Whether you're looking for a flexible side hustle or a new way to earn income on your own schedule, food delivery is a popular choice. One of the most recognized platforms out there is Uber Eats, which allows drivers to earn money by delivering meals to customers across the country.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to drive for Uber Eats, what the process looks like, and what you should consider before hitting the road.
What Is Uber Eats and How Does It Work?
Uber Eats is a food delivery service launched by Uber in 2014. It connects hungry customers with local restaurants through the Uber Eats app. When a customer places an order, a nearby delivery driver receives the request, picks up the food, and delivers it to the customer's location.
You can deliver with Uber Eats using a car, scooter, bike, or even on foot in some cities, making it a highly accessible way to start earning extra income.
Who Can Deliver with Uber Eats?
To drive for Uber Eats, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. While the exact rules may vary depending on your city or region, here are the general qualifications:
For Car Delivery:
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Be at least 19 years old
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Have a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance
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Use a 2-door or 4-door car that is a 1998 model or newer
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Have at least one year of driving experience
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Pass a background check and driving record review
For Scooter Delivery:
For Bike or Foot Delivery:
Once you meet the qualifications and complete the onboarding process, you’re ready to start delivering with Uber Eats.
How to Drive for Uber Eats: Step-by-Step
If you’re new to the platform, here’s a simple guide on how to sign up and begin driving for Uber Eats:
1. Create an Uber Account
Visit the Uber website or app and create a new account with your name, phone number, and email.
2. Choose Your Delivery Method
Select whether you’ll deliver using a car, scooter, bike, or on foot (availability may vary by city).
3. Submit Required Documents
Upload the necessary documents, including:
4. Consent to a Background Check
Authorize a background screening to review your driving record and criminal history.
5. Wait for Approval
Uber will review your information and notify you when your account is activated. This typically takes a few days to a week.
Using the Uber Eats Driver App
Once you're approved, you can start accepting delivery requests using the Uber Driver app. Here's how it works:
Accepting Deliveries:
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Receive a notification for a delivery request
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Tap to accept the request
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Review order details, restaurant location, and customer info
Picking Up Orders:
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Navigate to the restaurant using in-app GPS
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Provide the order number and verify the pickup
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Check the items and head to the delivery address
Delivering Orders:
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Use GPS for turn-by-turn directions
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Follow any special instructions from the customer
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Deliver the food and mark the delivery as complete
How Much Can You Earn with Uber Eats?
Earnings with Uber Eats depend on several factors including:
Typical Pay Structure:
Uber Eats pays drivers per delivery based on:
While earnings vary, the national average that drivers report is $19 per hour . Delivering during lunch and dinner rush hours can significantly increase your income.
Can I Rent A Car To Deliver With Uber Eats?
Absolutely! Drivers can rent from various platforms to drive and deliver with Uber Eats. TripCity is a top choice for many drivers as it offers flexibility like single day rentals, as well as a wide variety of vehicle options to choose from. Simply find a car, request to rent, and receive your vehicle documents needed to upload to your Uber Eats driver account.
Book a car with TripCity here.
Can You Accept Tips?
Yes! Drivers keep 100% of all tips, whether they’re given in cash or through the app. While tipping is not required, many customers do offer gratuities for good service.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Problems during deliveries happen. Here's what you can do:
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Customer not responding: Use the app to call or text them directly.
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Issue at the restaurant: Contact the restaurant via the app or notify Uber support.
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Serious delivery problems: Reach out to Uber through the in-app Help section.
Uber also compensates drivers if an order is canceled after pickup, and in some cases, you may be allowed to keep the food.
Pros and Cons of Driving for Uber Eats
Pros:
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Flexible schedule: you choose when to work
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No need to drive passengers
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Keep all your tips
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Lower vehicle requirements than Uber rideshare
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Accessible to younger drivers (19+ for cars, 18+ for bikes)
Cons:
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Earnings can fluctuate based on demand
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Dealing with traffic, parking, or order delays can be frustrating
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Earnings may be lower in smaller cities or rural areas
Where Can You Deliver with Uber Eats?
Uber Eats operates in hundreds of cities across the U.S. and around the world. Major U.S. cities include:
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New York City
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Los Angeles
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Chicago
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Dallas
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Phoenix
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Boston
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Denver
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Miami
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Atlanta
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Seattle
And many more! Check the Uber Eats website or app to see if it’s available in your area.
Things to Consider Before Becoming an Uber Eats Driver
Time Commitment
You may need to work long hours, especially if you're trying to reach specific income goals.
Customer Service Skills
You’ll still interact with restaurant staff and customers, so being friendly and professional is important, especially if you want to earn tips.
Location Matters
Your earning potential can vary significantly based on the city you work in. Urban areas with higher demand often yield better results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do rideshare and food delivery at the same time?
Yes! If you're already an Uber rideshare driver, you can deliver with Uber Eats using the same app and account.
Are there any discounts or perks for drivers?
Yes, Uber offers occasional driver promotions, fuel discounts, and other incentives to help maximize your earnings.
What vehicles are allowed for deliveries?
Cars, scooters, bikes, and even walking (in some cities) are permitted. Vehicle requirements differ slightly based on your delivery method.
Start Delivering with Uber Eats Today
If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn extra income, driving for Uber Eats might be the perfect fit. You get to be your own boss, work on your own schedule, and explore your city, all while earning money.
Apply today, complete the onboarding steps, and you could be making your first delivery within a few days.
Disclaimer: Earnings and availability may vary based on location, time, and driver activity. Always review local guidelines and requirements before signing up.
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