Becoming a delivery courier for a platform like Postmates offers a flexible way to earn income as an independent contractor. This article clarifies the current minimum age to deliver for the platform, which has been fully integrated with Uber Eats. It also details the various requirements applicants must meet to begin accepting delivery requests.
The Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum age requirement to become a delivery courier is tied to the type of transportation you plan to use for your deliveries. For individuals who intend to deliver using a motorized vehicle, such as a car, scooter, or motorcycle, the standard minimum age is 19 years old. This requirement is in place primarily due to insurance regulations and the need for an established driving history when operating a motor vehicle commercially.
Younger applicants can still qualify in certain areas, as the minimum age drops to 18 years old for those using a non-motorized option. This exception typically applies to couriers using a bicycle or delivering on foot in select urban markets where such transportation methods are practical. These age stipulations align with the company’s policies for all delivery couriers.
This two-tiered age requirement allows a broader range of individuals to participate in the gig economy, depending on their access to a vehicle and their local market’s delivery options. It provides an entry point for college students or others who might not yet meet the age for driving a car for delivery, but can still utilize a bicycle or walk to fulfill orders. Meeting this initial age qualification is only the first step, as applicants must also satisfy several other non-age-related criteria.
Essential Requirements Beyond Age
To move forward with an application, prospective couriers must possess a valid government-issued photo identification, required regardless of the delivery method. If you plan on driving a car or a motorized scooter, you must also hold a valid state driver’s license. For those driving, proof of current personal vehicle insurance is mandatory, along with valid vehicle registration documentation.
Couriers must have access to a reliable means of transportation, which can be any two- or four-door car, a motorized scooter under 50cc, or a bicycle. While there are no strict age or cosmetic standards for the car itself, it must be in good working condition. All couriers need a compatible smartphone (iOS or Android) to operate the Uber Driver app, which is the central tool for managing all deliveries.
The company does not mandate any prior delivery experience, but applicants should be physically capable of lifting and carrying packages, with a general expectation of being able to handle at least 30 pounds. These requirements ensure that couriers can safely and efficiently manage the logistics of picking up and dropping off various types of orders. After confirming they meet these basic qualifications, applicants can then proceed to the official sign-up process.
Understanding the Application Process
The application begins by creating a profile through the Uber Driver app or website. Applicants submit personal information and upload digital copies of required documents, such as a driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance, if applicable. A profile photo is also required for account verification.
A mandatory background check is initiated after documentation is submitted, using a third-party service to review the applicant’s driving record and criminal history. The motor vehicle record check screens for serious issues, such as driving under the influence or major moving violations within the last seven years. It also looks for a pattern of minor infractions, requiring no more than three moving violations over the previous three-year period.
The criminal history check involves screening national and county-level databases for felonies or other serious offenses that would disqualify an applicant. The time it takes to complete this screening varies, but once the background check is successfully passed and all documents are verified, the applicant is officially approved to begin accepting delivery requests.
Postmates Operations are Now Uber Eats
For individuals searching for how to become a Postmates driver, the company was acquired by Uber in 2020. This led to the full integration of the Postmates delivery network into the larger Uber Eats system. Consequently, anyone applying to be a “Postmates driver” is now signing up directly through the Uber platform.
Delivery requests once handled by the Postmates Fleet app are now managed within the unified Uber Driver app. This means a new courier gains access to a broader, combined pool of delivery opportunities from both the legacy Postmates network and the Uber Eats platform. The integration simplifies the experience, providing a single application process and a consistent pay structure for all delivery work.