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Driving & delivery · Checked November 2026

Uber Eats requirements

Restaurant delivery by car, scooter, bike, or on foot. Car drivers must be 21 in California and New York State.

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At a glance

Source: Gridwise 2025, gross. Gas and wear typically cut this 25–40%.

Minimum age
18 bike/foot, 19 car
Background check
Background check
Vehicle
Bike, scooter, or car
Payout
Instant
Reported pay
$18.06/hr avg
Worker type
Contractor

Minimum age. 18 for bike or on-foot delivery and 19 by car or scooter, except car delivery in California and New York State, which requires 21.

Where delivery pay floors apply. Seattle requires delivery apps to pay at least $0.47 per minute plus $0.80 per mile, or $5.34 per offer. New York City requires $22.13 an hour before tips for restaurant and grocery delivery. California's Prop 22 guarantees 120% of minimum wage for engaged time. See the Seattle, New York City, and California guides.

Uber Eats questions

How old do you have to be to work for Uber Eats?
18 bike/foot, 19 car.
Does Uber Eats require a background check?
Yes. Uber Eats runs a background check before you can start.
How fast does Uber Eats pay?
Uber Eats pays with an instant or same-day cashout option.
How much does Uber Eats pay?
$18.06/hr avg (source: Gridwise 2025, gross). Vehicle costs like gas and wear typically cut that by 25–40%.
Do you need a car for Uber Eats?
Not always. Uber Eats accepts bikes or scooters in some markets, or you can use a car.
Is Uber Eats a W-2 job or independent contractor work?
No. Uber Eats workers are independent contractors, so you cover your own expenses and set aside money for self-employment taxes.

Similar driving & delivery

DoorDash$12.43/hr avgUber (rides)$23.88/active hrLyft$22.45/active hrInstacart$10–30/hr reportedShipt$15–25/hr reportedWalmart Spark$23/hr avgAll platforms44 listed

Sources

  1. Uber: delivery requirements
  2. Gridwise: 2026 driver pay data

Last checked November 2026. Requirements change often, so confirm with Uber Eats before you rely on them.