What you need to do to drive for Uber Eats
To drive for Uber Eats, you create an account on the Uber Driver app, provide your personal information and documents, pass a background check, and wait for approval — usually a few days to a week. You'll need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets Uber's requirements. Once approved, you can start accepting delivery orders through the app.
The process is straightforward but has real requirements. Uber verifies your identity, checks your driving history, and confirms your vehicle is registered and insured. If any of these pieces are missing or problematic, your account won't be approved until you fix them.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID to start the sign-up process.
- Uber runs a background check that includes your driving record and criminal history; some violations or convictions will disqualify you.
- Your vehicle must be at least 20 years old (in most states), have valid registration and insurance, and pass a vehicle inspection.
- Approval typically takes three to seven days after you submit all documents, though it can take longer if Uber needs to verify information.
- You can drive a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bike depending on what Uber offers in your city.
Documents and information Uber will ask for
When you open the Uber Driver app and begin sign-up, you'll enter your name, email, phone number, and date of birth. Uber will ask for your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — they use this for tax reporting and background checks.
Next, you'll upload photos of your driver's license (front and back), vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Your insurance must cover commercial delivery driving; personal auto insurance often does not. If your current policy doesn't cover rideshare or delivery, you'll need to contact your insurance company and add that coverage before Uber will approve you.
You'll also need to provide your bank account information so Uber can deposit your earnings. Have your routing number and account number ready.
Background check and driving record requirements
Uber uses a third-party background check company to review your criminal history and driving record. The company checks for felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Uber's specific rules vary by state and city, but generally you'll be disqualified if you have a felony conviction within the last seven years, a DUI or drug-related conviction within the last ten years, or multiple traffic violations in the past three years.
You can see what Uber found by requesting your background check report from the company that ran it. If information is wrong — a ticket that was dismissed, a name mix-up, or an old address — you can dispute it directly with the background check company, and Uber will review your account again.
Even if you have violations on your record, you're not automatically rejected. Uber weighs the severity, how recent it was, and how many incidents you have. A single speeding ticket from five years ago is unlikely to block you. A DUI from last year probably will.
Vehicle requirements and inspection
Your vehicle must be registered in your name and have valid insurance. In most states, Uber requires the vehicle to be at least 20 years old, though some cities allow older vehicles and some require newer ones — check Uber's requirements for your specific location.
The vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection. You can schedule this through Uber's app once your account is under review. An Uber-approved inspector will check that your car has working brakes, lights, wipers, and tires with adequate tread. The inspection costs money — typically $20 to $50 depending on your location — and you pay it out of pocket.
If your vehicle doesn't pass, you'll get a list of what needs to be fixed. Once you repair it, you can schedule another inspection. Some people use this time to take their car to a mechanic or tire shop to address the issues.
How long approval takes and what happens next
After you submit all your documents, Uber typically approves or denies your account within three to seven days. During this time, Uber is verifying your information with the background check company, confirming your insurance covers delivery driving, and scheduling your vehicle inspection.
If Uber needs more information — a clearer photo of your license, updated insurance paperwork, or clarification on something in your background — they'll send you a message in the app. You'll have a window to respond, usually a few days. If you don't respond, your application may be denied, but you can reapply.
Once you're approved, you can open the Uber Eats driver app and start accepting orders immediately. You'll see delivery requests in your area, accept the ones you want, pick up food from restaurants, and deliver it to customers. Uber takes a percentage of each order, and you keep the rest plus tips.
What to do if your application is denied
If Uber denies your account, they'll tell you why in the app — usually it's a background check issue, a vehicle problem, or missing documents. Read the reason carefully.
If it's a background check issue, request your full report from the background check company and look for errors. If you find mistakes, dispute them with the company and ask Uber to review your account again once the dispute is resolved.
If it's a vehicle issue, fix what Uber flagged and reapply. If it's missing documents, gather what they asked for and submit again. Uber allows you to reapply after you've addressed the problem.
If you're denied because of a recent DUI, felony, or serious violation, you may need to wait. Uber's rules are strict on recent serious offenses, but after enough time has passed, you can reapply and may be approved.
Choosing your delivery vehicle type
Uber Eats lets you deliver by car, motorcycle, scooter, or bike depending on what's available in your city. Most cities support car delivery. Motorcycle, scooter, and bike options are available in some urban areas but not everywhere.
If you're signing up to drive a car, the requirements above apply. If you want to deliver by bike or scooter, Uber's requirements are simpler — you won't need a driver's license or vehicle registration, though you'll still need to pass a background check and provide ID.
You can switch between vehicle types after you're approved, so you don't have to decide permanently now. Many drivers use a car in bad weather and a bike on nice days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become an Uber Eats driver?
There's no sign-up fee. You'll pay for your vehicle inspection (typically $20 to $50) and you need valid insurance that covers delivery driving, which may cost extra depending on your current policy. Beyond that, Uber takes a percentage of each order you complete, but there's no upfront cost to create your account or get approved.
Can I use someone else's car to drive for Uber Eats?
No. The vehicle must be registered in your name. If you want to use a car registered to someone else, that person would need to sign up as the driver. Some people buy a used car specifically for delivery work, or use a vehicle they already own.
What if I have an accident or get a ticket while delivering?
Report accidents to Uber through the app and to your insurance company. Traffic tickets don't automatically disqualify you, but multiple violations can lead to deactivation. Uber monitors your driving record periodically and may deactivate your account if violations pile up.
Do I need a commercial driver's license?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for Uber Eats delivery. You don't need a commercial license unless you're driving a very large vehicle, which is rare for food delivery.
Can I start driving before my background check is complete?
No. You must wait for Uber to approve your account. The approval process includes the background check, vehicle inspection, and document verification. You cannot accept orders until all of these are finished and your account status shows "approved" in the app.