Driver with Uber Eats: How to Sign Up and Meet the Requirements

“So you wanna drive with Uber Eats, eh?”

If you live up here in Canada, chances are you’ve ordered from Uber Eats more times than you can count. Whether it’s poutine at midnight in Montreal or a double-double from Timmies in Toronto, this app’s become a go-to for folks coast to coast.

But here’s the cool part: you don’t just have to be the one ordering. You can actually be the one delivering — yep, becoming a driver with Uber Eats.

Why are so many Canadians giving it a shot? Simple: flexibility. You pick your own hours, there’s no boss breathing down your neck, and you can decide when to hop online and when to log off. Watching the Leafs game? Stay offline. Need some extra cash for that weekend getaway? Fire up the app and grab a few deliveries.

So, if you’re looking for a side hustle that fits around your life instead of the other way around, Uber Eats might be right up your alley. But before you hit the road (or hop on your bike), let’s walk through what you actually need to sign up and get approved.

Vehicle Requirements

Now, let’s talk about wheels. Uber Eats is pretty flexible about what you can use to deliver, but there are still some ground rules.

Car → If you’re planning to drive, your vehicle needs to be four doors and in good working condition. Nothing fancy required — just roadworthy, properly registered, and insured. So, whether you’ve got a family sedan or a little hatchback, you’re good to go as long as it’s legal to drive

Scooter or motorcycle → These are an option in certain cities, usually downtown areas where traffic’s a pain. As long as your scooter or bike is registered and insured, you can put it to work

Bicycle → Honestly, this is the fastest way to deliver in busy cores like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal. No insurance or registration needed — just your bike, a helmet, and strong legs.

Here’s a key point: if you’re signing up just for Uber Eats delivery, you usually don’t need a vehicle inspection. That’s different from driving with Uber Rideshare, where inspections are a must. For Eats-only drivers, the process is simpler.

At the end of the day, as long as your ride is safe, legal, and reliable, you’re ready to roll.

Required Documents

Alright, paperwork time. Don’t worry — it’s not as scary as it sounds. Uber Eats just needs a few key documents from you, and what you’ll need depends on how you plan to deliver.

If you’re driving a car:

Driver’s licence → Must be valid and meet your province’s rules (G or G2 in Ontario, Class 5 in B.C. or Alberta, etc.)
Vehicle registration → Your car’s gotta be officially registered
Insurance → Active auto insurance in your name, up to provincial standards
Background check → Uber will run a screening for both criminal history and your driving record
Profile photo → A clear headshot. No sunglasses, no hats — just you looking like you.

If you’re using a scooter or motorcycle:

Motorcycle licence → Class M in Ontario, Class 6 in B.C., and so on
Registration → Your scooter or bike has to be registered
Insurance → Active motorcycle insurance
Background check → Same as with cars
Profile photo → Clear and professional-looking.

If you’re delivering by bicycle:

Government-issued ID → Like a passport or provincial photo ID card
Background check → Yep, Uber checks cyclists too
Profile photo → Still required, and still needs to be clear.

The main difference here is simple: if your ride has an engine, you’ll need insurance and registration. If it doesn’t (like a bicycle), you just need ID and screening.

Insurance & Safety

Here’s where a lot of people get mixed up: what kind of insurance do you actually need to deliver with Uber Eats?

If you’re driving a car or scooter → you need your own personal insurance that’s valid in your province. That’s just the baseline — Uber won’t even let you on the road without it

On top of that, Uber provides some extra coverage when you’re actively using the app. So, for example, if you’re on your way to pick up an order or you’ve got someone’s pizza in the backseat, you’re covered by Uber’s third-party liability insurance

If you’re on a bicycle → no personal insurance is required. But Uber still offers limited protection when you’re online and making deliveries.

Now, about safety — Uber’s got your back with the app, but at the end of the day, you’re the one out there on the road. A few smart moves go a long way:

If you’re on a bike or scooter, wear a helmet and make sure your lights work, especially for late-night deliveries

Park in safe spots — a ticket or tow can wipe out a night’s earnings pretty quick

A good quality delivery bag helps keep food safe (and honestly makes you look more pro to customers).

Insurance is your legal safety net, but your own habits are what really keep you safe out there.

How to Sign Up for Uber Eats

So, you’ve got your wheels ready, your documents in hand, and you’re pumped to start delivering. Here’s how the sign-up works, step by step.

1. Download the right app

Grab the Uber Driver app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android)
Don’t mix it up with the regular Uber Eats app — that one’s for ordering food, not delivering.

2. Create your account

Open the app, hit “Sign Up,” and enter your basic info: name, email, phone number, and city
Choose “Delivery” as the service you want to sign up for
Select your vehicle type: car, scooter, or bicycle

3. Upload your documents

This is where you’ll need the paperwork we talked about earlier. The app will guide you through taking photos and uploading them:

Driver’s licence (or ID if you’re on a bike)
Vehicle registration and insurance (if needed)
Profile photo (clear headshot).

Tips:

Take photos in good lighting
Make sure your documents are flat and readable (blurry uploads can delay things)

4. Consent to background checks

Uber will send your info to a third-party service for screening
They’ll check your criminal history and, if you’re driving a vehicle, your driving record too
This usually takes a few days, but in some cases it can stretch to a week.

5. Wait for approval

Once everything’s submitted, Uber’s team reviews your docs and background check
You’ll get a notification in the app and by email when you’re approved

6. Get ready to deliver

When you’re approved, you can log into the app, set yourself to “Online,” and wait for your first delivery request
Some cities even offer an optional orientation session or online training videos — worth checking out if you want extra tips.

7. Grab the essentials

If you’re biking, a sturdy backpack or insulated bag is a must
If you’re driving, keep your car clean and maybe stash a small cooler bag for drinks
Uber sometimes sells delivery bags through their marketplace, but you’re free to use your own.

That’s it! From download to your first delivery, the whole sign-up process can be as quick as a few days — assuming all your docs are valid and your background check clears without hiccups.

Already Have an Uber Rideshare Account?

Good news, eh — if you’re already driving people around with Uber, you don’t need to start from scratch to deliver with Uber Eats. Uber makes it pretty seamless to add delivery to your profile.

Here’s how it usually plays out:

1. Log into your Uber Driver app

Use the same account you drive passengers with
Head into the menu (top left corner) and check your account options

2. Request to add “Delivery”

In most cases, you’ll see an option to add “Delivery” to your existing profile
Tap it, confirm, and Uber will guide you through what’s needed.

3. Upload any extra documents (if needed)

If you already had all the essentials (like licence, insurance, registration), you might be all set
But sometimes Uber asks for an updated insurance document that clearly shows you’re covered for delivery, not just personal driving
If your background check is older, they may also trigger a new screening

4. Wait for approval

Same deal as before: Uber reviews your request
Usually quicker than a brand-new sign-up since most of your info is already on file

5. Switch between Rideshare and Delivery

Once approved, you can toggle between trips in the Uber Driver app
You’ll see requests for passengers and deliveries, and you can choose to accept only rides, only deliveries, or both.

Pro tip: Many drivers in Canada run both. When rides are slow, deliveries keep you busy (and paid). And when deliveries quiet down, rides can fill the gap. It’s a solid way to maximize your time on the road.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Even though Uber Eats sign-up is pretty straightforward, there are a handful of things that can cause your application to get denied. Here are the big ones to watch out for:

1. Expired or invalid documents

Your driver’s licence, insurance, or vehicle registration has to be current
Even if it expired last week, Uber’s system will kick it back
For cyclists, an expired government ID is also a dealbreaker

Tip: Double-check the expiry dates before snapping and uploading photos.

2. Blurry or unclear photos

If Uber can’t read the text on your uploaded documents, they’ll reject them
Same goes for your profile photo — no sunglasses, no group selfies, no hats hiding your face

Tip: Use good lighting and make sure all four corners of your document are visible.

3. Background check issues

If your criminal record shows certain offences, you’ll likely be denied
For drivers, a poor driving history (like too many recent tickets, DUIs, or suspensions) can also block your application
Sometimes, it’s not even about “failing” — delays or mismatched info (like name differences) can cause the check to get stuck

Tip: Make sure the name on your documents matches exactly what you enter in the app.

4. Insurance gaps (for cars/scooters)

If your insurance doesn’t cover you properly (or the name on the policy doesn’t match yours), Uber won’t accept it
In some provinces, the insurance document must clearly state that you’re the primary driver.

5. Vehicle not eligible

Cars need to be four doors and roadworthy. If your ride is too small, too old, or unsafe, Uber may block it
For scooters, if your city doesn’t allow them for Eats, you won’t get approved.

6. Trying to use someone else’s account

Uber takes this super seriously. If you try to sign up with documents that don’t match your identity, you’ll be permanently banned.

7. Duplicate applications

If you already have an Uber account and accidentally create a new one with a different email, it can mess things up
Uber prefers you stick with a single account and add services (rideshare, delivery) under that one profile.

Most rejections aren’t about huge problems — they’re about little oversights, like blurry documents or expired paperwork. If you catch those early, you’ll save yourself a ton of headaches.

Tips to Get Approved Faster

Nobody wants to be stuck waiting forever while their application sits in limbo. The good news? A few smart moves can speed things up and help you avoid unnecessary delays.

• Prep your documents before you even start

Have your licence, insurance, registration (if needed), and government ID ready to go
Make sure none of them are expired and that the names all match exactly
If you’re in Quebec or B.C., double-check the class of licence — Uber’s picky about that.

• Upload clean, clear photos

Take photos in good light (by a window or outside during the day works great)
Lay documents flat on a solid background, no glare, all corners visible
For your profile photo, think passport style: straight face, no sunglasses, no filters.

• Stick to one account

If you already have an Uber account (rideshare or Eats), don’t create a new one. Just log in and add “Delivery.”
Duplicate accounts often trigger flags and slow things down

• Be patient but stay on top of it

Background checks usually take a few days, but if it’s been a week with no update, reach out through the app’s help section
Sometimes, checks get stuck because of a small mismatch (like a middle name missing). Contacting support can clear it up.

• Don’t cut corners on insurance

If you’re driving, upload a document that clearly shows your name, policy number, and valid dates
Some drivers in Canada get rejected just because they uploaded the wrong page of their insurance slip

• Know your city’s rules

In places like Toronto and Vancouver, Uber Eats is stricter about vehicles and documentation
A quick glance at Uber’s local requirements page can save you from wasting time on a setup that won’t fly.

• Keep your app notifications on

Uber sometimes emails or pings you if they need a new doc or a clearer photo
The faster you respond, the faster your account gets greenlit

Think of it this way: Uber Eats wants you out there delivering just as much as you do. If you make their job easy with clean docs and no red flags, you’ll usually be on the road (or on the bike lane) within days.

Closing – Ready to Deliver, Eh?

So, you’ve made it this far. You know what wheels you can use, which documents Uber Eats wants, how insurance works, and even how to get approved faster. Honestly, that’s already half the battle. The rest is all about hitting the road and making deliveries — which is where the fun starts.

Here’s the thing: being an Uber Eats driver in Canada isn’t just a side hustle. It’s a chance to set your own schedule, explore your city, and meet some of the quirkiest, hungriest people you’ll ever deliver to. Some days you might cruise through downtown Toronto on your bike, feeling the fresh air and checking out city sights. Other days, you’re zipping through Montreal traffic in your hatchback, knowing every shortcut like the back of your hand. And sure, sometimes it rains — but hey, that’s Canada for you, eh?

A few things to keep in mind as you start delivering:

Flexibility is your superpower

You can work mornings, evenings, weekends — whatever fits your lifestyle. Need a few hours to study, take care of the kids, or just relax? No problem. The app bends around your life, not the other way around.

Maximize your earnings

Some drivers like to stick to busy downtown areas during peak lunch or dinner hours. Others mix shifts with Uber Rideshare if they’re dual-registered. The key is to experiment a little and see what works best for your schedule and vehicle type.

Stay safe and smart

Keep your deliveries secure: insulated bags, secure bike locks, proper helmet, reflective gear for night shifts. And always double-check parking rules — a quick ticket or tow can turn a good night into a bad one fast.

Enjoy the journey

Think of each delivery as a small adventure. You’re exploring neighborhoods, discovering shortcuts, and maybe even chatting with some friendly customers along the way. Some drivers say it’s like a treasure hunt, but the treasure is cash in your pocket and maybe a good story to tell later.

Community vibes

Believe it or not, Uber Eats drivers in Canada are a bit of a community. People swap tips on the best routes, the fastest delivery lanes, or even which coffee shops give the best driver perks. Don’t be shy to pick up little nuggets of wisdom — they really help.

Final Encouragement:

Getting set up may feel like a lot at first — documents, background checks, insurance, and all that — but once you’re approved, the freedom you get is unmatched. You set your hours, pick your rides, and get paid for each delivery you complete. Plus, the skills you pick up — city knowledge, navigation, time management — are transferable everywhere.

So, if your vehicle is ready, your documents are in order, and you’ve got your profile photo nailed, there’s really nothing stopping you. Grab your jacket, fill your water bottle, strap on your delivery bag, and get out there. Whether you’re cruising Toronto streets, cycling through Vancouver’s downtown core, or hitting Montreal’s busiest routes, the road is yours.

At the end of the day, being an Uber Eats driver in Canada is about freedom, flexibility, and a little bit of fun along the way. So get signed up, get approved, and start delivering — your first order is just a tap away.