Uber Eats Driver and Vehicle Requirements

To become a delivery driver in any of the many U.S. cities that Uber Eats serves, you must meet the platform’s qualifications. In this article, we’ll take you through the requirements for drivers, vehicles and insurance as well as cover the background screening and Uber Eats signup steps.

Uber Eats driver requirements

You must meet these basic Uber Eats qualifications before you can sign up as a delivery driver: 

• You have to live in a city that allows Uber Eats signups for your chosen vehicle type.
• You must meet the Uber Eats age requirements of at least 18 years old for bicycle delivery drivers or 19 years old for car and scooter delivery drivers.
• You need a valid state driver’s license to drive a car or scooter.
• You need access to a car, scooter, or bicycle that meets Uber’s standards.
• You must be able to lift at least 30 pounds.

Note that you won’t need to have any minimum years of driving experience like you would if you signed up as a rideshare driver. 

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Required documentation

Here are the types of documents that Uber will make you upload so it can verify your identity and eligibility to work as a delivery driver:

• Valid state driver’s license (accepted for all vehicles) or another government-issued photo ID (only for bicycles)
• Proof of current insurance coverage (for cars and scooters)
• Vehicle registration document (for cars and scooters)
• High-quality profile photo

Uber requires that all your documents be original, complete, easy to read and not expired. While it accepts images and PDFs for most documents, you must submit a high-quality photo of your driver’s license. Make sure your documents match the application information you provide.

Uber Eats vehicle requirements

Uber Eats has these straightforward vehicle requirements to meet:

• Automobiles: You can deliver orders with any two- or four-door car, truck, SUV, or van, and renting through an Uber partner is an option if you don’t own one.
• Scooters: Your motorized scooter must have an engine size below 50cc, so motorcycles typically won’t qualify.
• Bicycles: Any electric or manual bike should meet the Uber Eats bicycle requirements.

You must properly register any automobile or scooter with your state’s department of motor vehicles. Keep in mind that scooter and bicycle delivery may not be available in all cities, and you’ll find out your options when you begin your application.

Personal insurance requirements

If you want to use your car or motorized scooter to make deliveries, Uber requires that you purchase at least the state minimum in driver liability insurance coverage. While amounts vary by state, some common minimums are:

• $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage
• $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage

Some states don’t require scooter insurance, but it’s often still worth it for financial protection. You should also check for any additional mandatory coverages for drivers, such as medical payments, personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Plus, be aware that some locations might require commercial or rideshare coverage.

You might qualify for a tax break on your vehicle insurance premiums thanks to self-employed tax deductions.

Uber Eats supplementary car insurance coverage

Uber gives you access to third-party coverage that supplements your personal car insurance while you’re logged in to the Uber Driver app. 

First, you’ll get these coverages once you’re logged in and available to take deliveries:

• $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
• $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
• Other state-required coverages, such as personal injury protection, medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance

While you’re making pickups and deliveries, the following comprehensive coverages apply:

• $1 million minimum in bodily injury and property damage liability coverage
• Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage ($1,000 to $2,500 deductible) 
• Any state-required uninsured/underinsured bodily injury insurance and personal injury protection coverage

Uber also offers an optional injury protection plan you can purchase.

Uber Eats background screening process

During the Uber Eats delivery driver application process, you’ll consent to a background screening that requires your Social Security number and the documentation listed. The third-party companies Samba Safety, Checkr and Hireright handle the screening and look for past criminal violations and convictions that might disqualify you from the job.

You’ll usually get the results in three to five business days. However, Uber warns that courthouse processes may slow down the screening, and the company might want to review your details further. 

You’ll usually undergo yearly background checks after you’re onboarded. 

How to sign up as an Uber Eats driver

If you already work as an Uber rideshare driver, you can visit the Work Hub on the Uber Driver app and select Deliver food with Uber Eats. After accepting the terms, you’ll get access to delivery jobs alongside your usual ride requests.

Otherwise, you can follow these basic steps to become an Uber Eats driver:

1. Download the Uber Driver app for iOS or Android or visit the Uber website’s worker signup page.
2. Use your email address, phone number, or one of the listed third-party login options to make your Uber account.
3. Provide basic personal information and choose the option to sign up for delivery services using your preferred vehicle option (car, scooter or bicycle). 
4. Provide your Social Security number and consent to a background check.
5. Upload and submit the documentation required for your chosen vehicle option.
6. Wait for your background check to complete and Uber to activate your account.

Uber has a convenient online chat if you need any help or have questions while signing up.

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