The appeal of becoming an Uber Eats delivery person lies in the flexible schedule and the ability to earn income on your own terms. This gig economy work provides an accessible path to earning money, often using a vehicle you already own or a bicycle. Qualification requirements differ based on location and the transportation method chosen. Understanding the specific stipulations for age, licensing, and personal history is the first step toward activating your account.
Minimum Age Requirements for Delivery
The minimum age to deliver for Uber Eats is tied to the type of vehicle used. Individuals planning to use a motorized vehicle, such as a car, moped, or scooter, must generally be at least 19 years old in the United States. This requirement acknowledges the increased responsibility and licensing standards associated with operating a motor vehicle commercially.
Couriers using non-motorized transportation, such as a bicycle or walking, are required to be at least 18 years old. Local laws and city ordinances sometimes impose different or higher age restrictions, which supersede the platform’s general requirements.
Mandatory Vehicle and Licensing Standards
Vehicle eligibility criteria for Uber Eats are more relaxed than for passenger ride-sharing services, but specific documentation is necessary. Car delivery requires a current, valid driver’s license in your name, along with at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. The personal vehicle can be a two-door or four-door car, and the platform often accepts older models, typically 1998 or newer.
For motorized delivery methods, you must provide proof of vehicle registration and current personal auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum liability coverage. Scooter delivery requires a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration, but the motorized scooter must have an engine size of 50cc or less. Couriers delivering by bicycle or on foot only need a government-issued photo identification card.
Passing the Background Check and Safety Vetting
All prospective delivery partners must consent to a comprehensive safety evaluation, including a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check and a criminal history check. This screening is conducted by third-party providers, such as Checkr, to ensure safety compliance. The MVR review examines driving history for the past seven years, looking for major traffic violations.
Disqualifying MVR factors often include major infractions like driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license, typically if they occurred within the last seven years. The criminal history check reviews records for certain felony convictions, particularly those related to violence, sexual offenses, or terrorism, which are grounds for permanent disqualification. Processing time for these screenings varies, sometimes taking only a few business days, but delays can extend the timeline up to two weeks depending on the availability of local court records.
Required Documentation and Account Setup
Once age, vehicle, and driving history requirements are met, the next step involves submitting the necessary paperwork to finalize the application. A government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, is required for identity verification and must be uploaded. For delivery by car or scooter, applicants must submit a digital copy of the vehicle registration and current proof of insurance.
The application process requires providing a Social Security number for background screening and tax purposes as an independent contractor. Applicants must also upload a clear, high-quality profile photograph that adheres to the platform’s guidelines. After all documents are submitted and the background check is completed, the account enters a final review phase before activation.
Key Considerations for New Drivers
Working as an Uber Eats delivery person means operating as an independent contractor, which involves specific business and tax responsibilities. Unlike traditional employees, couriers are self-employed and responsible for paying self-employment taxes, which cover both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare. This status requires drivers to estimate and pay quarterly taxes to the IRS, rather than having income tax withheld from their paychecks.
The independent contractor status allows the deduction of legitimate business expenses from taxable income. The most common deduction is for the use of a personal vehicle, calculated using the standard mileage rate set by the IRS, which changes annually.
Earnings are calculated based on a combination of a base fare, applicable boosts, and 100% of any in-app tips from the customer. New drivers should prioritize personal safety by remaining aware of their surroundings, particularly when delivering after dark or in unfamiliar areas.