What the Uber Eats driver app does
The Uber Eats driver app is the software you download on your phone to receive food delivery orders, navigate to restaurants and customers, and track your earnings. It shows you available orders in your area, lets you accept or decline each one, and handles payment between Uber and you. The app is free to download, but Uber takes a percentage of each delivery fare you complete.
You control when you work — you turn the app on when you want to receive orders and turn it off when you stop. There is no shift schedule, no manager, and no requirement to work a certain number of hours. You use your own vehicle, phone, and gas. Uber does not classify drivers as employees; you are an independent contractor.
Key Takeaways
- You need a smartphone, a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance, and a bank account to receive payments.
- The app shows you the pickup location, restaurant name, and delivery address before you accept an order, but not always the tip amount.
- Uber deducts a service fee and takes a percentage of the delivery fare; the exact cut varies by city and order type.
- You are responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, gas, phone bill, and any damage or accidents that occur while driving.
- Most cities require you to pass a background check and vehicle inspection before you can start receiving orders.
Documents and requirements to get your free guide
Before you can turn on the app and receive orders, Uber requires you to submit documents through their driver portal. You will need a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance in your name, and a Social Security number or tax ID. Uber also asks for your vehicle registration and a photo of your vehicle's front and back.
Many cities add their own rules. Some require a commercial driver's license, a vehicle inspection certificate, or a local business permit. A few cities cap the number of drivers or require you to work for a licensed fleet instead of independently. Check your city's transportation department website or call 311 to learn what your area requires before you start the signup process.
Uber runs a background check on every driver. The check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry. The exact standards vary by state, but most cities disqualify drivers with serious felonies, DUIs in the past 7 years, or multiple traffic violations. Uber will tell you if you do not pass, but you can reapply after a waiting period if your record changes.
How orders appear and how payment works
Once your app is active, you see a map with your current location and nearby restaurants that have active orders. When a customer places an order, it appears as a card on your screen showing the restaurant name, pickup address, and delivery address. You have a few seconds to accept or decline. If you accept, the app gives you turn-by-turn directions to the restaurant, then to the customer.
The order card usually shows the base delivery fare Uber is paying you, but the customer's tip may not appear until after you complete the delivery. Some customers add tips through the app within an hour of delivery; others tip in cash at the door. Uber's base pay is typically $2 to $5 per order depending on distance and demand, though this varies widely by city and time of day.
Uber deducts fees before you see your money. A service fee (usually 25 to 30 percent of the fare) goes to Uber, and you keep the rest plus any tip. You also pay for gas, vehicle wear, phone data, and any tolls or parking. At the end of each week, Uber deposits your earnings minus fees into your bank account. You can see a breakdown of each delivery in the app's earnings section.
What happens if an order goes wrong
If you arrive at the restaurant and the order is not ready, you can wait or cancel. If you cancel, you do not get paid for that delivery. If the customer is not home or refuses the order, contact Uber support through the app — they will tell you whether to leave the food or return it. In some cases, Uber will still pay you a small amount even if the delivery does not complete.
If you get into an accident, damage a customer's property, or are accused of theft or misconduct, report it to Uber immediately through the app. Uber has insurance that covers accidents while you are actively on a delivery, but only the portion of damage that exceeds your personal auto insurance. You are responsible for the first part of any claim. Serious complaints can result in your account being deactivated while Uber investigates.
If a customer reports that food was missing or damaged, Uber may refund them without asking you. You do not lose the delivery pay, but repeated complaints can trigger a review of your account. Keep photos of orders before you leave the restaurant if you want proof of what you picked up.
How to track earnings and taxes
The app shows your earnings for each delivery, your total for the day, and your total for the week. You can see a detailed breakdown by tapping into each delivery. However, Uber does not withhold taxes from your pay — you are responsible for setting aside money for federal and self-employment taxes. Most drivers set aside 25 to 30 percent of their gross earnings.
At the end of the tax year, Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form showing your total earnings. You will report this on your tax return as self-employment income. You can deduct business expenses like gas, vehicle maintenance, phone bills, and a portion of your car insurance. Keep receipts and a mileage log to support these deductions. Many drivers use a spreadsheet or accounting app to track mileage and expenses throughout the year.
Some cities and states require you to register as a self-employed business or sole proprietor. Check your state's tax authority website to learn what paperwork you need to file before you start driving.
Deactivation and account suspension
Uber can deactivate your account at any time without notice if you violate their terms of service. Common reasons include low ratings from customers, canceling too many orders, arriving late to pickups, or complaints about behavior or safety. Your rating appears in the app and is based on customer reviews after each delivery. Most drivers need to maintain a rating of at least 4.6 out of 5 stars to stay active.
If your account is deactivated, you lose access to the app and cannot receive orders. Uber will send you an email explaining the reason, but they do not always provide details. You can appeal a deactivation through the app or by contacting Uber support, though reversals are uncommon. If you are deactivated, you cannot reapply for several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to deliver for Uber Eats?
Most states do not require a commercial license for food delivery, but a few cities do. Check your city's transportation rules before you start. Even if your state does not require it, some insurance companies charge more if you use a personal vehicle for commercial delivery, so contact your insurer first.
What if I get in an accident while delivering?
Uber provides contingent liability insurance that covers accidents while you are actively on a delivery, but only the amount above your personal auto insurance. You are responsible for your own vehicle damage and any medical bills. Report the accident to Uber and your insurance company immediately. Your personal insurance may not cover commercial use, so read your policy carefully.
Can I work for Uber Eats and another delivery app at the same time?
Yes. Many drivers use multiple apps to increase their earning opportunities. You can have the Uber Eats app, DoorDash, Instacart, and others all active at once. However, you can only complete one delivery at a time, so you will decline orders from other apps while you are working on an Uber delivery.
How often do I get paid?
Uber deposits your earnings into your bank account once a week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. The deposit includes all deliveries from the previous week minus Uber's service fees. You can see the exact deposit date in the app's payment settings. Some drivers use Uber's instant cashout feature to withdraw money daily, though this usually costs a small fee.
What if a customer says food is missing or damaged?
Uber will likely refund the customer without asking you. You keep your delivery pay, but repeated complaints can trigger a review of your account. Take a photo of the order before you leave the restaurant if you want proof of what you picked up. If you notice food is damaged at pickup, tell the restaurant and ask them to remake it before you leave.