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Key Information
Earnings Vary
Earnings depend on your location and how often you deliver, with differences noted in smaller towns.
Driver Requirements
Must meet the minimum age (19 for cars/scooters, 18 for bikes), have proper documentation, and a compatible smartphone.
Vehicle Requirements
A range of vehicles is accepted; cars require no damage and good condition, bikes should be reliable for city travel.
Background Check
Must consent to a background check covering motor vehicle and criminal history, with periodic rechecks.
Before You Apply
To succeed as an Uber Eats delivery driver, understand that earnings vary by location and delivery frequency, especially in smaller towns. The role demands physical and mental stamina, plus a friendly demeanor with customers.
Consider the hours needed to meet financial goals, and be prepared for the job’s social aspects. If commitments are high, treating it as a supplementary income may be best.
Requirements Every Driver Using Uber Eats Must Meet
The path to becoming an Uber Eats delivery driver is straightforward, and you likely already meet the qualifications. Let’s dive into what it takes to become a driver.
Uber Eats Driver Requirements
To become an Uber Eats delivery driver, you’ll need to fulfill several requirements. Most drivers will meet these, but they’re necessary to put in place regardless.
Firstly, you must meet your city’s minimum age requirement, which is generally 19 years for car or scooter deliveries and 18 for bicycles, though availability for bike delivery varies by city.
Essential documentation is also a must-have:
- A valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance for car and scooter deliveries.
- For bike deliveries, a valid government-issued ID suffices.
Additionally, if you’re delivering by car, you’ll need at least one year of driving experience. All potential drivers must have a valid Social Security number.
You’ll also need a smartphone compatible with the Uber Driver app, which requires Android 5.0 or iOS 11.0, or newer. Finally, a valid checking account to receive direct deposits is necessary.
While these are the primary requisites, be aware that there may be other specific requirements depending on your location and mode of delivery.
Uber Eats Background Check Requirements
As part of the Uber Eats sign-up process, you’ll undergo a comprehensive background check conducted by Checkr. This will review both your motor vehicle record and criminal history. It’s important to consent to this check, as your driving and criminal records will be assessed—even if you don’t have a driving history.
The checks are thorough and may involve an NCC (National Crime Centre) in certain countries, or equivalent local agencies, to ensure your documents are verified. To pass, you should have no major criminal charges against you, such as felonies, DUIs, reckless driving, violent crimes, or sexual offenses, and no pattern of minor offenses.
Keep in mind, Uber Eats will periodically rerun this background check at least annually, so maintaining a clean record is essential for continued eligibility as a courier.
Uber Eats Vehicle Requirements
Next, your vehicle must meet specific requirements, which vary depending on the vehicle type and your city.
The Uber Eats platform allows a broad range of vehicles for delivery, including cars, motorbikes, scooters, and bicycles, with the flexibility to deliver on foot in some cities.
- For cars, any 2-door or 4-door vehicle is acceptable, without the stringent comfort and safety standards required for Uber passenger vehicles.
- Scooters can be of any make or model but must have a motor of 50cc or less.
- There are no specific requirements for bicycles, but it’s advisable to use a reliable, lightweight model with enough cargo space for efficient delivery.
When signing up, ensure to select the correct delivery method that corresponds to your vehicle. Unlike the more detailed inspections for Uber rideshare vehicles, Uber Eats does not require a vehicle inspection, but your vehicle should be free of significant damages and in good working order.
For couriers on bicycles, the requirements are minimal; your bike just needs to be dependable for city travel.
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.
New drivers can follow the process below. If you’re an existing Uber driver already giving rideshare rides, your signup process is a bit simpler.
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
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 Apply to Become an Uber Eats Driver [As a New Driver]
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.
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.
Anyone and any vehicle eligible for Uber is already more than qualified for Uber Eats.
What to Expect After Signing Up to Drive For Uber Eats
After you sign up with Uber Eats, there’s a bit more to the process before you can start delivering.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved to Drive With Uber Eats?
The initial step involves passing a background check by Checkr, which typically takes between 3 to 5 business days. You’ll receive the report and Uber’s decision, which could take about 4 to 7 days in total. Don’t be concerned about delays; these are common and usually nothing to worry about.
Once you’re cleared, the activation process kicks off. You’ll need to submit specific documents like your CNH, labeled “Exercise Paid Activity,” which takes 1 to 3 business days to get approved.
The final verification step can take at least 7 days, as it’s a detailed security measure to ensure everyone’s safety—patience is key here.
How Will I Know if I am Cleared or Denied?
You’ll know you’re cleared to deliver if you receive an email confirmation. If you’re denied, you won’t receive an email.
If a week passes without any communication, it’s likely you haven’t been cleared, but you can reach out to Uber to confirm if it’s a simple delay or if there’s an issue with your application. Reapplying is possible, but being cleared after a denial is generally unlikely.
What if I Get Waitlisted by Uber Eats?
If you find yourself waitlisted, it could be for various reasons, such as reckless driving, frequent cancellations, expired documents, or other infractions.
The severity of these issues varies, with corresponding consequences. However, if your process is simply on hold, you can complete it later, or if you’ve completed the process but are on hold, you can contact Uber for further clarification.
Be aware, some mistakes might lead to permanent deactivation without the possibility of an appeal.
What Happens I get Denied by Uber Eats?
If Uber Eats doesn’t approve your application to become an independent driver, don’t lose heart—there’s a possibility for a second chance.
While the likelihood of overturning a rejection is slim, you’re not entirely out of options. Being placed on a waitlist can be a more promising sign, and reapplying is an option worth considering, as errors can happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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 deliver with Uber Eats 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.
Reasons to Become A Delivery Driver Using Uber Eats
Considering becoming an Uber Eats delivery driver? There are several compelling reasons to do so:
- Earning Potential: The delivery industry is profitable, and Uber Eats provides various incentives to maximize earnings.
- Weekly Payouts: Earnings are deposited weekly, with an option for up to 5 daily cash-outs through Uber’s Instant Pay.
- Trackable Earnings: The app simplifies tracking your earnings and tips, updating your total after each delivery.
- Vehicle Flexibility: Drive a car, ride a bike, or even walk; Uber Eats accepts various modes of transport.
- Work on Your Terms: Enjoy the freedom to set your own schedule, with the option to work full-time or part-time.
- Take Breaks As Needed: The job’s flexibility allows for time off whenever necessary due to personal commitments or health.
- Simple Onboarding: The sign-up process is straightforward, making it easy for anyone to get started.
- Rewarding Promotions: Boost and Surge promotions offer chances to earn more by working certain locations and times.
Pro Tip: To increase your earnings further, consider combining Uber Eats deliveries with other delivery apps like DoorDash at peak times.
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.
