, you create an account on the Uber app or website, provide personal information and documents that verify your identity, and wait for Uber to review your application. Once approved, you can start accepting delivery orders. The whole process usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how quickly you submit required documents and how busy Uber's review team is at that moment.

You do not need to own a car — Uber Eats accepts drivers who use cars, bicycles, scooters, or motorcycles. The vehicle type you choose affects which orders you can accept and how much you earn per delivery. The requirements and earnings structure differ by location, so what works in one city may not be available in another.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid government ID, and pass a background check before Uber will approve your account.
  • If you use a car, you need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance; bicycle and scooter deliveries have different requirements.
  • Uber Eats pays per delivery plus tips from customers, and the amount varies by distance, location, and current demand.
  • You set your own schedule and can work as much or as little as you want, but you are responsible for vehicle maintenance, fuel or battery charging, and any damage to your vehicle.

Documents and information Uber requires before approval

Uber will ask for your full legal name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. You must provide a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and Uber will verify that the name and date of birth match what you submit in the app.

If you are delivering by car, you also need to upload a photo of your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance. The insurance must cover the vehicle you plan to use for deliveries. Some personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial use, so check your policy or contact your insurance company before you start. If your policy does not cover delivery work, you may need to add a commercial rider or switch to a policy that does.

Uber runs a background check on every driver. The check looks at criminal history, driving record, and sex offender registries. The exact standards vary by state and city, but generally Uber will deny applications from people with recent felonies, serious traffic violations, or certain types of convictions. You can contact Uber support to ask what specific issues might affect your application, though they do not always provide detailed reasons for rejection.

How the approval process works and what to expect

After you submit your application, Uber's team reviews your documents and background check. This usually takes between three and fourteen days. During this time, your account will show a status like "Application under review" or "Documents under review" in the app.

If Uber needs more information or clearer photos of your documents, they will send you a message in the app asking you to resubmit. Responding quickly — within a day or two — can speed up the process. If Uber rejects your application, they will tell you the reason in the app, though the explanation is sometimes vague. You can reapply after addressing the issue, or contact Uber support to ask for clarification.

Once approved, you can open the Uber Eats app and toggle yourself "online" to start receiving delivery requests. You do not have to accept every order — you can decline deliveries without penalty. However, if you decline too many orders in a row, the app may stop sending you requests for a while.

Vehicle requirements and insurance considerations

For car deliveries, your vehicle must have a valid registration and pass Uber's vehicle inspection. Uber checks that the car is in safe working condition, has no major damage, and meets the model year requirement — usually 2011 or newer, though this varies by location. You can upload photos of your vehicle through the app, and Uber will review them. If the photos show damage or the car does not meet requirements, Uber will ask you to fix the issue or use a different vehicle.

Bicycle and scooter deliveries have no vehicle inspection requirement, but you must own or have access to the bike or scooter. Electric scooters must be in working condition. Some cities restrict where scooters can be ridden, so check local rules before you start.

Insurance is your responsibility. If you cause damage to a customer's property or injure someone while delivering, your personal auto insurance may not cover it because you were working. Uber provides some coverage for accidents that happen while you are actively delivering, but it does not cover vehicle damage to your own car. Read Uber's insurance policy on their website to understand what is and is not covered, and talk to your insurance company about whether you need additional coverage.

How Uber Eats calculates what you earn

Uber Eats pays you a base amount per delivery plus customer tips. The base amount depends on the distance from the restaurant to the delivery address, the time of day, and how many other drivers are available. During busy times or in areas with few drivers, the base pay is higher. During slow times, it is lower.

You also keep 100 percent of tips that customers add in the app or give you in cash. Tips are separate from Uber's base pay and are not deducted by Uber. You can see the estimated earnings for each delivery before you accept it, though the actual amount may be slightly different if the customer adds a tip after delivery.

Uber does not provide a may provide minimum wage or hourly rate. Your actual earnings depend on how many deliveries you complete, how far you travel, and how much customers tip. In some cities, Uber has experimented with may provide earnings for drivers who work certain hours, but this is not standard everywhere.

Costs you will pay as an Uber Eats driver

You are responsible for all costs related to your vehicle. If you drive a car, you pay for gas, maintenance, repairs, and vehicle registration. If you use a bicycle or scooter, you pay for repairs and replacement parts, and for charging if it is electric. These costs come out of your earnings.

Uber does not provide vehicle maintenance, pay for repairs, or reimburse fuel. Some drivers set aside a portion of each delivery payment to cover these costs. Over time, wear and tear on your vehicle will increase — tires wear out faster, oil changes are needed more often, and unexpected repairs happen. Factor these costs into whether Uber Eats earnings make sense for you.

You are also responsible for your own taxes. Uber will send you a 1099 form at the end of the year showing your total earnings. You must report this income to the IRS and pay self-employment tax. Many drivers find it helpful to set aside a percentage of each payment for taxes, since Uber does not withhold anything.

How to manage your schedule and when you can work

You set your own hours. You can open the Uber Eats app and go online whenever you want, and you can stop working whenever you want. There is no minimum number of hours you must work, and no penalty for taking time off. This flexibility is one of the main reasons people choose to deliver for Uber Eats.

Delivery demand varies by time of day and location. Lunch and dinner hours (roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) are usually busiest, so you will receive more delivery requests during these times. Late night and early morning are typically slower. Weekends are often busier than weekdays. Bad weather can also affect demand — some customers order more delivery when it is raining or snowing.

You can work in any city where Uber Eats operates, as long as you have been approved in that city. If you move or want to deliver in a different area, you may need to update your address in the app or go through a separate approval process for that region.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A regular driver's license is sufficient for Uber Eats deliveries. You do not need a commercial license, taxi license, or any special permit. However, check your local city or county rules — some places have their own requirements for delivery drivers that may differ from Uber's.

What happens if I get into an accident while delivering?

Uber provides limited insurance coverage for accidents that occur while you are actively on a delivery. This coverage is secondary to your personal auto insurance, meaning your insurance is billed first. Uber's coverage does not pay for damage to your own vehicle. Report the accident to both your insurance company and Uber through the app as soon as possible.

Can I deliver for Uber Eats and other platforms at the same time?

Yes. Many drivers work for multiple delivery platforms like DoorDash, Instacart, or Grubhub simultaneously. You can have the apps open at the same time and accept orders from whichever platform offers the best pay for each delivery. There is no exclusivity requirement.

What if Uber deactivates my account?

Uber can deactivate your account if you violate their terms of service — for example, if you have a very low acceptance rate, cancel too many orders, or receive complaints from customers. If your account is deactivated, Uber will send you a message explaining the reason. You can contact Uber support to appeal the decision, though reinstatement is not may provide.

How do I know how much I will earn before I start?

You cannot predict exact earnings because they depend on local demand, distance, and tips. The best way to get a sense of earnings in your area is to start delivering and track what you make over a few weeks. Talk to other Uber Eats drivers in your city — they can give you realistic numbers for your location.