What Uber Eats delivery drivers do and what you need to start
An Uber Eats delivery driver picks up food orders from restaurants and delivers them to customers. You work on your own schedule, accept or decline deliveries as you choose, and keep most of what you earn after Uber's commission. You need a smartphone, a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle (car, motorcycle, scooter, or bike depending on your area). Uber runs a background check before you can start.
The job is straightforward: the Uber Eats app shows you available orders, you accept one, drive to the restaurant, pick up the food, and deliver it to the customer's address. You're paid per delivery, plus tips from customers. There's no hourly wage, no may provide income, and no benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and a smartphone to start delivering for Uber Eats.
- Uber runs a background check that typically takes three to five business days before you can accept your first delivery.
- You are an independent contractor, not an employee, so you pay your own vehicle expenses, gas, and self-employment taxes.
- Your earnings come from Uber's per-delivery payment plus customer tips, which vary widely depending on order size and your location.
- You can pause or stop working whenever you want with no notice required.
Documents and information Uber requires before you start
Uber needs your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance before you can deliver. You'll upload these through the app during signup. Your insurance must be active and cover commercial use (food delivery); personal auto insurance often does not, so check your policy or call your insurance company before you apply.
You'll also provide your Social Security number for the background check and tax reporting. Uber will verify your identity and run a check for driving violations, criminal history, and insurance status. This process usually takes three to five business days. Some states or cities have additional requirements—a few require a commercial driver's license or a local delivery permit—so check your local rules before you start.
How the background check works and what disqualifies you
Uber uses a third-party company to run your background check, which looks at your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status. The check covers the past seven years of driving history. A single speeding ticket usually won't disqualify you, but multiple violations, a DUI, reckless driving, or a felony conviction will.
Uber's exact standards vary by location and change over time, so you won't know for certain until you apply. If you're denied, Uber will tell you why and may let you reapply after a waiting period. You can also dispute the results if you believe the information is wrong.
Vehicle requirements and what counts as acceptable
Your vehicle must be registered, insured, and in working condition. Uber accepts cars, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles depending on your area. In most cities, you can deliver by car or bike. Motorcycles and scooters are available in some markets. Bicycles are an option in many urban areas and require no insurance or registration.
Your vehicle doesn't need to be new or expensive, but it must be safe and reliable. Uber may deactivate your account if your vehicle fails a safety inspection or if you receive too many complaints about its condition. If you're using a bike or scooter, you'll need a helmet and lights for safety, though Uber doesn't provide these.
How you get paid and what Uber takes as commission
Uber pays you a base amount per delivery plus a small amount for distance and time. The base payment varies by city and order type—a short delivery might pay $3 to $5, while a longer one could pay $8 to $12 or more. On top of that, customers can tip through the app, and tips often make up half or more of your total earnings.
Uber takes a commission from each delivery, typically 25 to 30 percent of the order total, though this varies by location. You see the estimated payout before you accept a delivery, so you can choose which orders are worth your time. You don't get paid for time spent waiting at restaurants or driving to pickup locations if you decline the order.
Payments go to your bank account weekly. You're responsible for paying self-employment taxes on your earnings—Uber does not withhold taxes. At the end of the year, Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form showing your total earnings, and you'll owe federal and state income tax plus self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare).
Insurance, vehicle costs, and what you pay out of pocket
Your personal auto insurance likely does not cover commercial delivery work. You'll need to either switch to a commercial policy or add a commercial rider to your existing policy. Some insurance companies offer gig-economy policies specifically for delivery drivers at a lower cost than full commercial coverage. Call your insurer before you start to confirm what's covered.
You pay for all vehicle expenses: gas, maintenance, repairs, registration, and inspections. These costs add up quickly and reduce your actual take-home pay. A common rule of thumb is that vehicle expenses eat up 20 to 40 percent of your gross earnings, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and how much you drive. Keep receipts for all vehicle expenses because they're tax-deductible.
You also pay for your phone plan and any equipment like a phone mount or insulated delivery bag. Uber doesn't provide these, though some drivers buy insulated bags to keep food at the right temperature and earn better tips.
How to sign up and what happens after approval
Download the Uber Eats app and tap "Deliver" to start the signup process. You'll enter your name, email, phone number, and address. Then upload your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Uber will verify your information and run the background check, which takes three to five business days.
Once approved, you can log into the driver app and start accepting deliveries. You'll see available orders on a map, with the pickup location, delivery address, estimated payout, and customer tip (if they've added one). You accept an order by tapping it, then drive to the restaurant. The app guides you with turn-by-turn navigation. After pickup, you deliver to the customer's address and mark the delivery complete in the app.
You can work whenever you want—there are no shifts or schedules. Log in when you're ready to work and log out when you're done. During busy times (lunch, dinner, weekends), there are usually more orders available. During slow times, you may wait longer between deliveries or earn less per order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to deliver for Uber Eats?
Most states do not require a commercial driver's license for food delivery. However, a few states or cities have specific rules, so check your local Department of Motor Vehicles or city regulations before you apply. If your area requires one, Uber will let you know during signup.
What if I get in an accident while delivering?
Your personal auto insurance may not cover an accident during delivery work. Uber provides limited liability coverage for accidents that happen while you're actively delivering (after pickup, before dropoff), but this is secondary coverage and only covers damage to the customer's order or the restaurant's property, not your vehicle. You need your own commercial or gig-economy insurance to cover your vehicle and medical costs.
Can I deliver for Uber Eats and other services at the same time?
Yes. Many drivers work for multiple delivery platforms (DoorDash, Instacart, Grubhub) simultaneously. You can have the apps open on your phone and accept orders from whichever pays best at any given moment. Just make sure your insurance covers all the delivery work you do.
How much do Uber Eats drivers actually make?
Earnings vary widely by city, time of day, and how many deliveries you complete. Some drivers report $15 to $25 per hour before expenses; others make less. After you subtract gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and taxes, your actual hourly wage is often lower. Track your earnings and expenses for a few weeks to see what you actually make in your area.
What happens if a customer reports a problem with their order?
If a customer says food was missing or damaged, Uber may refund them and deduct the amount from your next payout. You're not responsible for restaurant mistakes, but you are responsible for handling food carefully and delivering it promptly. If you receive multiple complaints, Uber may deactivate your account.