What you need before you can deliver

To drive 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'll also need a smartphone with the Uber Driver app installed, a valid Social Security number, and a bank account where Uber can deposit your earnings.

Your vehicle can be a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle — the app will ask which one you're using when you sign up. If you choose a car, motorcycle, or scooter, your insurance must be active and current. Uber does not provide insurance; your personal auto policy must cover commercial delivery work, or you'll need to add a commercial rider. Check with your insurance company before you start, because some policies exclude delivery driving.

You'll also need a background check. Uber runs this through a third-party service and looks at your driving record and criminal history. The process typically takes a few days to a week, though it can take longer if there are delays verifying your information.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18, have a valid driver's license, current insurance, and a registered vehicle or bicycle to start delivering.
  • Your personal auto insurance must cover commercial delivery work, or you need to add a commercial rider before you accept orders.
  • The sign-up process includes a background check that usually takes three to seven days, and you cannot deliver until it clears.
  • Uber deposits your earnings weekly to your bank account, minus any fees, and you can see your balance in the app in real time.
  • You keep your own vehicle maintenance costs, gas, and any tolls or parking fees — these are not reimbursed by Uber.

The sign-up process step by step

Start by downloading the Uber Driver app and tapping "Sign up to deliver." Enter your email address or phone number, then create a password. Uber will ask for your legal name, date of birth, and address. Make sure this information matches your driver's license exactly.

Next, you'll upload photos of your driver's license (front and back), proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. These documents must be clear and fully visible. If Uber can't read them, the system will reject them and ask you to resubmit. You'll also upload a photo of yourself — this is what customers see when they track their order.

After you submit your documents, Uber sends them to a background check company. You'll receive an email when the check is complete. If it passes, you can start accepting orders. If there's an issue, Uber will tell you what needs to be resolved — usually a document that didn't upload clearly or information that didn't match.

How the app works and how you get paid

Once you're approved, open the Uber Driver app and toggle it to "Online." The app shows you available delivery requests in your area. Each request displays the pickup location, drop-off location, and the amount you'll earn. You can accept or decline any order — there's no penalty for declining.

When you accept an order, the app gives you turn-by-turn directions to the restaurant. You pick up the food, follow the app's directions to the customer's address, and mark the delivery complete. The customer can rate you from one to five stars, and you can rate them the same way.

Uber deposits your earnings into your bank account once a week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday depending on your bank. You can see your balance and earnings history in the app at any time. Uber takes a percentage of each delivery as a service fee — this amount varies by location and changes periodically. You also pay for your own gas, maintenance, tolls, and parking.

What affects how much you earn

Your earnings depend on the distance of the delivery, the time of day, and how busy your area is. Longer deliveries pay more than short ones. Orders during lunch and dinner rush hours typically pay more than mid-afternoon orders. When demand is high and few drivers are online, Uber sometimes offers surge pricing, which temporarily increases the payout for new orders.

You don't earn money while you're waiting for a customer to place an order or while you're driving to the restaurant before picking up food. You only earn during the pickup and delivery portion of each trip. This means your actual hourly rate depends on how quickly you can complete deliveries and how much time you spend waiting between orders.

Tipping is optional for customers, and tips are added to your base delivery pay. In most areas, customers can tip through the app after the delivery is complete, or they can leave cash. Tips are not may provide and vary widely depending on the order size, distance, and customer preference.

Insurance and liability you need to understand

Uber provides limited insurance coverage while you're actively delivering an order — that is, from the moment you pick up food until you complete the delivery. This coverage is secondary to your personal auto insurance, meaning your insurance pays first if there's an accident. Outside of active deliveries, you have no Uber coverage at all.

Your personal auto insurance is your primary responsibility. Many standard personal policies exclude commercial delivery work. Before you start, call your insurance company and tell them you'll be delivering for Uber Eats. Ask whether your current policy covers this work or whether you need to add a commercial rider. Some insurers charge a small monthly fee for this addition; others may not offer it at all.

If you're in an accident while delivering and your insurance discovers you were doing commercial work without declaring it, they may deny your claim. This could leave you personally liable for damages. It's not worth the risk — get the coverage in writing from your insurer before you accept your first order.

Common issues and how to handle them

If a customer reports that their food didn't arrive or was damaged, Uber may investigate. If you marked the delivery complete but the customer says they never received it, Uber will ask for details. Take photos of the food before you leave the restaurant and after you place it at the customer's door — this protects you if there's a dispute.

If your background check is delayed or rejected, Uber will send you an email explaining why. Common reasons include a document that didn't upload clearly, information that didn't match your records, or an issue with your driving history. You can resubmit documents or contact Uber support to clarify. The process can take another week or two.

If you're deactivated from the platform, Uber will tell you the reason — usually a pattern of low ratings, customer complaints, or a policy violation. Some deactivations are permanent; others may be temporary. You can appeal a deactivation by contacting Uber support, though approval is not may provide.

Taxes and record-keeping for delivery drivers

As an independent contractor, you're responsible for paying your own taxes. Uber does not withhold taxes from your earnings. At the end of the year, Uber sends you a Form 1099-NEC showing your total earnings. You'll need this form to file your taxes.

Keep track of your mileage and expenses. You can deduct vehicle expenses — either the actual cost of gas, maintenance, and repairs, or the standard mileage rate set by the IRS each year. You can also deduct phone bills, a portion of your internet, and vehicle insurance. These deductions reduce your taxable income.

Set aside money from each week's earnings for taxes. A rough estimate is 25 to 30 percent of your net earnings, though the exact amount depends on your total income and tax bracket. If you don't set money aside and owe a large tax bill at the end of the year, you may also owe penalties and interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the background check take?

Most background checks complete within three to seven days. In some cases, it can take up to two weeks if there are delays verifying your information or if Uber needs clarification on something in your record. You'll receive an email when the check is complete and you're cleared to start delivering.

Can I use someone else's car to deliver?

No. The vehicle must be registered in your name, and your insurance must cover you as the driver. If you use someone else's car, the insurance may not cover you, and Uber may deactivate your account if they discover this during verification.

What happens if I get into an accident while delivering?

Report it to your insurance company immediately and tell them you were on an active delivery. Your personal insurance is primary; Uber's coverage is secondary. Document everything with photos and get a police report if there's significant damage or injury. Contact Uber support to report the incident as well.

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

Yes. You can work for Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, or any other delivery platform simultaneously. Many drivers use multiple apps to maximize their earnings. Just make sure your insurance covers delivery work for all platforms you use.

Do I have to accept every delivery request?

No. You can decline any order without penalty. However, if you decline too many orders in a row, Uber may temporarily pause sending you new requests. Accepting most orders you receive helps keep the app sending you consistent work.