What Uber Eats drivers do and how the pay works

Uber Eats drivers pick up food orders from restaurants and deliver them to customers. You use your own vehicle, bike, or scooter. The app shows you available orders in your area, you accept one, go to the restaurant, wait for the order, and deliver it to the customer's address. Uber pays you per delivery, plus you keep tips customers add through the app or give in cash.

Payment comes from three sources: a base amount per delivery (set by Uber and varies by city), a per-mile or per-minute rate while you're actively working, and customer tips. Uber deposits earnings into your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. The exact per-delivery amount and mileage rates differ by city and change periodically—you can see your local rates in the app under "Earnings" before you start.

You are classified as an independent contractor, not an employee. That means Uber does not withhold taxes, provide benefits, or cover vehicle maintenance and fuel. You are responsible for tracking mileage for tax purposes and setting aside money for quarterly tax payments if you owe them.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID to sign up.
  • Background checks take three to five business days; you cannot work until yours clears.
  • You keep 100 percent of tips and earn per-delivery plus per-mile pay that varies by your city.
  • Vehicle maintenance, fuel, insurance, and taxes are your responsibility as an independent contractor.
  • You can work any hours you want and pause the app whenever you choose, but earnings vary by time of day and neighborhood demand.

Documents and requirements to get your free guide

Before you can work, Uber requires a background check and verification of your identity and vehicle. You will need to upload documents through the Uber Driver app. Have these ready before you start the process: a valid driver's license (from any U.S. state), vehicle registration in your name, proof of auto insurance that covers commercial delivery (standard personal policies often do not), and your Social Security number.

The background check looks at your driving record and criminal history. Uber denies applications for serious felonies, certain drug convictions, violent crimes, or sex offenses. A DUI within the past seven years typically disqualifies you, though rules vary slightly by state. Minor traffic violations usually do not block you, but multiple moving violations in a short time may.

Your vehicle must be at least 20 years old (in most states; some require newer), pass a vehicle inspection, and have valid registration and insurance. If you use a bike or scooter, you still need to provide your ID and pass the background check, but vehicle requirements do not apply. The inspection is done by a third-party service Uber contracts with; you schedule it online and it takes about 10 minutes.

How the sign-up process works

Download the Uber Driver app and tap "Sign up." Enter your phone number and email, then create a password. The app will ask for your driver's license number, state, and expiration date. Take a photo of the front and back of your license using your phone camera—the photo must be clear and show all four corners of the card.

Next, upload your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. These must show your name and current dates. If the insurance document does not explicitly say it covers commercial delivery, contact your insurance company and ask them to add it or provide a letter confirming coverage. Many standard policies exclude delivery work, and Uber will reject the document if it does not cover commercial use.

You will also need to take a selfie for identity verification. The app will prompt you to take a photo of your face looking straight at the camera. After you submit all documents, Uber sends them to a verification team. This usually takes three to five business days. You will receive an email when the background check is complete. If you are approved, you can start working immediately. If you are denied, the email will explain why and may offer a way to appeal.

How earnings and payments work

Your earnings appear in the app under "Earnings" and show a breakdown of base pay, distance pay, and tips for each delivery. Base pay is what Uber pays for accepting and completing a delivery—this ranges from $2 to $5 per delivery in most cities, though it can be higher during busy times. Distance pay is per mile or per minute depending on your city; some cities pay by miles driven, others by active time on the delivery.

Tips are separate from Uber's payment. Customers can add a tip through the app before or after delivery, or hand you cash. Uber does not take a cut of tips—you keep 100 percent. Tips often make up a significant portion of earnings, especially during dinner hours and on weekends.

Uber deposits your weekly earnings into your bank account every Tuesday or Wednesday. You can see the exact deposit date in the app. There is no minimum earnings threshold to cash out; even if you earn $10 in a week, you will receive it. You can also use Instant Pay (available in most cities) to transfer earnings to your debit card immediately after a delivery, though there is usually a small fee per transfer.

Taxes and expenses you need to track

As an independent contractor, you are responsible for paying self-employment tax and income tax on your earnings. Uber does not withhold anything from your pay. At the end of the year, Uber sends you a Form 1099-NEC showing your gross earnings; you will need this to file your taxes.

You can deduct business expenses from your taxable income. The main deduction is mileage: you can deduct the IRS standard mileage rate (which changes yearly) for every mile you drive while working. Keep a log of your deliveries or use the app's built-in mileage tracking. Other deductible expenses include vehicle maintenance, fuel, insurance premiums, phone service used for work, and vehicle registration fees.

If you earn more than $400 in a year from Uber Eats, you must file a tax return and pay self-employment tax. Many drivers find it helpful to set aside 25 to 30 percent of earnings each week to cover taxes and vehicle costs, since these come out of your pocket and are not deducted by Uber.

How to find and accept deliveries

Once you are approved and your vehicle is verified, open the Uber Driver app and toggle "Online" to start receiving delivery requests. The app shows you orders available in your area. Each order displays the pickup location (restaurant), delivery address, estimated distance, and estimated earnings before you accept it. You can see how far the restaurant is from you and how far the delivery is, so you can decide whether the pay is worth the drive.

You are not required to accept every order. You can decline orders without penalty. However, declining too many orders in a row may cause the app to stop showing you new requests for a short time. Once you accept an order, the app gives you turn-by-turn directions to the restaurant. You pick up the order, confirm it in the app, and then drive to the customer's address. The app tracks your location and shows the customer your progress.

Busy times (lunch, dinner, weekends) typically have more orders available and higher base pay. Early mornings and late nights have fewer orders but sometimes higher per-delivery rates because demand is lower and Uber raises pay to attract drivers. You can work whenever you want—there is no schedule or minimum hours.

Insurance and liability considerations

Your personal auto insurance likely does not cover commercial delivery. Before you start, contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers delivery work or whether you need to add a commercial rider. Many insurers offer delivery coverage as an add-on for $10 to $25 per month. If you do not have coverage and are in an accident while delivering, your insurance company may deny the claim.

Uber provides contingent liability coverage in most states, meaning Uber's insurance may cover you if you are at fault in an accident while actively on a delivery. However, this is a backup and does not replace your own insurance. The coverage limits and exact terms vary by state. You should not rely on Uber's coverage alone—get your own commercial or delivery endorsement.

You are also liable for any damage to the food or the customer's property. If you spill an order or damage a customer's door, the customer can report it in the app and Uber may deduct the cost from your earnings or ask you to pay directly. Keep food secure in your vehicle and handle deliveries carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Uber Eats drivers actually earn per hour?

Earnings vary widely by city, time of day, and how efficiently you work. In most cities, drivers report earning $15 to $25 per hour before expenses. During peak dinner hours (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and weekends, earnings are usually higher. Early mornings and late nights pay less per delivery but may have fewer orders. After subtracting fuel, maintenance, and taxes, net earnings are typically $12 to $18 per hour, though this varies significantly.

Can I work for Uber Eats and other delivery apps at the same time?

Yes. You can sign up for DoorDash, Instacart, Grubhub, or other delivery platforms and work for multiple apps simultaneously. Many drivers do this to maximize earnings and have more order options. You can toggle between apps and accept orders from whichever pays best. There is no exclusivity requirement.

What happens if a customer reports a problem with their order?

If a customer reports that their order was late, cold, or incomplete, Uber may refund them. Uber does not automatically deduct the refund from your pay, but repeated complaints can lower your rating and result in fewer orders being sent to you. If complaints are severe or frequent, Uber may deactivate your account. Always confirm the order contents with the restaurant before leaving, and deliver as quickly as possible to keep food fresh.

Do I need a commercial driver's license to deliver for Uber Eats?

No. A standard driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial license unless you are driving a vehicle over a certain weight (usually 26,000 pounds), which does not apply to personal cars, bikes, or scooters used for delivery.

What if I get deactivated from the app?

Uber can deactivate your account for violations of their terms, such as low ratings, customer complaints, traffic violations, or failure to maintain insurance. If you are deactivated, Uber will send you an email explaining the reason. Some deactivations are permanent; others may be appealed. You can contact Uber support through the app to request a review, but approval is not may provide.