If you are considering becoming an Uber Eats driver, the first thing you’ll have to do is complete a background check. It might seem a little bit intimidating, however, particularly if you don’t know what it entails or how long it takes.
But don’t worry, it’s just a typical part of the process, one designed to keep all parties safe and healthy, including customers, drivers and restaurant partners.
So, what is Uber Eats driver background check and why does it matter? Let’s break it all down in this easy-to-understand guide.
Why Does Uber Eats Do a Background Check?
Uber Eats conducts a background check to look for any criminal offenses on your record, as well as to confirm that you meet the legal requirements for operating a vehicle as a delivery partner.
It’s all about trust on the platform, customers are allowing someone into their home to pick up and deliver their food and Uber wants to ensure each delivery partner can be trusted and is a safe partner to work with.
The check enables Uber to screen out candidates with more serious criminal histories and driving records that could disqualify them for the job.
What Does the Uber Eats Background Check Include?
The Uber Eats vehicle check typically includes two main categories:
Criminal History Check
Uber Eats searches national and local databases to check an applicant’s criminal history. Although having a record does not automatically mean a person is ineligible, specific charges — for violence, theft, sex crimes or serious felonies, for example — might make a person ineligible.
The company typically checks for:
• Felony convictions
• Sexual offenses
• Violent crimes
• Pending criminal charges
• History of theft or fraud
And if you have minor infractions from years ago, they may not be a deal breaker, especially if they are unrelated to the job.
Motor Vehicle Report (for drivers of car/bike)
If you want to deliver with a car, scooter or motorcycle, Uber Eats will also review your driving record. This includes:
• Traffic violations
• DUIs (Driving Under the Influence)
• Suspended or revoked licenses
• At-fault accidents
• Amount of Points on your license
Uber typically requires a clean driving record for the last 3–7 years (it depends on your location).
How Long Does it Take to Get on With Uber Eats?
Typically, the background check will take between 3 and 10 business days. But it may take longer because of:
• Your location (some states or countries are slower at handling reports)
• How popular your name is (more popular names may result in more verification)
• If they are in digital or manual format
You’ll receive an in-app notification and/or an email when your background check is finished. It might not be more than two weeks, but check in with Uber support for your consultation.
What If You Fail?
Uber Eats will notify you if you don’t pass their background check. You will also get a copy of the report and the right to challenge any false information.
Occasionally, background reports have mistakes — a person with the same name, information that is no longer accurate. If that’s the case, you can dispute the report with the background check company, which is typically Checkr in the U.S., and Uber may re-evaluate your application after the correction is made.
Can You Reapply If Denied?
Yes. Uber doesn’t have a specific number of times you can apply, but you should wait at least 6 months if you are denied for your background check. This allows for any changes (like offenses dropping off or an improved driving record) to be accounted for.
Final Words
So, what’s the Uber Eats driver background check all about, anyway? It’s a simple screening step to help protect everyone involved in the food delivery chain. It may seem like a barrier, but it’s an important step that leads to safety, trust and accountability.
You’ll most likely pass, no problem, if you are becoming a delivery partner and have a clean or mostly clean record. Just be straightforward during sign-up, have your documents ready and then be patient during review.
Driving for Uber Eats is one of the most flexible and potentially lucrative side gigs there is, but part of it, of course, is that you’ll need to pass a background check.