How do I become an Uber Eats driver?

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about how to become an Uber Eats driver in the UK, including driver and vehicle requirements, a step-by-step guide to the sign-up process, and details about the background check you’ll have to pass before you can start making deliveries.

Uber Eats vehicle requirements 

You’ll need to decide which vehicle you’ll be using to make your deliveries: car, motorbike or bicycle.

Let’s dive into the specific requirements for each vehicle type.

Car

To deliver by car, you’ll need:

• To be at least 18 years old
• A UK/EU driving license 
• A DVLA electronic counterpart check code (if you’re using a UK driving license)
• A bank statement dated within the last three months (it must be the same bank account you’ll use to receive Uber Eats payments)
• A car insurance certificate that covers food delivery or hire and reward not excluding food delivery

Motorbike

To deliver by motorbike, you’ll need the following:

• To be at least 18 years old
• Any make or model scooter
• A UK/EU driving license (front and back, or a CBT certificate if your license is provisional)
• A DVLA electronic counterpart check code (if you’re using a UK driving license)
• A bank statement dated within the last three months (it must be the same bank account you’ll use to receive Uber Eats payments)
• A car insurance certificate that covers food delivery or hire and reward not excluding food delivery

Bike

The Uber Eats bicycle requirements are as follows:

• Be at least 18 years old
• When signing up, make sure to choose ‘bicycle’ under transportation method
• Provide one form of photo ID, either a passport from any country, a UK/EU driving license or an EU citizen/identity card
• Provide a DVLA electronic counterpart check code (if using a UK driving license)
• Provide a bank statement dated within the last three months (it must be the same bank account you’ll use to receive Uber Eats payments)

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A step-by-step guide to the Uber Eats sign-up process

The sign-up process to deliver for Uber Eats consists of four main stages: initial sign-up, uploading your documents, submitting your background check application, and visiting a participating Post Office branch to verify the documents you’ve provided. Let’s explore the details of each step.

#1 Sign up

The first step in becoming an Uber Eats driver is to sign up using your email address and smartphone. You’ll need to tell Uber which city you’d like to drive in and the type of driver's license you have.

Note: You can deliver with Uber Eats if  you already drive for Uber

If you already have an active driver account with Uber, you can also deliver for Uber Eats. On the Driver app, select Account > Work Hub > Deliver food with Uber Eats, review and select the delivery terms and start delivering food whenever works for you.

#2 Upload your documents

After you’ve signed up, you’ll be asked to upload various documents on the Driver app or by signing in to the Uber Partners page.

Your documents must be: 

• Valid 
• With all data points easily visible, including safety features (e.g. watermarks or holograms)
• In full colour and easy to read, free from blurriness or glare
• A high-quality scan or a photo of the original document (copies won’t be accepted)

To become an Uber Eats driver, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

Certificate of Motor Insurance

• Only applicable if you’re driving a motorised vehicle
• Must cover you for food delivery 
• No express excursions of cover for commercial hire and reward or delivery activity

Driving license (or other photo ID if you’re not driving a motorised vehicle)

Upload an original colour image of the front and back of your current driving license (UK or EU). 

Bank statement

• Upload a screenshot or photo of your bank statement from the account you’ll be using to receive Uber Eats payments
• Make sure your name matches the name on your identification and the account number matches your chosen bank account
• It should show your name, address, issue date, sort code, and account number

#3 Submit your background check application

After your documents are approved, you’ll need to undergo a Sterling background check for Uber Eats. Sterling is a background check service provider that conducts age verification, criminal history, and motor vehicle checks to make sure you’re suitable to become an Uber Eats driver in the UK.

Please note that it can take up to 48 hours to receive the link to complete your Uber Eats background check. If you don’t receive the link within this timeframe, please contact Uber Eats support for assistance.

Avoid delays at this point in the sign-up process by having the correct documents ready and completing all background check steps once you’ve received the instructions by email.

To complete the background check, you’ll need to:

• Create an account with Sterling via the background check link sent to you over email
• Add your personal details and upload photos of your right-to-work documents
• Complete the process through to the end

Please be aware that the process differs slightly depending on whether you’re located in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or Scotland. The main difference is that if you want to deliver in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you’ll receive an email with a barcode and instructions from Sterling after you’ve submitted your details and documents.

How long does the background check take?

Once you’ve submitted your background check application, it should take between 3 to 5 business days to complete. However, it may take longer if:

• The information you’ve provided is incomplete or inaccurate
• Document uploads are blurry or incomplete and need to be resubmitted
• Documents are expired or don’t meet Uber Eats’ requirements

To avoid delays, double-check your background check application and make sure the document images you’ve provided are easy to read.

Please be aware that you’ll be subject to annual background checks to ensure you’re still eligible to drive for Uber Eats and meet the company’s safety standards.

What happens if I fail the background check for Uber Eats?

If issues are flagged during the background check, you have the right to dispute the findings with the provider conducting the checks. However, Uber Eats’ decision to deny your delivery driver application (based on the original or revised reports) is final and can’t be challenged. 

#4 Visit a Post Office to verify your documents

Use Branch Finder and select ‘CRB & ID Verification Service’ from the ‘Service Required’ field to find your nearest participating Post Office. Make sure to bring the barcode sent by Sterling and the original versions of the documents listed in the email. 

Please be aware that you may be required to pay a service fee.

Once you’ve completed the steps above, all there’s left to do is wait. Uber Eats will be in touch once they have your results and when your account is ready. Please be aware that this process can take up to 30 days.

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