What Uber Eats delivery work involves and who can do it

Uber Eats delivery is independent contractor work: you use your own vehicle (car, bike, scooter, or on foot depending on your city), pick up food orders from restaurants, and deliver them to customers. You keep a percentage of each delivery fee after Uber's cut, and you set your own hours — you can work one hour a week or forty. You are not an Uber Eats employee, so you do not receive a paycheck, benefits, or unemployment insurance.

To drive for Uber Eats, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid government ID, and pass a background check. If you are using a car, you need a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance. Bike and scooter couriers in most cities need only the ID and background check. The background check looks at criminal history, driving records (for drivers), and sex offender registries — the exact criteria vary by city and change over time.

You do not need prior delivery experience, a commercial license, or special certifications. Uber Eats operates in most U.S. cities and many international markets, though availability for new drivers varies by location and season.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older with a valid ID and pass a background check before you can start accepting deliveries.
  • Car drivers need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance; bike and scooter couriers need only ID and background clearance.
  • You set your own schedule and work as an independent contractor, meaning no hourly wage, benefits, or may provide income.
  • Earnings vary by location, time of day, and demand; Uber takes a percentage of each delivery fee, and you pay for your own vehicle costs and fuel.
  • The sign-up process takes one to two weeks after you submit documents, because background checks and vehicle verification take time.

Step-by-step sign-up process

Start by downloading the Uber Eats app and tapping "Deliver" or "Drive" (depending on your app version). You will enter your email, phone number, and create a password. Uber will send a verification code to your phone.

Next, you provide your legal name, date of birth, and address. You upload a photo of your government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are using a car, you also upload photos of your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Bike and scooter couriers skip the vehicle documents.

Uber then runs a background check through a third-party screening company. This check typically takes three to five business days. Once it clears, you receive an email confirming you are approved. You can then log into the driver app, set your availability, and start receiving delivery requests in your area.

If the background check is denied, Uber will tell you why and may offer a chance to dispute the result. If you are approved but your area has no active deliveries, you may be placed on a waitlist until demand increases.

Documents you need to have ready

Gather these before you start the sign-up process so you do not have to stop halfway through:

  • Valid government ID: Driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The name on the ID must match the name on your Uber account.
  • Vehicle registration (car drivers only): A photo of the current registration document showing your name or the name of someone who lives with you.
  • Proof of auto insurance (car drivers only): A photo of your current insurance card or policy document showing your vehicle's make, model, and license plate.
  • Phone number: A working cell phone number where Uber can reach you and where you will receive delivery requests.
  • Email address: An email you check regularly, because Uber sends account updates and payment information there.

All documents must be current and legible. Expired IDs, registrations, or insurance will be rejected, and you will have to resubmit. If your vehicle registration or insurance is in someone else's name, Uber may ask for proof that you live at the same address.

How earnings work and what you actually take home

Uber Eats shows you the estimated payout before you accept a delivery. This payout is the delivery fee plus any tips the customer has added in the app. Uber takes a cut (usually 25 to 30 percent of the delivery fee), and you keep the rest plus 100 percent of tips.

Actual earnings depend heavily on location, time of day, and demand. A delivery in a dense urban area during dinner rush might pay $8 to $15; the same delivery in a quieter suburb at 2 p.m. might pay $3 to $5. Surge pricing (higher payouts during busy times) does happen, but it is not may provide. Tips vary widely — some customers tip nothing, others tip 20 percent or more.

You pay for all your own costs: vehicle fuel or electricity, maintenance, bike repairs, phone data plan, and parking. If you use a car, you are responsible for your own insurance (Uber does not cover you). You also owe self-employment taxes at the end of the year, which is typically 15 percent of your net earnings. Uber does not withhold taxes from your payouts.

Uber deposits your earnings weekly to a bank account you link during sign-up. You can view a detailed breakdown of each delivery in the app, including the base fee, distance, time, and tip.

Background check requirements and what disqualifies you

Uber runs a background check through Checkr, a third-party screening company. The check includes criminal history, driving records (for drivers), and sex offender registry searches. Uber does not publish an exact list of disqualifying offenses, but generally serious felonies, violent crimes, and sex offenses result in denial. Some misdemeanors and traffic violations may also disqualify you depending on how recent they are and your overall record.

For car drivers, a suspended or revoked license, multiple DUIs, or a pattern of serious traffic violations will likely result in denial. Bike couriers face fewer restrictions because they are not operating a motor vehicle.

If you are denied, Uber will email you a reason (or a general statement like "background check did not clear"). You have the right to dispute the result through Checkr's dispute process. You can request a copy of your background report and correct any errors before reapplying.

Background checks are run again periodically while you are active on the platform. A new arrest or conviction after you are approved can result in deactivation.

Vehicle requirements for car drivers

Your car must be registered in your name or in the name of someone who lives with you. The vehicle must have valid registration and insurance. Uber does not have strict age or mileage limits, but very old or high-mileage vehicles may fail inspection if they do not meet safety standards.

Your insurance must be active and cover commercial use (delivery work). Personal auto insurance often does not cover commercial activity, so check your policy or call your insurer before you start. If your policy does not cover delivery work, you will need to add a commercial rider or switch to a policy that does. This typically costs $10 to $30 per month extra.

You are responsible for all maintenance, repairs, and fuel. Uber does not reimburse these costs or provide vehicle support. Keep your registration and insurance current — if either lapses, you will be deactivated from the app until you resubmit proof of renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the background check take?

Most background checks complete within three to five business days. In some cases it can take up to two weeks if Checkr needs to verify information or if there are records to review. You will receive an email once the check is complete and you are approved to start.

Can I use someone else's car?

No. The vehicle registration must be in your name or the name of someone who lives with you. If it is in someone else's name and you do not live together, Uber will reject it. You can use a family member's car if they live at the same address and the registration is in their name, but you are still the one liable for any accidents or violations.

What if I get deactivated?

Uber can deactivate you for low ratings, canceling too many deliveries, violating community guidelines, or failing to maintain current documents. If you are deactivated, you will receive an email explaining why. Some deactivations are permanent; others may be temporary or reversible if you address the issue.

Do I need a commercial driver's license?

No. Uber Eats delivery work does not require a commercial driver's license in most U.S. states. A standard driver's license is sufficient. Check your state's requirements if you are unsure, but the vast majority of Uber Eats drivers use a regular license.

Can I work for Uber Eats and another delivery service at the same time?

Yes. Many drivers work for multiple platforms — DoorDash, Instacart, Grubhub, and others — at the same time. You can turn on and off whichever app you want, and there is no exclusivity requirement. Just make sure your insurance covers all the delivery work you are doing.