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How to Become an Uber Eats Driver in Montréal — Earn Fast, Drive Smart

If you’ve been thinking about picking up a side hustle in Montréal, delivering with Uber Eats is one of the most laid-back and flexible gigs you can jump into. Whether you’re cruising through downtown traffic in your car, weaving between cafés on a bike, or zipping around on a scooter, Uber Eats lets you earn cash on your own schedule — no boss breathing down your neck. Pretty sweet, eh?

Montréal’s food scene is wild: from poutine joints to fancy bagel spots to late-night smoked meat, there’s always someone ordering something. That means there’s always demand for delivery drivers, especially during winter months when folks definitely don’t wanna walk through slush.

Becoming an Uber Eats driver in Montréal isn’t complicated, but there are a few steps and requirements you gotta follow. The good news? Once you’re set up, you control when you work, how often you work, and which deliveries you take. It’s one of those gigs that actually fits around your life — not the other way around.

General Requirements

Before you can hit the road and start delivering with Uber Eats in Montréal, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements. Nothing too wild — just the usual stuff to make sure you’re legally good to go and that Uber knows you’re a real person who can actually deliver safely.

Age & Eligibility to Work

To deliver in Montréal, you must be:
  • At least 18 years old if you’re delivering by bike.
  • At least 21 years old if you’re delivering by car.
You also need to be legally allowed to work in Canada. That means one of the following:
  • Canadian passport
  • Permanent Resident card
  • Work permit that actually lets you take on gig/contract work
  • Citizenship card or certificate
Pretty straightforward, eh?

Valid ID & Driving Credentials

Depending on what you’re using to deliver, Uber has slightly different requirements:

For car or scooter delivery:

  • A valid Class 5 driver’s licence (full or probationary)
  • Clean enough driving record — nothing sketchy
  • Registration and insurance that match the vehicle you’re using
For bike delivery:
  • Just a government-issued ID
  • No driver’s licence needed (pretty chill, right?)

Eligible Vehicle Types

Uber Eats in Montréal accepts:
  • Cars (almost any model, as long as it’s insured and roadworthy)
  • Scooters
  • Bicycles (regular or e-bike)
And here's a fun part — vehicle age requirements are looser for Uber Eats than for Uber rides. As long as your car can safely move from Point A to B without making weird noises, you're usually good.

Background Check

Uber will run a criminal background check and, for car/scooter drivers, a driver’s abstract.
It’s not to freak you out — it’s just standard procedure for safety. As long as your record isn’t full of red flags, you’re fine.

Insurance Requirements

If you're delivering by car, you must have:
  • Valid vehicle insurance listing you as a driver
  • Québec auto insurance (SAAQ) up to date
Bike couriers don’t need vehicle insurance, but Uber still recommends personal liability coverage. Montréal traffic can be… well, Montréal traffic.

Required Documents

Before Uber can activate your account, you’ll need to upload a few documents through the Uber Driver app. Don’t worry — it’s not a mountain of paperwork. Just make sure everything is clear, not blurry, and fully visible. Montréal Uber support is pretty strict about that, so a fuzzy photo can slow things down big time.

Government-Issued ID

Everyone — bikers, drivers, scooter couriers — needs one.
This can be:
  • Passport
  • PR card
  • Québec ID card
  • Work permit with your photo
Make sure the ID isn’t expired. Uber’s system is picky, and it’ll reject anything even a day old past expiry.

Valid Driver’s Licence (Car & Scooter Drivers Only)

If you’re delivering with a motor vehicle, you’ll need:
  • A valid Québec Class 5 licence (full or probationary)
The photo must show:
  • Front side of the licence
  • All numbers readable
  • No fingers covering anything (yep, they’ll deny it for that)

Vehicle Registration (Car & Scooter)

Your registration (also called “circulation paper”) must:
  • Be in your name OR the owner’s name (family member is fine)
  • Match the vehicle you plan to deliver with
  • Be valid in Québec
If the car belongs to your buddy or cousin, that’s okay — but Uber may ask for extra confirmation.

Vehicle Insurance (Car & Scooter)

You must upload:
  • The insurance slip
  • With your name listed clearly as a driver or policy holder
  • Valid for Québec roads (SAAQ-compliant)
Uber Eats doesn’t accept “I’m covered verbally” — they want the actual paper or PDF.

Proof of Work Eligibility

To legally deliver in Montréal, you must show proof you’re allowed to work in Canada.
Accepted documents include:
  • Canadian passport
  • PR card
  • Study permit with eligibility for off-campus work (if allowed)
  • Open or closed work permit (must permit contract work)

Citizenship certificate

International students can deliver, but you must follow the hour restrictions on your study permit. Uber doesn’t mess around with immigration compliance.

Profile Photo

This is your in-app identity, so Uber has rules:
  • Face must be fully visible
  • No sunglasses, no hats, no filters (save those for Instagram)
  • Bright, clear lighting
  • Shoulders visible
  • Neutral background if possible
Think of it like a passport photo but slightly friendlier.

Optional: Banking Info

You don’t need to upload this right away, but you’ll need it to get paid:
  • Canadian bank account
  • Transit, institution, and account number
  • Void cheque or digital direct deposit form
Most people use a regular chequing account from RBC, TD, Desjardins, etc.
Don’t worry — setting this up is super quick.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Signing up for Uber Eats in Montréal is pretty straightforward. Everything happens inside the Uber Driver app (not the regular Uber Eats app customers use). As long as your documents are ready and your photos aren’t potato-quality, the setup usually goes fast.

Here’s how to get rolling:

Step 1 — Download the Uber Driver App

Grab the app from:
  • Google Play Store
  • Apple App Store
Search for “Uber Driver – Drive & Deliver”.
Once installed, open it up and hit “Sign Up.”

Step 2 — Create Your Account

You’ll be asked for:
  • Your email
  • Phone number
  • Legal name (use what’s written on your ID, not a nickname like “Mo” or “Jay”)
  • A password
Uber will text you a verification code — pop it in and you’re good.

Step 3 — Choose “Delivery”

A lot of people accidentally choose Uber Rides and get confused.
Make sure to select:
→ “I want to deliver food / Uber Eats.”

This ensures Uber gives you the right requirements for Montréal.

Step 4 — Upload Your Documents

The app will show a checklist based on whether you’re delivering with:
  • Bike
  • Scooter
  • Car
You’ll be asked to upload:
  • Government-issued ID
  • Driver’s licence (if applicable)
  • Vehicle registration
  • Insurance
  • Work authorization
  • Profile photo
Tips so Uber doesn’t reject your upload:
  • Use bright lighting
  • Shoot against a plain surface
  • Don’t crop edges
  • Make sure all text is readable
  • Avoid shadows — Montréal sun can be dramatic, eh
If the app keeps rejecting your doc even though it looks fine, try retaking it in landscape mode.

Step 5 — Consent to Background Checks

Uber will send your info to:
  • A criminal record screening service
  • A driving record service (if you’re using a car/scooter)
This usually takes:
  • A few hours on a good day
  • 1–3 days if they’re backed up
  • Longer during peak student season (Montréal September = chaos)
You don’t have to do anything — just wait for updates inside the app.

Step 6 — Vehicle Checks (If Required)

For Uber Eats, not all vehicles need inspection, but sometimes Uber requests one if:
  • Your car is older
  • Your documents show inconsistencies
  • You’re switching vehicles
If needed, the app will point you to an authorized inspection shop around Montréal.
Most are quick — in and out in like 20–30 minutes.

Step 7 — Add Your Banking Details

Before Uber can pay you, connect your:
  • Canadian chequing account
  • Direct deposit info
  • Void cheque (optional)
Payments hit weekly, but you can use Instant Pay to cash out same day.

Step 8 — Wait for Approval

Once everything is uploaded and checks are done, Uber will email you with:
“Your account is now active.”

This can be same-day if everything is smooth, or up to a few days if documents need manual review.

Step 9 — Start Delivering

Open the app → go online → wait for your first ping.
You’ll get:
  • Pickup location
  • Restaurant name
  • Distance
  • Estimated earnings
Swipe to accept, and boom — you’re officially delivering in Montréal.

Local Training & Montréal-Specific Requirements

Even though Uber Eats is one of the chillest gigs around, Montréal and Québec do have a few local rules that drivers need to be aware of. Nothing too heavy — just enough to keep things safe, organized, and aligned with provincial standards.

Training Requirements (If Applicable)

Unlike Uber rides (UberX), Uber Eats drivers in Montréal don’t usually need formal training. There’s no mandatory government course like the one taxi and rideshare drivers have to take in Québec.

But Uber may still require:
  • Short in-app training modules
  • Safety videos
  • Basic delivery guidelines
These usually cover:
  • How to pick up and drop off orders
  • How to handle double or stacked orders
  • Safety best practices while navigating Montréal’s busy streets
  • Proper communication with customers
  • What to do if an order is missing items
It’s super basic — you can complete everything from your couch while sipping a Tims double-double.

Vehicle Requirements in Montréal

For Cars

Uber Eats is way more flexible than Uber Rides. Montréal doesn’t force Uber Eats drivers to have:
  • New cars
  • Fancy models
  • Strict inspection schedules
But Uber may require a vehicle inspection if:
  • Your car looks old based on registration
  • The system flags your upload
  • You switch to a different vehicle later on
If this happens, Uber will direct you to an authorized inspection partner in Montréal like:
  • Canadian Tire
  • Mécanique shops partnered with Uber
  • Auto repair centres that support Uber inspections
Inspection usually checks:
  • Brakes
  • Lights
  • Tires
  • Basic safety
  • Overall drivable condition
It’s quick and affordable — generally $25–$40 depending on the shop.

For Bikes & E-Bikes

No inspection needed.
You do need:
  • A bike in good working condition
  • Front & rear lights
  • Helmet (technically optional, but c’mon, Montréal drivers can be spicy)

For Scooters

Must be a legal scooter under Québec rules:
  • Proper registration
  • Valid insurance
  • Operable in all seasons

Montréal-Specific Rules You Should Know

Language Expectations

  • Montréal is bilingual, but Québec deeply values French.
  • Uber Eats customers may message you in French, so knowing basic phrases like:
    • Je suis arrivé (I’ve arrived)
    • Je suis devant la porte (I’m in front of the door)
    • Vous pouvez venir chercher la commande? (Can you come get the order?)
…makes life easier.

Don’t stress — most customers switch to English if you ask politely.

Winter Delivering Reality

If you’re delivering in winter:
  • Roads get icy
  • Sidewalks get sloppy
  • Visibility can get rough
  • Bike couriers need serious gear
Montréal winter is no joke, buddy.

Downtown Rules

Picking up around:
  • Sainte-Catherine
  • Old Montréal
  • Concordia
  • McGill
…means tight parking, one-way streets, and impatient drivers.
Uber expects you to follow local traffic rules and avoid blocking bike lanes (Montréal cyclists will 100% call you out — politely but aggressively).

Apartment and Condo Access

Montréal has a lot of apartment buzzers and coded entrances.
Customers often forget to leave entry instructions, so don’t be shy to send a quick message.
Most people are super friendly.

When Uber Might Delay Your Activation

Even if everything seems good, your account can be delayed if:
  • Background check takes longer than expected
  • Your ID photo isn’t clear
  • Vehicle info doesn’t match
  • Work permit details need manual review
  • Insurance doesn’t list your name
Montréal has tons of students and newcomers, so these delays spike in summer and fall.

Account Activation & Start Delivering

Once all your documents are submitted and Uber gives you the green light, it’s time to hit the road and start earning. Montréal has a busy delivery scene, so once your account is activated, you’ll start seeing orders pop up pretty fast — especially around meal times. Here’s what you can expect.

How You Know Your Account Is Active

Uber will send you:
  • An email saying your account is approved
  • A notification inside the Uber Driver app
    • You’ll see a big button that says:
      • “Go Online”
  • If you can tap that, you’re officially in business.
  • If it’s greyed out, the app will tell you what’s missing.

Setting Up Your Driver App Properly

Before you accept your first order, make sure:
  • Your GPS permissions are set to “Always Allow”
  • Your notification settings are enabled
  • Battery Saver mode is turned off (it messes with the GPS big-time)
  • Your phone has data — Montréal deliveries rely heavily on maps
Most Montréal drivers use:
  • Google Maps for navigation
  • Waze for traffic alerts (super clutch during rush hour)
The Uber app lets you choose your default navigator.

Going Online for the First Time

When you hit “Go Online,” the app will:
  • Locate you
  • Show nearby restaurants
  • Start looking for available delivery trips
Your screen will show:
  • Heat map (busy zones)
  • Promotions (boosts, quests)
  • Order requests when they pop in
During busy periods in Montréal — lunch (11am–2pm) and dinner (5pm–9pm) — you’ll likely get your first ping within minutes.

Accepting Your First Delivery

When a request comes in, you’ll see:
  • The restaurant name
  • Customer general area
  • Estimated earnings
  • Estimated distance
  • You have a few seconds to accept.
  • If the payout looks decent, swipe to confirm.
Montréal has a lot of short-distance orders. They don’t always pay big, but they’re quick. You’ll quickly learn which ones are worth taking.

Picking Up the Order

Once you accept:
  • Head to the restaurant the app shows
  • Follow the GPS
  • When you arrive, hit “Arrived”
Most Montréal restaurant staff are used to Uber couriers — just walk in, say:
“Pickup for Uber Eats, order for (customer name).”

If the order isn’t ready:
  • Wait in the designated courier zone
  • Don’t hover over the counter — restaurants hate that
  • Be polite; Montréal is friendly, not pushy

Navigating to the Customer

After grabbing the food:
  • Tap “Start Delivery”
  • Use your chosen navigation app
  • Follow instructions exactly (Montréal’s one-way streets can be tricky)
If you’re delivering downtown, you’ll quickly learn that finding parking is… well… fun.
A lot of drivers do quick stops with hazards on — just make sure you’re not blocking bike lanes (Montréal cyclists have zero chill if you block their lane).

Dropping Off the Order

At the customer’s location:
  • The app will show whether it’s handed to customer or leave at door
  • Apartment buzzers are super common — message the customer if instructions are missing
In French-friendly areas, a quick “Je suis arrivé” goes a long way.
Once the order is complete:
  • Snap a photo for “leave at door” deliveries
  • Swipe “Delivered”
  • Boom — first delivery done.

Tracking Your Earnings

You can check your balance anytime:
  • Inside the app
  • Under Earnings tab
You’ll see:
  • Trip earnings
  • Tips
  • Promotions
  • Weekly payout total
Tips in Montréal can be hit-or-miss, but long-distance and winter deliveries often bring pretty solid tip amounts.

Common Reasons Your Uber Eats Application Gets Rejected

Even though signing up for Uber Eats in Montréal is pretty straightforward, a lot of new drivers get stuck or rejected for avoidable reasons. Here are the most common problems that make Uber hit you with that dreaded “Document rejected” or “We can’t activate your account” message.

Blurry or Low-Quality Document Photos

Probably the #1 reason for rejection.
If your picture is:
  • Too dark
  • Blurry
  • Cropped
  • Has shadows
  • Has flash reflecting on the plastic
Uber’s system will reject it instantly. Their AI is strict.

Why Uber cares:
They need to clearly read your name, expiry date, and ID number.

Expired Documents

Uber will always reject:
  • Expired driver’s licence
  • Expired PR card or work permit
  • Expired vehicle registration
  • Expired insurance slip
Even if it expired yesterday, they’ll still say nope.

Insurance Not Listing Your Name

Huge issue in Montréal.
If you’re delivering with a car and:
  • The insurance is in someone else’s name
  • Your name isn’t listed as a driver
  • The document doesn’t show the policy holder clearly
Uber won’t accept it.

Work Permit Not Eligible for Gig Work

For international students and workers:
  • Some study permits don’t allow off-campus work
  • Some closed work permits only allow work with one employer
If your status doesn’t allow contractor work, Uber has to reject your application (Quebec immigration rules are strict).

Info Doesn’t Match Across Documents

Example:
  • Name on driver’s licence doesn’t match passport spelling
  • Wrong birthdate on one document
  • Mismatch between insurance and registration
Uber flags it as suspicious and rejects it.

Background Check Issues

Your application may be rejected if:
  • You have criminal record flags
  • Driving record shows serious violations
  • You failed identity verification
Minor tickets usually aren’t a problem, but major ones are.

Bad or Unusable Profile Photo

Uber rejects selfies if:
  • You’re wearing sunglasses
  • You’re wearing a hat
  • There’s a filter
  • The background is too dark
  • Your whole face isn’t visible
It has to look like a passport photo, but more casual.

How to Make Sure Your Application Gets Approved


Alright, now let’s flip it — here’s how to get approved fast and avoid all the headaches.

Take Perfect, Clear Photos

Use this trick Montréal drivers swear by:
  • Place document on a flat table
  • Take the photo in natural light
  • Hold your phone steady
  • Don’t use flash
  • Don’t cover any corners
If needed, take it sideways (landscape mode). Uber’s AI loves that.

Double-Check All Expiry Dates

Before uploading anything, make sure:
  • Insurance valid
  • Registration current
  • ID not expiring soon
  • Work permit still active
If something’s close to expiring in under 30 days, renew it first.

Make Sure Your Insurance Has Your Name

If you’re using a family car:
  • Ask the owner to add your name to the policy
  • Upload the updated insurance slip
It doesn’t cost much, and Uber requires it.

Use Matching Information

Uber loves clean paperwork.
Make sure:
  • Name is identical on all documents
  • Spelling matches (accents matter in Québec!)
Your address matches your registration/insurance when possible

Complete Every Background Check Step

Keep your phone number active and email accessible so:
  • You don’t miss verification codes
  • You receive update emails from Uber
Background checks often stall simply because people didn’t click a link.

Use a Clean, Clear Profile Photo

Quick tips:
  • Remove hats & sunglasses
  • Face the camera
  • Neutral background
  • Good lighting
  • Shoulders visible
Think “passport photo but friendlier.”

Be Patient, Especially During Busy Seasons

In Montréal, approvals slow down during:
  • August/September (student arrivals)
  • January (winter hiring rush)
  • Holidays
Normal approval time: 1–3 days
Busy season: 3–10 days

Conclusion: Getting Started with Uber Eats in Montréal

Signing up for Uber Eats in Montréal isn’t rocket science — but you do need to follow the steps properly, keep your docs clean, and make sure you meet Québec’s rules. Once your account gets approved, you’re pretty much good to hit the road (or hop on your bike) and start earning that extra cash.

Montréal’s gig economy is booming, and Uber Eats is one of the easiest ways to jump in. Whether you’re a student trying to cover rent, a newcomer looking for flexible work, or just someone who wants side-hustle money, Uber Eats gives you the freedom to work whenever you want — no boss, no drama.

Just remember:
  • Keep your documents updated
  • Take clear photos
  • Follow the Montréal traffic vibes (and yes, watch out for cyclists everywhere)
  • And keep an eye on your app for promotions and peak hours
Once you’re set up, the city is yours. From downtown to Plateau to NDG, you’ll get to know Montréal like a true local — one delivery at a time.

Bonne chance, and happy delivering!

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