What you need before you can start delivering
To drive for Uber Eats, you need to meet Uber's baseline requirements and pass their background check. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name. Uber accepts cars, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles depending on what's available in your area — the vehicle type determines which orders you can accept.
You'll also need a smartphone with the Uber Driver app installed, a valid Social Security Number or Tax ID, and a bank account in your name to receive payments. Uber runs a background check that typically takes 3 to 5 business days. The check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status. If you have serious violations — DUIs, reckless driving, or certain felonies — you may be denied.
Your vehicle must pass Uber's inspection requirements. For cars, this usually means the vehicle is no more than 15 to 20 years old (depending on your state), has valid registration and insurance, and passes a safety inspection. Motorcycles and bicycles have different age and condition requirements. You can find the exact rules for your area in the Uber Driver app before you start the signup process.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name to begin the signup process.
- Uber runs a background check that takes 3 to 5 business days and reviews your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status.
- Your vehicle must meet age and safety standards that vary by state and vehicle type — you can check these requirements in the Uber Driver app.
- You receive payment weekly to your bank account, and Uber deducts a service fee from each delivery you complete.
- You are classified as an independent contractor, which means you pay your own taxes, gas, maintenance, and insurance.
Step-by-step signup process
Start by downloading the Uber Driver app and entering your email address or phone number. You'll create a password and select "Uber Eats" as the service you want to drive for. Uber will ask for your first and last name, date of birth, and address. This information is used to run your background check.
Next, you'll upload a photo of your driver's license (front and back), proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. These documents must be clear and match the name on your account. If any document is blurry or expired, Uber will ask you to resubmit. You'll also enter your vehicle's make, model, year, and license plate number.
Uber will then run your background check. During this time, your account status shows as "pending." Once the check clears, Uber sends you an email confirming you're approved. Some areas require an additional vehicle inspection — if yours does, you'll schedule an appointment at a local inspection center and upload photos of your vehicle's exterior and interior.
After approval, you set up direct deposit by entering your bank account and routing number. Uber deposits your earnings every week, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. You can then open the app, go online, and start accepting delivery orders in your area.
Documents and information Uber requires
| Document or Information | What Uber Uses It For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid driver's license | Verify identity and driving record | Must not be expired; front and back photos required |
| Proof of insurance | Confirm vehicle is insured | Must show your name and current coverage dates |
| Vehicle registration | Confirm you own or lease the vehicle | Must match the vehicle you'll drive |
| Social Security Number or Tax ID | Tax reporting and background check | Required for all drivers |
| Bank account details | Direct deposit of weekly earnings | Account must be in your name |
| Vehicle inspection photos | Confirm vehicle meets safety standards | Required in some areas; shows exterior and interior |
How you earn money and what Uber takes
You earn money from each delivery you complete. Uber calculates your pay based on three factors: the base fare for the order, any surge pricing in effect, and tips from the customer. The base fare depends on distance, time, and demand in your area. Surge pricing increases the base fare when there are more orders than drivers available.
Uber deducts a service fee from each delivery — this is typically 25 to 30 percent of the order total, though it varies by market. You also pay for your own gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and phone service. Unlike employees, you don't receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off. You're responsible for setting aside money for taxes, since Uber does not withhold income tax from your payments.
You receive a weekly payout to your bank account. Uber shows you a breakdown of each delivery's earnings in the app, so you can see exactly what you made and what fees were deducted. During slow periods, you may earn less per hour. During busy times — lunch, dinner, weekends — you typically earn more because surge pricing is more common.
What happens after your account is approved
Once you're approved, you can open the Uber Driver app and toggle your status to "online." The app shows you available delivery orders in your area. You see the pickup location, dropoff location, estimated distance, and estimated payout before you accept. You can decline orders without penalty, so you choose which deliveries to take.
When you accept an order, the app gives you turn-by-turn directions to the restaurant. You pick up the order, follow the app's directions to the customer's address, and mark the delivery complete. The customer can rate you on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Your rating affects whether you continue to receive orders — Uber may deactivate drivers with ratings below 4.6 stars.
You can work as much or as little as you want. There are no minimum hours or shifts. You can go online during peak times to earn more, or work whenever it fits your schedule. You can also pause your account temporarily if you need to take time off.
Reasons Uber may deny or deactivate your account
Uber denies accounts during signup if your background check shows serious driving violations, felony convictions, or sex offender registry status. Some states have specific rules about what disqualifies you — for example, certain DUIs or reckless driving convictions may result in automatic denial.
After you're approved, Uber can deactivate your account if your customer rating drops below 4.6 stars, if you receive multiple complaints about late deliveries or missing items, or if you violate Uber's community guidelines. Violations include refusing orders based on customer characteristics, driving under the influence, or using the app to commit fraud. Deactivation is usually permanent, though you can appeal through the Uber Driver support team.
Your account may also be suspended if your vehicle fails inspection, your insurance lapses, or your driver's license is suspended or revoked. You can reactivate your account once you fix the problem — for example, by renewing your insurance or passing a new vehicle inspection.
Insurance and liability as an independent contractor
Uber provides limited liability coverage while you're actively delivering an order, but this coverage is secondary to your personal auto insurance. This means your personal insurance is billed first if there's an accident. You must maintain your own auto insurance policy that covers commercial use, or at minimum a rideshare or delivery endorsement on your personal policy.
Standard personal auto insurance typically does not cover delivery work. If you're in an accident while delivering and your insurer finds out you were working, they may deny your claim. Before you start, contact your insurance company and ask about adding a delivery or commercial endorsement to your policy. This usually costs $10 to $30 per month.
You are responsible for any damage to your vehicle, damage to customer property, or injuries you cause while driving. Uber's coverage does not protect you from lawsuits or medical bills beyond what their policy covers. Many drivers purchase additional commercial auto insurance or rideshare insurance to protect themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved after I submit my documents?
The background check usually takes 3 to 5 business days. If your area requires a vehicle inspection, add another 2 to 7 days depending on how quickly you can schedule and complete the inspection. Some drivers are approved within a few days; others wait up to two weeks if documents need to be resubmitted or if there are delays in the inspection process.
Can I use someone else's car to deliver for Uber Eats?
No. The vehicle must be registered in your name. Uber verifies this during signup by checking your vehicle registration against your driver's license. If you want to use a leased vehicle, it must be in your name, not your spouse's or a family member's.
What if I get deactivated — can I appeal?
Yes. You can contact Uber Driver support through the app and request an appeal. Explain your situation and provide any evidence that supports your case. Uber reviews appeals, but reinstatement is not may provide. The outcome depends on the reason for deactivation and Uber's policies in your area.
Do I need a commercial driver's license to deliver for Uber Eats?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial license unless you're driving a vehicle over a certain weight limit, which is rare for food delivery. Check your state's requirements, but most Uber Eats drivers use a regular license.
How much do I actually take home after expenses?
This varies widely depending on your area, vehicle, and how efficiently you work. After Uber's service fee, gas, maintenance, insurance, and taxes, many drivers report earning $12 to $18 per hour in busy markets and $8 to $12 per hour in slower areas. Your actual earnings depend on local demand, how many hours you work, and your vehicle's fuel efficiency.