To become an Uber Eats delivery partner, applicants must meet specific qualifications related to personal eligibility, vehicle standards, insurance, and legal status. Understanding these initial criteria is the first step toward successfully utilizing the platform to earn income. The most fundamental requirement involves confirming the applicant’s age based on the chosen transportation method.
Minimum Age Requirements by Delivery Method
The minimum age requirement for delivering with Uber Eats is directly linked to the method of transportation an individual selects. Applicants who intend to deliver using a motor vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle, or motorized scooter, must generally be at least 19 years old in most markets.
For those who plan to deliver using non-motorized transport, such as a bicycle or by walking, the minimum age requirement is typically lower. Individuals can sign up to deliver using a bicycle or on foot once they reach 18 years of age.
The age standard of 19 for drivers of motorized vehicles is a common benchmark for the platform, but it is not universal. Some cities or regions may impose a higher minimum age, occasionally requiring applicants to be 21 years old, especially if the delivery program includes the transport of age-restricted items like alcohol. Therefore, confirming the local age stipulation is a necessary step before beginning the application process.
Required Driver Documentation and Status
Beyond meeting the age requirement, applicants must demonstrate a legal right to work and provide specific personal documentation to verify their identity. All delivery partners must possess a valid form of identification, which includes a state-issued photo ID for those delivering via bicycle or on foot. Individuals driving a car or motorized scooter must hold a valid state driver’s license.
The platform requires a Social Security Number or other tax identification to facilitate the mandatory background screening and confirm the applicant’s legal eligibility to work as an independent contractor. This documentation ensures compliance with federal and state regulations regarding employment status and taxation. While an extensive history is not required for Uber Eats delivery, some regions may enforce a minimum driving experience period, often one year, for those operating a motor vehicle.
Vehicle, Insurance, and Equipment Standards
Using a motor vehicle for deliveries requires the car to meet specific standards, though these are often less stringent than those for rideshare services. Vehicles must typically have two or four doors and be registered in the applicant’s name or be used with the owner’s explicit permission. For motorized scooters, the engine size must generally be under 50cc to qualify for delivery service.
Applicants using a car or scooter must maintain their own personal auto insurance policy that meets the minimum liability coverage standards mandated by their state. This personal policy is the primary coverage, with Uber providing additional commercial insurance coverage once a delivery trip is initiated. Vehicle registration documents must be current and provided to the platform for verification.
Although not strictly required by the platform’s central policy, delivery partners are strongly encouraged to use insulated bags to maintain food temperature and quality. For those delivering on two wheels, safety equipment like a certified helmet and reflectors are highly recommended practices to promote visibility and personal safety. Essential equipment like a phone mount and portable charger also help drivers navigate and keep the delivery application running efficiently.
The Sign-Up and Background Check Process
After an applicant meets the basic documentation and vehicle requirements, the next step involves the formal digital sign-up process through the Uber Driver application. During this phase, the applicant uploads their required documents, including identification, registration, and proof of insurance. The application then initiates a mandatory, comprehensive background check conducted by a third-party screening service.
This background check evaluates the applicant’s driving record, looking for serious moving violations, recent accidents, or license suspensions. It also screens the applicant’s criminal history for specific offenses that would disqualify them from being a delivery partner.
The duration of this review process can vary, but applicants are generally notified of their approval status within three to five business days. Once approved, the account is activated, allowing the new partner to begin accepting delivery requests.
State and Local Regulatory Differences
The requirements for becoming an Uber Eats delivery partner are not uniform across every location, as they are often subject to localized laws and municipal ordinances. Major metropolitan areas frequently introduce unique rules that diverge from the platform’s general standards. For instance, some cities may have stricter vehicle age limits or enforce specific commercial insurance requirements for delivery workers.
Furthermore, the ability to deliver via bicycle or on foot may be restricted to highly dense urban cores, while suburban or rural areas may only permit delivery by motor vehicle. Applicants must consult the specific requirements for their intended city of operation to ensure full compliance with all local statutes.