Basic requirements to become an Uber Eats driver
To drive for Uber Eats, you must be at least 19 years old, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name. You also need a smartphone with GPS and data service, and a bank account where Uber can deposit your earnings. The company runs a background check on every applicant — this typically takes three to five business days, though the timeline varies by location.
Your vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection before you start accepting deliveries. This inspection checks that your car is safe to drive and meets basic standards: working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and no major damage. You can schedule this inspection through the Uber app once you've submitted your documents. Some locations allow third-party inspections at partner shops; others require an Uber-approved inspector.
You'll also need to provide your Social Security number for tax purposes. Uber issues a 1099-NEC form at the end of the year, so you're classified as an independent contractor, not an employee. This means you're responsible for your own taxes, vehicle maintenance, and insurance — Uber does not withhold taxes from your pay.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 19, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a registered vehicle in your name.
- Your vehicle must pass an inspection that checks brakes, lights, wipers, and overall safety before you can start deliveries.
- The background check typically takes three to five business days and is required before you can be approved.
- You are an independent contractor, so you pay your own taxes, vehicle costs, and insurance — Uber does not withhold anything from your earnings.
- You need a smartphone with GPS and data service, plus a bank account for direct deposit of your pay.
Documents you'll need to submit
Uber requires a photo of your driver's license, a photo of your vehicle's registration, and proof of insurance. The insurance must be active and in your name — rideshare or delivery coverage is not required by Uber, but many personal auto policies exclude commercial use, so check your policy before you start. Some drivers discover their insurance won't cover them only after an accident, which can leave them unprotected.
You'll also upload a photo of yourself for identity verification. This photo must be clear, show your face, and match your driver's license. If the photo is blurry or doesn't match, Uber will ask you to resubmit it. Keep copies of all these documents — you may need them later if there's a dispute or if you need to reactivate your account.
Proof of insurance can be a screenshot of your policy, a digital copy from your insurance company's app, or a printed declaration page. Make sure the document shows your name, the vehicle's make and model, and the policy dates. If your insurance lapses or you switch providers, update it in the app right away — driving without active insurance can result in deactivation.
Background check and approval timeline
Uber runs a background check that looks at your driving record and criminal history. The company checks for serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, at-fault accidents, and felonies. A single speeding ticket or minor accident usually won't disqualify you, but the standards vary by location and change over time. If you have concerns about your record, you can contact Uber support before submitting your application to ask whether you're likely to be approved.
The background check itself takes three to five business days in most places, though some areas take longer. During this time, your application status in the app will show as "pending." Once approved, you'll receive a notification and can start accepting delivery orders. If you're denied, Uber provides a reason — usually related to your driving record or background — and you can appeal the decision if you believe there's an error.
Some applicants are approved faster than others depending on how quickly their documents process and whether the background check raises any flags. If your application stalls, check the app to see if Uber is asking for additional documents or clarification. Responding quickly to these requests can speed up approval.
Vehicle requirements and inspection
Your vehicle must be a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bike — Uber Eats does not accept trucks or commercial vehicles for food delivery in most markets. The vehicle must be registered in your name and have valid registration and insurance. Motorcycles and scooters are available in some cities but not all; check the app to see what vehicle types are accepted in your area.
The vehicle inspection checks that your car is roadworthy and safe. An inspector (or the app's photo verification system in some locations) will verify that your brakes work, lights function, wipers operate, windows are not cracked, and there is no major rust or damage. The inspection does not require your car to be new or pristine — it just needs to be safe to drive and meet basic standards.
Once you pass inspection, your vehicle is approved for one year. After that, you'll need to pass another inspection to continue driving. If you get into an accident or your vehicle is damaged, you may need to pass a new inspection before you can resume deliveries. Keep your vehicle maintained — regular oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks help you pass inspections and avoid breakdowns while working.
Insurance and liability coverage
Uber provides limited liability coverage while you are actively delivering an order — that is, after you pick up food and before you drop it off. This coverage does not extend to the time you're driving to the restaurant or waiting for an order to be ready. Many personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial use, which means your policy may not cover you during deliveries. Before you start, contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rideshare or delivery work.
If your personal policy does not cover delivery, you have two options: purchase a commercial auto policy, or purchase a rideshare or delivery endorsement to your existing policy. An endorsement is usually cheaper than a full commercial policy and covers you during deliveries. Some insurance companies offer these endorsements; others do not. Get a quote before you commit to driving, because the cost of insurance can affect whether the work pays enough for your situation.
If you're in an accident while delivering and your insurance denies the claim because you were doing commercial work, you could be liable for all costs out of pocket. This is one of the biggest financial risks of delivery driving, so do not skip this step. Uber's coverage is a safety net, not a replacement for your own insurance.
Age, license, and legal status requirements
You must be at least 19 years old to drive for Uber Eats. Your driver's license must be valid and issued by a U.S. state or territory. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot be approved. Uber checks your license status during the background check and periodically after you start driving, so keep your license current and in good standing.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to drive for Uber Eats, but you must have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax reporting. Uber will ask for this number during signup. If you don't have one, you'll need to obtain one before you can be approved.
Some states and cities have additional requirements for delivery drivers — for example, certain jurisdictions require a commercial driver's license or a special permit for food delivery. Check your local regulations before applying. Uber's app will tell you if your area has extra requirements during the signup process.
Phone and banking requirements
You need a smartphone with GPS and an active data plan. The Uber Driver app must be able to run on your phone, which means you need either an iPhone running iOS 12 or later, or an Android phone running Android 5.0 or later. The app uses GPS to show you where to pick up food and where to deliver it, so your phone must have reliable location services enabled at all times while you're working.
Your bank account must be in your name and linked to a valid debit card. Uber deposits your earnings into this account, usually within one to three business days after you complete a delivery. If you don't have a bank account, you'll need to open one before you can start driving. Some banks offer accounts specifically for gig workers that have lower fees and faster transfers.
Keep your phone charged and your data plan active while you're working. If your phone dies or you lose connection, you won't be able to see new delivery requests or navigate to the restaurant or customer. Many drivers keep a portable charger in their vehicle for this reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved after I submit my documents?
Most applicants are approved within three to five business days. The background check is the main factor — once that clears, you usually get approved the same day or the next day. If Uber asks for additional documents or clarification, responding quickly can speed things up. Some locations take longer due to higher application volume.
Can I drive for Uber Eats if I have a DUI on my record?
A DUI typically disqualifies you from driving for Uber Eats. The company's background check looks for serious driving violations, and a DUI is considered serious. However, policies vary by location and may change. Contact Uber support before applying if you have a DUI and want to know whether you'll be approved in your area.
What happens if my insurance doesn't cover delivery driving?
You'll need to purchase a rideshare or delivery endorsement to your existing policy, or get a separate commercial auto policy. Without coverage, you're personally liable for any accidents or damage that occurs while you're delivering. Contact your insurance company to ask about adding delivery coverage before you start driving.
Do I need a commercial driver's license to deliver for Uber Eats?
In most places, no — a regular driver's license is sufficient. However, some cities or states have specific requirements for delivery drivers. Uber will let you know during signup if your area requires a commercial license or special permit. Check your local regulations or contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles if you're unsure.
Can I use a vehicle that's registered to someone else?
No. Your vehicle must be registered in your name. Uber verifies this during the signup process and periodically after you start driving. If the vehicle is registered to a family member or someone else, you'll need to either transfer the registration to your name or use a different vehicle.