Are you looking for a great earning opportunity?
Traditional jobs have been scarce with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even after over a year, many people still face financial problems because many jobs are still not viable.
But some other industries have managed to thrive because of this very reason, and one of these lucky niches being the food delivery industry.
This trend is almost a year after the pandemic reared its ugly head.
The surge it experienced at the beginning of 2020 shows few signs of waning as more and more people adopt food delivery as the norm.
Food orders are also convenient and few will have reason to change their menu.
The Uber Eats app is also cementing it’s place in popular culture by offering affordable delivery fees.
At the moment, and in the foreseeable future, the food delivery industry is a worthwhile investment.
And a perfect place to look for a gig.
And that’s what we’ll cover in this article: how to become a delivery driver using Uber Eats.
Before we dive into how to do that, let’s start with why the best company is Uber and why you should sign up for Uber Eats as a delivery driver.
Unlock offers in your city and SIGN UP NOW
Click the signup link, and fill out the required information. Once cleared, start delivering!
Table Of Contents
- Reasons to Become A Delivery Driver Using Uber Eats
- Things to Understand to Become a Delivery Driver Using Uber Eats
- Requirements Every Driver Using Uber Eats Must Meet
- How to Become a Delivery Driver Using Uber Eats
- What to Expect After Signing Up as a Delivery Person Driving for Uber Eats
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Uber Eats Delivery: Start Earning With Food Delivery
Reasons to Become A Delivery Driver Using Uber Eats
Why would you want to make deliveries using Uber Eats?
This is something to consider before you even worry about the requirements to become a driver.
There are multiple reasons to become a delivery driver using Uber Eats, but here are some of the most common:
1. Unlock your earning potential
As stated earlier, the delivery service industry is lucrative.
While how much you earn depends on how long you drive, when you drive, and where you drive, this gig offers earning potential.
Uber also offers many incentives that you can use to boost your earnings.
2. Immediate payout
Uber Eats automatically pays out your earnings to your bank account once every week.
They also provide the option of using Uber’s Instant Pay that allows you to cash out your payments up to 5 times a day
3. Easy to track earnings
The app makes it easy to see the money you will earn per delivery.
You can also see the in-app tips from customers.
Every earning is easy to track by date and time and the cumulative amount is automatically updated after every delivery.
This minimizes mistakes and saves you the hustle of keeping track of orders as you work.
4. Use any vehicle you have
Uber Eats allows anything from a car to a bike to your own two feet.
Yes, walking is also an option.
We will discuss the requirements for both bike and scooter delivery later.
5. Flexible working hours
You get to decide when, and for how long, you work.
You can do weekends, holidays, late nights, and early mornings.
You are your own boss in every way.
This is what makes it a perfect full-time and part-time earning opportunity.
6. Take leave whenever you want
The flexibility offered by being a delivery driver using Uber Eats means you control your schedule.
If you are faced with other commitments or health challenges that make it difficult to work for days at a time, being a delivery driver using Uber Eats is a good choice.
7. Simple sign-up process
The sign-up process for signing up to become a delivery driver is easy to follow.
Anyone can do it even half-asleep.
By reducing signup hindrances, Uber Eats makes it easier for people to improve their lives.
8. Uber Eats Boost and Surge Promotions
Uber Eats even offers opportunities for you to earn rewards with these two incentives.
Boost guarantees you higher pay per trip by raising fares if you deliver in specific locations and at specific times.
Surge pricing helps you increase your earnings by paying more for you to deliver at specific times of the day.
When looking to increase earnings, also look to other delivery apps.
Check out the best times to DoorDash, then drive using Uber Eats during those times.
Things to Understand to Become a Delivery Driver Using Uber Eats
Although the offer looks enticing, you need to know a few tricks to maximize your profits.
Without this knowledge, you may also get frustrated and give up because the experience will be harder.
Here are a few tricks on how to navigate the roads, the pay, and your freedom as a delivery driver using Uber Eats:
Earnings depend on your location
Your earning will be dependent on where you choose to work.
Smaller towns may have fewer orders and hence lower earnings opportunities.
Be mentally and physically prepared
This earning opportunity can be draining.
Even driving a car can cause fatigue.
Amicably engaging with the people you are delivering to can also wear you down.
Having to do hours to meet targets and keeping track of countless deliveries is often overlooked.
Before you start this earning opportunity, you need to be mentally and physically prepared to endure the rigors of the earning opportunity.
It is advisable to calculate an estimate of how many hours you will need to put in to reach your goals.
After that, gauge whether or not you will be capable.
Make It supplementary if you can’t put in enough hours
For this earning opportunity to cover the bills, wherever you decide to situate yourself, you will need to put in enough hours.
You need to know your hourly rate, how much you need to earn to sustain yourself, and how much time you can invest.
If it does not add up, then you should relegate this to a side hustle.
Food delivery service is profitable, but you need to put in the work.
Being a ‘people’s person’ is essential
Even though Uber Eats deals mainly with delivery, you will still want to communicate with and meet the people you are delivering for.
You’ll want to be pleasant and engaging, even after 10 hours.
If you do not enjoy meeting and talking to people, you should reconsider signing up.
People may also not be polite in every delivery, so you need to exercise wisdom.
If you lash out, you will be the one to lose.
However, Uber Community Guidelines apply to both Uber Eats and customers.
If you face any disturbing incidents, you can report them too.
Requirements Every Driver Using Uber Eats Must Meet
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at the requirements needed to become a driver.
What do you need to become a delivery driver?
Becoming a delivery driver using Uber Eats doesn’t take much effort at all, and odds are, you probably already qualify.
Requirements for Drivers Using Uber Eats
All delivery drivers must:
1. Meet the minimum age to drive for your city.
For deliveries via car or scooter, this is usually 19, though you should check when you sign up to be sure.
For deliveries via bike, the minimum age is 18 (bike delivery is only available in select cities).
2. Have the proper documents
Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
This is necessary for cars and scooters.
If you’re delivering on a bike, you just need to have a valid government-issued ID.
3. Have the proper experience
To Sign Up, drivers must have at least one year of driving experience.
This is necessary for anyone delivering with a car.
4. Have a valid social security number.
5. Own a smartphone that’s compatible with the Uber Driver app (Android 5.0, iOS 11.0, or later).
6. Have a valid checking account for direct deposits.
These are the basic requirements to sign up and drive.
As you can see, they’re not that difficult.
However, there are some additional requirements you need to meet beyond these.
Uber Eats Background Check Requirements
The Uber Eats background check will involve a motor vehicle report and a criminal background check.
All couriers still go through the same Uber background check by Checkr, which will run automatically through your criminal history and driving record, even if you don’t have a history of driving.
All of these will be available to Uber once you consent to have your documents run through the system.
Some countries have an NCC (National Crime Centre) that verifies your documents while others will decentralize the process.
As long as you haven’t been charged with any major crimes — including felonies, DUIs, reckless driving, violent offenses, and sexual offenses — and don’t have an ongoing pattern of offenses, you should be in the clear.
This background check does re-run at least once per year, so you’ll need to stay in the clear after the initial check.
Unlock offers in your city and SIGN UP NOW
Click the signup link, and fill out the required information. Once cleared, start delivering!
Uber Eats Vehicle Requirements
The final set of requirements you must meet are a set of vehicle requirements.
These vary based on the type of vehicle you want to use.
Once you know that you’re a qualified delivery person using Uber Eats, you’ll want to make sure that your mode of transportation is eligible, too.
Types of Vehicles Allowed
One of the benefits of using Uber Eats as a delivery driver is that a wide range of vehicles is allowed.
This means that you can use whatever is most comfortable for you.
Vehicles that can be using when delivering with Uber Eats include:
- Car
- Motorbike
- Scooter
- Bicycle
You can also use the option of ‘Delivery by Bicycle of Foot’ depending on which city you are in, which allows you to deliver goods on foot.
Vehicle Requirements for Uber Eats
Vehicle requirements for Uber Eats vary depending on the kind of vehicle you are using and the city in which you sign up.
In order to start earning, you must have one of the following:
Cars
Must be a 2-door or 4-door vehicle.
You’ll notice that this is a much less strict requirement than the vehicle requirements for drivers with Uber.
Because you’re not transporting passengers, issues of comfort and safety that apply to drive with Uber aren’t relevant to Uber Eats.
Scooters
You can use any make or model of 2-wheel scooter.
To be eligible for scooter deliveries, the scooter must have a motor of 50cc or less.
Bicycles
No specific requirements, though be sure to choose “Biking” as your transportation method when signing up.
We’d recommend picking something light and fast that also has space to carry cargo, but the details are up to you.
For scooters and bicycles, you need to choose “Delivery by Scooter” or “Delivery by Bicycle or Foot” under the delivery method when signing up.
Uber expects delivery drivers to have vehicles with no major damages, dents, or missing parts, though cosmetic requirements are much more lax than those set for rideshare drivers.
No Uber vehicle inspection is required.
Couriers delivering on bike do not need to worry about any special requirements.
As long as your bike can reliably get you around your city, you’ll be set to start fulfilling food orders.
Uber Eats Insurance Requirements
All drivers, including scooter drivers, must be able to provide proof of in-state vehicle registration and auto insurance.
Uber Eats requires you to upload a photo or PDF of your vehicles insurance policy that shows the following details:
- Your name, listing you as a policyholder or nominated driver. This must match the name on your driver’s license or any other valid proof of ID you have.
- Your vehicle’s make, model, year, and plate number. These must match the details present in your vehicle registration document.
- The policy must be a Comprehensive Insurance Policy or Third-Party Property damage Policy. The policy must be current and clearly show a future expiry date. Uber does not accept policies with outstanding payment or balance, nor renewal insurance documents.
Unlock offers in your city and SIGN UP NOW
Click the signup link, and fill out the required information. Once cleared, start delivering!
How to Become a Delivery Driver Using Uber Eats
If you meet these expectations, the next thing you need to do is make sure you have all the documents needed for the sign up process.
Documents You’ll Need
- A valid US driver’s license
- Proof of residency in your locality
- Proof of insurance if you will be using your car
- A driver profile photo
The driver profile photo must meet these requirements:
- Forward-facing and centered
- Show drivers full face and top of shoulders
- No sunglasses
- Must be a photo of the driver only
- Must not be any other printed photograph
How to Signup to Use Uber Eats To Deliver Food
Now that we know what we need in detail, it’s time to put it all together.
If you’re confident that you’ll qualify to drive or bike using Uber Eats, or just want to give it a go, you can follow the painless process below to sign up as a delivery partner from your computer.
If you’re an active rideshare driver with Uber, move on to the next section of this article for an even simpler three-step process.
An overview of the steps to sign up with Uber Eats:
- Sign up on the app or the web using correct contact details
- Choose the city you will be delivering in
- Select the delivery method-car, scooter, etc
- Upload all documents discussed above
- Download the Uber Driver App
- Wait for results
This step-by-step guide on how to sign up for and become a delivery driver using Uber Eats has everything you need to know.
1. Go to the signup page
Go to this sign-up page on Uber’s website.
Fill in the form with your email, first name, last name, phone number, preferred password, and location.
Then, tap “Next.”
2. Select a mode of transportation
Select your mode of transportation and tap “Continue.”
3. Tap “Background Check” on the next page
Then, tap “Agree” to authorize a background check.
You can check the box to receive a complimentary copy of your results.
Add Required Information
Type in your Social Security number, read the disclosure, and check the box next to “I agree and acknowledge.”
Then, tap “Submit” and move on to the next step.
5. Add Driver’s License
The next step should be the “Driver’s License” section (or “Photo ID” section, if you selected bike delivery).
Here, you can select “Take Photo With My Phone” and get instructions for uploading your driver’s license sent to your phone number.
Alternatively, you can select “Upload Photo” to upload a file from your computer.
Once successful, you can tap “Go to Next Step.”
6. If you selected bike delivery, move on to step 9 in this tutorial.
If you selected car or scooter delivery, your next step will be uploading your proof of vehicle insurance, which must include your name, vehicle identification number (VIN), insurance company, and the expiration date of your plan.
You can again select “Take Photo With My Phone” or choose “Upload Photo.”
Once successful, tap “Go to Next Step.”
7. Upload Registration
This picture must include your car or scooter’s make, model, year, VIN, and license plate number, as well as the expiration date of the registration.
Select “Take Photo With My Phone” or choose “Upload Photo,” then move on to the next step once successful.
8. Upload a Profile Photo
The final step is uploading your profile photo.
This should be a well-lit headshot of you with no hat or sunglasses.
Again, select “Take Photo With My Phone” or choose to “Upload Photo” from your computer.
Once you’ve completed all of these steps, all that’s left to do is wait for your documents to be approved and for your background check to come back clean.
This usually only takes a week or less, though this may vary depending on the volume of sign up requests at any given time.
When you are fully accepted, you’re all set to jump online on your Uber Driver app for iPhone or Android to receive Uber delivery requests.
How Existing Uber Drivers Can Signup as a Driver Delivering With Uber Eats
If you’re currently driving with Uber and want to add Uber Eats requests to your work days, you can do so in three simple steps.
Follow these directions to get extra cash by picking up and delivering food from local restaurants in between your typical rideshare requests:
- On the bottom right hand corner of your map screen, tap on the status bar.
- Tap on the settings cog icon to get to your “Driver Preferences” section.
- Select “Deliveries” and opt into Uber Eats deliveries. You’ll need to accept the terms that come with delivery to start getting requests.
The “Driver Preferences” section is also where you can go to turn off UberX or other rideshare service requests, if you want to solely focus on food delivery.
It’s worth noting that regardless of which services you’re providing, you’ll only ever need the Uber Driver app.
The Uber Eats app and the Uber app are both customer-facing and will not send you requests.
What to Expect After Signing Up as a Delivery Person Driving for Uber Eats
The signup process for Uber Eats is not as simple as simply signing up and getting cleared to deliver.
Once you sign up to become a driver, there are a few more things you should know.
How Long Does It Take to Get Cleared to Deliver?
You first need to pass the Checkr background check.
The background check usually takes around 3-5 business days.
Checkr will share the finished report with Uber and often sends it to you after completion.
Uber may send their final decision based on the results a little later.
That means it would take around 4-7 days to know whether or not you have been accepted.
Delays may occur due to many issues, and should not worry you.
What Does the Activation Process Entail?
Once the clearance email is sent to you from Uber Eats, the activation process begins.
The first step is to send your definitive and valid CNH document that should read: “Exercise Paid Activity”.
Approval takes 1-3 business days.
The final step is the longest, taking a minimum of 7 days.
The security verification process needs to be thorough for the safety of everyone, so you need to be patient.
How Will I Know if I am Cleared or Denied?
When the activation process is cleared, you will receive an email.
When denied, you will not.
If you have not gotten the initial email after a week, then you have not been cleared to deliver with Uber Eats.
In such a situation, you can email Uber and confirm that it is more than a delay.
Then, try and find out why the signup did not go through and sign up again.
The chances of being cleared the second time around are usually low.
What if I Get Waitlisted by Uber Eats?
You can get waitlisted for several reasons:
- Reckless driving
- Excessive cancellations
- Expired documents
- Not having a U sign in a city that requires you to have a U sign
- Being accused of discrimination
- Fender benders
- Wrong driver driving your car
- Incomplete information or being put on hold during the process.
- Each of these issues is dealt with differently.
Most of them are severe, others mild.
The repercussions always correspond to the offense so, there is no need to worry.
In the case of not finishing your activation process, you can simply finish the rest of it at a later time.
If you finished but are on hold, you can email Uber.
Some of these mistakes could lead to permanent account deactivation with no option for appeal.
What Happens I get Denied by Uber Eats?
If your account gets rejected after you sign up to become an independent driver who uses Uber Eats, there is still hope.
Can a rejected signup be reconsidered?
Yes. However, the chances are low.
Most times, there is more hope if you are put on a waitlist instead.
There is no harm in signing up again because there could have been a mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a summary of frequently asked questions about driving with Uber Eats:
Can you drive with Uber Eats with a criminal record?
Yes. However, some crimes are automatic disqualification.
They range from DUI and sexual offenses.
You cannot get employed at Uber Eats if you have any pending charges as well.
Can you bike with Uber Eats?
Yes. You can bike with Uber Eats.
All you would need to do is indicate “Delivery by Bike” or “Delivery by Bike or Foot” under the delivery method when signing up.
Depending on the town you are in, you can also choose to deliver goods on foot or a scooter.
Not all towns allow this.
Do you need the training to sign up as a delivery driver with Uber Eats?
You need experience depending on your age.
You need 1-year experience driving but 3-years-experience if you are under 23.
There may be a little self-training needed to get used to the app, but there is no required training to become a delivery driver.
How quickly can I become a delivery person driving with Uber Eats?
You can become an delivery driver in approximately 3-5 days.
What is stopping me from signing up to deliver with Uber Eats and then picking up my orders only?
No. That kind of request is a pick-up, not a delivery.
Do drivers get Uber Eats requests when driving?
Yes. Uber encourages drivers to be rideshare drivers with Uber and also deliver food with Uber Eats to supplement their income.
You do not even need a separate app; you can receive both kinds of deliveries on the Uber Driver app.
Another great thing about this is that you can do both Uber and Uber Eats at the same time.
Customers are required to have different apps for the 2 services.
Can I change my vehicle?
Yes. You will need to sign in and submit a form and wait for incentives to be updated to the new delivery vehicle.
You can also change your vehicle model and license plate.
You can also change your method of delivery.
Can my family and friends be in the car as I deliver?
No. This goes against Uber policy.
You could also get reported and put on a waitlist as Uber investigates the incident.
Most times it leads to the permanent deactivation of your account.
You should only have the goods in your car during delivery.
Can I give someone my Uber Eats car to drive?
No. This will lead to deactivation once reported.
You must always drive your car while using the app.
Can I deliver in a town I am not registered in?
No. You can deliver from a town you are not registered in, but not vice versa.
Also, you will not get delivery requests if you leave the town your ride is registered in.
This problem is common.
Sometimes, drivers unknowingly find themselves outside their locality due to the hustle and bustle of deliveries.
Uber Eats Delivery: Start Earning With Food Delivery
If you’re looking for a flexible gig outside of the ridesharing world, delivering meals to hungry customers may be the perfect opportunity for you to earn.
Uber Eats is one of the leading platforms for on-demand food delivery in the United States, which means you can earn plenty of cash just by driving, biking, or riding your motorized scooter throughout your city.
Whether you want to make only some money or a larger amount, you can use our guide to signup with Uber Eats and get the earnings you need.
We hope this guide has shown you the Uber Eats requirements you’ll need to meet to start making deliveries.
The requirements aren’t that difficult, especially compared to those for rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft, or other earning opportunities you could do.
