What you need to start delivering for Uber Eats

To deliver for Uber Eats, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name. You also need a smartphone with the Uber Driver app installed, a valid Social Security number, and a bank account for deposits. Uber will run a background check that looks at your driving history and criminal record — the exact standards vary by state and city.

The vehicle itself can be a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle, depending on what Uber Eats offers in your area. If you use a car, motorcycle, or scooter, your insurance must be active and current. Uber does not provide insurance; you are responsible for maintaining your own coverage. Many personal auto policies do not cover commercial delivery work, so contact your insurance company before you start to confirm you are covered or to add a commercial rider.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license, current insurance, and a registered vehicle to deliver for Uber Eats in most areas.
  • Uber runs a background check that includes your driving record and criminal history, and standards vary by location.
  • Your personal auto insurance may not cover delivery work, so verify coverage with your insurer before you start.
  • The sign-up process takes place entirely in the Uber Driver app and typically takes a few days to a few weeks for approval.
  • You earn money per delivery plus tips, and Uber takes a percentage of each order before paying you.

Documents you need to upload

When you open the Uber Driver app and start the sign-up process, you will be asked to upload several documents. Have these ready before you begin: a photo of your driver's license (front and back), a photo of your vehicle registration, a photo of your insurance card, and a clear photo of yourself for your driver profile. Some areas also require a vehicle inspection report or proof of vehicle registration from your state's DMV.

Uber's system checks these documents automatically, but a human reviewer may also look at them. If any document is blurry, expired, or does not match the name on your account, Uber will ask you to resubmit. This back-and-forth can add days to your approval. Make sure your photos are well-lit, in focus, and show all required information. If your insurance card or registration is about to expire, renew it before you upload — Uber will reject documents that expire within 30 days.

The background check process

Uber uses a third-party company to run your background check. The check includes your driving record from your state's DMV, any criminal convictions, and sex offender registry status. Uber does not publish exact disqualifying factors, but generally you will be rejected if you have a serious felony conviction, a DUI within the past seven years, or multiple traffic violations. Some cities have stricter rules than others.

The background check typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if there are delays with your state's DMV or if Uber needs to review something manually. You will receive an email when the check is complete. If you are denied, Uber will tell you the reason — usually a specific conviction or driving record issue — and you can contact Uber support to discuss whether you have options to appeal.

How the sign-up timeline works

The entire process from opening the app to your first delivery usually takes one to three weeks. The first step is creating your account in the Uber Driver app with your email, phone number, and password. Next, you enter your personal information, vehicle details, and banking information for direct deposit. Then you upload your documents, which Uber reviews automatically. After that, the background check runs. Once everything clears, Uber activates your account and you can start accepting deliveries.

The slowest part is usually the background check or document review. If Uber asks you to resubmit a document, that adds several days. If your background check is delayed because your state's DMV is slow to respond, that can add a week or more. You can check your progress in the app — it shows which steps are complete and which are pending. Do not wait passively; if you have not heard back after five business days, contact Uber support to ask where your application stands.

What happens after you are approved

Once your account is active, you can open the Uber Eats driver app and start accepting delivery requests. The app shows you available orders in your area, the restaurant, the delivery address, and the estimated payout. You choose which orders to accept. You drive to the restaurant, pick up the food, and deliver it to the customer's address. The app guides you with turn-by-turn navigation and tells you where to leave the food if it is a contactless delivery.

You earn money per delivery, and customers can add tips in the app. Uber takes a percentage of the order total before paying you — this percentage varies by city and changes over time. You can see your exact earnings in the app after each delivery. Money is deposited into your bank account, usually within one to two business days. You can cash out instantly to a debit card for a small fee, or wait for the standard deposit schedule.

Insurance and vehicle requirements

Your personal auto insurance must cover commercial delivery work, or you need to add a commercial rider. Standard personal policies typically exclude any income-generating use of your vehicle. Contact your insurance company and tell them you plan to deliver for Uber Eats. They will either confirm you are covered, ask you to add a commercial endorsement, or tell you that you need a separate commercial policy. This conversation takes 10 minutes and costs anywhere from a few dollars to several dollars per month, depending on your insurer and location.

Your vehicle must be in working condition and pass a basic safety inspection if your area requires one. Some cities require an inspection report showing that your brakes, lights, tires, and windshield are safe. You can get this at a local mechanic or inspection station. If you use a motorcycle or scooter, Uber may have additional requirements specific to your area. Check the app during sign-up to see what your city requires.

What disqualifies you or gets you deactivated

Uber can deactivate your account if you accept orders and then cancel them repeatedly, if you have a very low acceptance rate, or if customers report that you did not deliver their food or treated them poorly. Your rating matters — if it drops below a certain threshold (usually around 4.6 stars out of 5), Uber may deactivate you. You can see your rating in the app and improve it by delivering on time, handling food carefully, and following delivery instructions.

Uber also monitors your driving. If you get a traffic ticket, a moving violation, or an accident while you are logged into the app, Uber may deactivate you. Your insurance company may also drop you if they discover you are using your vehicle for commercial delivery without proper coverage. If you are deactivated, Uber will send you an email explaining why. Some deactivations are permanent, while others may be reversible if you contact support and resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for food delivery. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required only for vehicles above a certain weight or for transporting passengers or hazardous materials, neither of which applies to Uber Eats delivery.

Can I use someone else's vehicle to deliver?

No. The vehicle must be registered in your name, and you must be the primary driver on the insurance policy. Uber verifies this during sign-up and will reject an application if the vehicle registration does not match your name.

What if I have a bad driving record?

Uber's background check looks at your driving history. If you have recent serious violations, a DUI, or multiple accidents, you may be rejected. Standards vary by city. If you are denied, Uber will tell you why, and you can contact support to ask whether there is an appeal process.

How much does it cost to start delivering?

There is no upfront fee to sign up for Uber Eats. You do not pay Uber to join. Your costs are your vehicle, insurance, gas, and any maintenance. You keep the money you earn minus Uber's percentage of each order.

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

Yes. Many drivers work for multiple delivery platforms simultaneously. You can accept orders from Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, or others all at the same time. Just make sure your insurance covers commercial delivery work in general, not just for one company.