The Complete Guide to Uber Eats Background Checks in 2024

Signing up to deliver with Uber Eats may seem easy, but before you can start earning, you’ll need to go through their background check process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Uber Eats‘ background screening requirements and policies in 2024.

Overview of Background Checks in On-Demand Delivery

Uber Eats is not alone in requiring background checks for new driver-partners. Research indicates that over 90% of major gig economy apps now include background screening as part of onboarding:

Industry experts note that background checks help mitigate risks around safety, theft, fraud lawsuits that have cost on-demand apps millions in recent years.

According to Checkr’s 2022 report, 68% of contractors fail gig economy background checks, indicating tens of thousands of driver applicants are declined from delivery platforms each year.

What Exactly Does Uber Eats Screen For?

Uber Eats uses background check company Checkr to vet all new driver applications in the United States. Checkr checks national databases for:

• Criminal History: County, state, federal and national criminal records including convictions, charges, warrants, etc.
• Sex Offender Registry Checks: Multi-jurisdictional searches for matches.
• Motor Vehicle Records: Driver’s license validity, status, violations, accidents, and eligibility.
• Global Watchlists: Multi-database cross-checks for matches.

In addition to one-time background checks, Uber‘s contract with Checkr enables continuous criminal monitoring. If an active Uber delivery driver is arrested or charged, Uber is automatically notified through Checkr‘s monitoring program.

So in essence, the initial Uber Eats background check is very thorough, covering criminal records, driving eligibility requirements and more. Then ongoing monitoring flags any new issues so Uber can take action if needed.

Typical Uber Eats Background Check Timelines

Uber Eats leverages Checkr‘s database and algorithms to return most background check results in 3 to 5 days. Speed varies primarily based on:

• Court Processing Times: Some jurisdictions provide digital access to records while others rely on physical file retrieval.
• Applicant History: Those with addresses across different states and counties may incur longer verification wait times.

Applicants receive login access to Checkr‘s candidate portal when Uber Eats initiates the background check:

Checkr Dashboard Showing Sample Timeline

From your Checkr dashboard, you can view when individual report components (criminal search, driving history) are completed as Checkr gathers and verifies data.

Once all checks are complete, the final report moves to Uber Eats for evaluation based on internal acceptance policies.

Can You Drive for Uber Eats with A Criminal Record?

Uber Eats‘ background check policies evaluate applicants with prior criminal histories on a case-by-case basis. Acceptance likelihood depends primarily on:

• Type of Offense: Violent felonies almost always result in denial, while non-violent misdemeanors may be acceptable.
• Recency: More recent crimes face stricter scrutiny, while older offenses may meet eligibility if sufficient time has passed.
• Multiple Offenses: Repeat or multiple charges drastically reduce changes of approval.

That said, some drivers with past minor convictions have reported being approved after completing their Uber activation process.

Candidates with concerning criminal histories may benefit from first consulting an attorney to understand options around expungement, record sealing and setting appropriate expectations.

What Disqualifies Drivers From Uber Eats Driving?

Based on Uber’s current guidelines, behaviors likely to disqualify Eats driver applicants include:

🚫 Violent Criminal Offenses: Homicide, assault, rape, terrorism and other violent crimes.
🚫 Sex Crimes: All sexual offenses lead to disqualification.
🚫 Suspended Licenses: Invalid, suspended or revoked driver‘s licenses.
🚫 Major Driving Violations: Includes DUI’s within past 7 years minimum.

And potentially…

🚫 Multiple Recent Minor Violations: Speeding tickets, running red lights.
🚫 Car Accidents: Even no-fault accidents may warrant review.

Conclusion: What to Expect with Uber Eats Background Checks

The bottom line is that all aspiring Uber Eats delivery drivers should expect to go through and pass a comprehensive multi-faceted background check evaluating identity, criminal record, driving eligibility and more.

For most applicants with relatively clean histories, the Checkr verification process takes just 3-5 days enabling quick activation. But for others with complex pasts, additional due diligence upfront may be prudent.

Understanding precisely what Uber Eats background checks screen for as well as following any steps to expunge concerning records can set applicants up for the best chance of driving approval success.