You do not need a driver's license to deliver for Uber Eats if you use a bicycle, electric scooter, or on foot
Uber Eats accepts delivery workers using multiple methods of transport. A driver's license is required only if you plan to deliver using a car, motorcycle, or moped. If you deliver by bike, e-bike, e-scooter, or walking, you can sign up and work without one.
The transport method you choose affects which documents you need, how much you can earn per delivery, and which neighborhoods are available to you. Most cities have all four options open, though availability varies by location and demand.
Key Takeaways
- Bicycle, e-bike, e-scooter, and walking deliveries do not require a driver's license or vehicle registration.
- Car, motorcycle, and moped deliveries require a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
- You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid phone and bank account for any delivery method.
- The signup process is the same regardless of transport method; you select your delivery type during account creation.
- Background checks are required for all delivery workers and vary by state and local law.
What documents you need for each delivery method
For bike, e-bike, e-scooter, or walking: You need a valid government-issued ID (not necessarily a driver's license — a passport or state ID card works), proof of your Social Security number, and a valid phone number. Uber Eats will run a background check through a third-party service, which typically takes a few days to a week.
For car, motorcycle, or moped: You need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration in your name, proof of insurance, and the same ID and Social Security verification as other delivery workers. Insurance requirements vary by state; some states require commercial delivery insurance, while others allow personal auto insurance. Uber Eats does not provide insurance, so you are responsible for verifying what your policy covers.
In all cases, you must be at least 18 years old and have a bank account set up to receive payments. Uber Eats deposits earnings weekly, usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays depending on your bank.
How the background check works
Uber Eats uses third-party screening companies (typically Checkr or similar services) to run background checks on all delivery workers. The check looks for felony convictions, violent crimes, and sex offenses. Specific disqualifying offenses vary by state and local law, so a conviction that blocks you in one state may not in another.
The background check takes 3 to 7 days in most cases, though it can take longer if there are name matches or records to review. You will receive an email when the check is complete. If you are denied, Uber Eats provides a reason and information about how to dispute it through the screening company.
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. Many people with records have been approved. The specifics of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your state's rules all matter.
Why a driver's license is not required for non-car delivery
Uber Eats treats bike and scooter delivery as a separate category from driving. These workers are not operating motor vehicles, so they do not need a driver's license under state law. A government-issued ID is still required to verify your identity and run the background check, but it does not have to be a driver's license.
This opens delivery work to people who do not drive, have suspended licenses, or prefer not to use a car. In dense urban areas, bike and scooter delivery is often faster than car delivery because riders can navigate traffic and use bike lanes.
State and local rules that affect your options
Most states allow all four delivery methods, but some cities have restrictions. A few municipalities require commercial permits for delivery workers, though Uber Eats typically handles this on your behalf. Some areas have age minimums for e-scooter riders (usually 16 or 18) that are separate from Uber Eats' own 18-year minimum.
Insurance requirements for car delivery vary significantly. California, for example, requires commercial delivery insurance or a rideshare endorsement on personal auto insurance. Other states allow standard personal auto insurance. Before you sign up to deliver by car, check your state's Department of Insurance website or call your insurance company to confirm what is covered.
A few states and cities have also passed laws requiring Uber Eats to provide certain benefits or protections to delivery workers. These rules do not affect whether you can sign up, but they may affect how you are paid or what support is available to you.
What happens if you do not have a driver's license but want to deliver by car
You cannot deliver by car for Uber Eats without a valid driver's license. The app will not let you select car delivery during signup if you do not provide a valid license number, and Uber Eats verifies it against state DMV records.
If your license is suspended or expired, you have a few options: wait until it is reinstated or renewed, or switch to bike or scooter delivery in the meantime. Some people do both — they deliver by bike on days when they do not have access to a car, and by car when they do.
How to sign up without a driver's license
Go to the Uber Eats website or open the Uber Eats app and select "Deliver with Uber Eats" or "Sign up to deliver." You will be asked to choose your delivery method: bike, e-bike, e-scooter, car, motorcycle, or moped. Select the non-car option that applies to you.
You will then enter your name, email, phone number, and date of birth. Upload a photo of your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Provide your Social Security number and bank account details. Accept the terms of service and submit.
Uber Eats will send you a confirmation email and begin the background check. Once the check clears, you can log in, see available delivery requests in your area, and start working. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 days from signup to your first delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport instead of a driver's license?
Yes. Uber Eats accepts any government-issued photo ID, including a U.S. passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. It must be current and show your full name and date of birth. A driver's license is not required for bike, e-bike, e-scooter, or walking delivery.
What if I have a suspended or revoked driver's license?
You cannot deliver by car with a suspended or revoked license. You can still deliver by bike, e-bike, e-scooter, or on foot using a different form of ID. Once your license is reinstated, you can switch to car delivery if you want.
Do I need commercial insurance to deliver by car?
It depends on your state. Some states require commercial or rideshare insurance for delivery work; others allow personal auto insurance. Check your state's Department of Insurance website or contact your insurance company before you sign up. Uber Eats does not provide insurance.
How long does the background check take?
Most background checks take 3 to 7 days. You will receive an email when it is complete. If there are name matches or records to review, it can take longer. You can check the status in your Uber Eats account under the "Documents" or "Background Check" section.
Can I deliver by bike if I am under 18?
No. Uber Eats requires all delivery workers to be at least 18 years old, regardless of delivery method. Some cities have separate age rules for e-scooter riders (sometimes allowing 16-year-olds), but Uber Eats' own policy is 18 and up.