Uber Eats requires a valid driver's license to deliver food, but the license itself is just one of several documents the company needs before you can start working

Yes, Uber Eats requires an active driver's license issued by your state or country. The license must be valid — not expired, suspended, or revoked — and you must be at least 18 years old to hold one. Uber verifies the license through a background check service and checks it again periodically while you work.

The driver's license is not the only document Uber Eats needs, though. The company also requires proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a Social Security number or tax ID. If you plan to deliver by car, all three documents must match the vehicle you list in your account. If you deliver by bike or scooter, you still need a valid ID but not vehicle documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driver's license must be valid and issued by your state; Uber Eats will not accept an expired, suspended, or revoked license.
  • Car deliveries require a driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration all in the same name.
  • Bike and scooter deliveries require only a valid ID, not a driver's license or vehicle documents.
  • Uber Eats checks your license during onboarding and runs periodic checks while you are active on the platform.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you must wait until it is reinstated before Uber Eats will let you deliver again.

What Documents You Need to Submit During Signup

When you create an Uber Eats driver account, the app walks you through a document upload process. You will photograph or scan your driver's license (front and back), and Uber's system reads the information automatically. The license must be current and match the name and date of birth you entered when you created your account.

For car deliveries, you also upload your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Both documents must show the same vehicle and the same name as your driver's license. If the registration or insurance is in a spouse's name or a co-owner's name, you will need to contact Uber support to add that person as an authorized user before you can proceed.

Bike and scooter deliveries skip the vehicle documents. You still upload a valid ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — but Uber does not need insurance or registration for non-motorized or low-speed electric delivery.

How Uber Eats Verifies Your License

Uber Eats uses a third-party background check company to verify your driver's license. The company checks that the license number, issue date, and expiration date match state records. This verification usually takes 24 to 48 hours, though it can take longer if the state's records are slow to respond or if there is a mismatch in your information.

Once you are approved and active, Uber Eats runs periodic checks on your license — typically every few months or when you reactivate your account after a break. If your license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, Uber Eats will deactivate your account and you will not be able to accept orders until the license issue is resolved.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked for any reason — unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or a court order — Uber Eats will find out during a periodic check or when you try to reactivate your account. The company will when ready deactivate your account and you will not be able to deliver.

You cannot work as an Uber Eats driver while your license is suspended or revoked, even if you deliver by bike. Once your license is reinstated by your state's DMV or licensing authority, you can contact Uber Eats support to request reactivation. Uber will run another background check, and if everything clears, your account will be restored.

Expired Licenses and Renewal

An expired driver's license will not pass Uber Eats' verification check during signup. If your license has expired, you must renew it with your state's DMV before you can create an account or reactivate an existing one.

If your license expires while you are already driving for Uber Eats, the company will catch it during a periodic check and deactivate your account. You will have a grace period — usually a few weeks — to renew your license and upload the new one. Contact Uber Eats support as soon as you renew to upload the updated license and restore your account.

International Drivers and Licenses

Uber Eats accepts driver's licenses from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. If you have a valid license from your state, you can drive for Uber Eats in any state where the service operates, as long as you meet that state's insurance requirements.

International driver's licenses are not accepted on their own. If you are a non-U.S. citizen living in the United States, you must have a valid U.S. state driver's license or state ID card. Some states issue licenses to non-citizens with valid visa status; check your state's DMV website for requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deliver for Uber Eats with a learner's permit or provisional license?

No. Uber Eats requires a full, unrestricted driver's license. Learner's permits and provisional licenses do not meet the requirement, even if they are valid and not expired.

What if my name on my driver's license does not match my Uber Eats account name?

Your name must match exactly. If you recently changed your name legally, update your driver's license first, then contact Uber Eats support with a copy of the court order or marriage certificate. Uber will update your account once the license is verified.

Do I need a commercial driver's license to deliver for Uber Eats?

No. A standard passenger vehicle driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL) unless you are driving a vehicle that requires one under your state's law.

Can I use someone else's car if I have my own valid license?

The vehicle registration and insurance must be in your name or you must be listed as an authorized driver on both documents. If the car belongs to someone else, that person's name must appear on the registration and insurance, and you will need to contact Uber support to add yourself as an authorized user.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket while delivering?

A single traffic ticket will not automatically deactivate your account. However, if the ticket leads to points on your license or a suspension, Uber Eats will find out during a periodic check and may deactivate you. Pay tickets promptly and keep your driving record clean to avoid license suspension.