Grubhub Driver Requirements: What You Really Need to Get Approved and Start Earning

So you’re thinking about hitting the road with Grubhub? Nice move.

But before you start imagining all those delivery runs, hot tips, and flexible hours, let’s get one thing straight — Grubhub doesn’t just let anyone sign up and start delivering. Nope, there’s a checklist you gotta pass first.

Grubhub driver requirements aren’t just random hoops to jump through. They exist to make sure everyone delivering under the brand is reliable, legal to work, and safe on the road. Basically, Grubhub wants to know you’re a legit person — not someone who’s gonna mess up a customer’s order or cause a headache for the platform.

Now, this isn’t about having a fancy car or being a tech genius.

It’s about you — your background, your ID, your license, and your eligibility to work in the U.S. Think of these requirements as your ticket to enter the delivery world officially. Once you’ve checked all the boxes, you’re good to go — grab your phone, open the Grubhub app, and start earning on your own time.

We’re gonna break this down piece by piece — from age requirements, background checks, driver’s license rules, to insurance and phone setup. By the end, you’ll know exactly what it takes to meet every single Grubhub requirement without getting stuck mid-process.

Age Requirement

Let’s start with something super basic — age.

Grubhub doesn’t just let anyone with a pulse deliver food. You gotta hit a minimum age before you can even think about signing up.

So, what’s the deal?

To become a Grubhub driver, you must be at least 19 years old. That’s the bare minimum across most states. But if you’re planning to deliver in Chicago or Las Vegas, for example, the minimum jumps to 21 years old because of local delivery regulations. Basically, the rule might tweak a bit depending on where you live — but if you’re under 18, forget it.

Now, Grubhub doesn’t ask this just to make things complicated.

The whole point of the age requirement is tied to legal accountability and insurance policies. When you’re out there delivering, you’re operating under your own insurance and taking full responsibility for what happens on the road.

So yeah, they need you to be an adult — legally and responsibly.

And here’s something you might not think about:

Being “old enough” isn’t just about the number on your ID. Grubhub expects drivers to handle customers, timing, and communication like grown-ups. There’s a certain level of maturity that comes with being on the platform. No one’s gonna babysit you if you mess up a delivery or ghost a customer.

If you’re 19 or older (and 21 in some cities), you’re good to go age-wise. Just make sure your driver’s license or ID clearly shows your date of birth when you upload it — because if it doesn’t match up, Grubhub’s background system will flag it instantly.

Work Eligibility

Alright, so you’ve passed the age rule — cool.

But before you start dreaming about back-to-back deliveries and fat tips, Grubhub wants to make sure you’re legally allowed to work in the U.S.

This part’s non-negotiable. Like, seriously — no gray area here.

Grubhub operates under federal labor laws, which means every driver has to be an independent contractor who’s legally authorized to earn income. That’s why when you sign up, one of the first things they ask for is your Social Security Number (SSN).

Why the SSN?

Because it’s used to verify that you’re not working under a fake name or mismatched identity. Plus, Grubhub uses it to report your earnings to the IRS — yep, taxes are part of the deal when you go solo as a gig worker.

If you’re a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, this step’s pretty straightforward.

But if you’re here on a work visa or any other status, you gotta make sure your documentation clearly allows you to do contract-based work. Grubhub isn’t gonna take the risk for you — if your legal status doesn’t check out, your account won’t make it past the onboarding stage.

And here’s another thing most newbies overlook — your personal info has to match.

Name, address, SSN — everything needs to line up perfectly with what’s on your driver’s license and your bank account. One typo or mismatch, and the system might flag your profile for “manual review.” Translation: you’ll be waiting days (sometimes weeks) for approval.

Basically, Grubhub wants to see that you’re a real, verifiable, law-abiding adult who’s allowed to earn and handle payouts in the U.S. Simple as that.

Background Check Requirement

So here’s the deal — before Grubhub ever lets you wear their logo or pick up someone’s burrito order, they’re gonna dig a little into your background. Not in a creepy way, but enough to make sure you’re someone they can trust to deliver food safely and represent the brand out there in the wild.

When you apply, Grubhub runs your info through a third-party screening company — usually Checkr, which is the same service used by most gig apps in the U.S. This check covers a few main things:

• Criminal record: They’ll look for any serious charges like theft, assault, or anything that screams “unsafe.”
• Driving record: DUIs, reckless driving, or too many moving violations can get you instantly rejected.
• Identity verification: Just making sure you are who you say you are — no fake IDs, no borrowed documents.

Now, don’t freak out if you’ve had a parking ticket or two — Grubhub’s not that strict. They’re mainly concerned about major offenses or patterns of risky behavior. Basically, if you’ve been driving responsibly and staying out of trouble, you’re fine.

How long does it take? Usually 3 to 10 business days, depending on your state. Some people get approved overnight, others wait a bit longer — it all depends on how fast your local DMV and court databases respond.

Oh, and one important thing:

If your report shows something sketchy, Grubhub will email you an official notice. You’ll have a chance to dispute it through Checkr if you think it’s wrong. But if it’s accurate and it’s bad… well, that’s probably game over for now.

The reason this step matters so much? Simple — Grubhub’s reputation rides on its drivers. Customers are opening their doors to strangers, often late at night or alone. So yeah, Grubhub needs to be sure you’re not the kind of person who’d turn a delivery into a headline.

So before you hit that “Apply” button, just know — your past matters. Keep it clean, and you’re golden.

Driver’s License Requirement

Alright, so here’s the thing — if you wanna drive for Grubhub, you need a valid U.S. driver’s license, no exceptions, no shortcuts.

And yeah, that means valid — not suspended, not expired, and not “my cousin said it’s fine.” Grubhub runs your license info through DMV databases during the background check. If anything’s off, you’re not getting past the gate.

Why so strict?

Because when you’re out there delivering, you’re technically operating as an independent delivery contractor on public roads. Grubhub’s gotta make sure you’re licensed to do that legally and safely. They don’t want the liability if something goes down while you’re driving without a legit license.

Now, let’s talk about the clean record part.

Grubhub typically checks your driving history for the past 3 years. A couple of speeding tickets? Probably fine. But DUIs, reckless driving, hit-and-run, or multiple moving violations? That’s an instant rejection. They need to see that you’re not a risk to customers, pedestrians, or yourself.

If you recently moved from another state, Grubhub may ask for your current state license and possibly verify your record from your old state, too. It’s just how they make sure your file’s complete.

Keep your address on your license updated. Sounds small, but mismatched info between your license, background check, and bank details can delay your approval.

And yes, even though Grubhub has bike and walking delivery options in some dense downtown areas, the majority of markets still require a driver’s license — mainly because it doubles as a legal form of ID for verification and tax purposes.

No valid license, no deliveries. Keep it clean, keep it current, and keep your record in check — that’s how you stay in the game.

Insurance Requirement

Alright, here’s the truth — if you’re gonna hit the road with Grubhub, you need insurance, period. Not “maybe,” not “I’ll get it later.” Grubhub doesn’t cover your butt if something goes wrong while you’re delivering.

Because remember — you’re not an employee. You’re an independent contractor.

That means you are responsible for your vehicle, your safety, and your coverage.

So, what exactly does Grubhub expect?

First off, you need to have personal auto insurance that’s active, in your name, and matches the vehicle you’re using for deliveries. No sharing insurance with your cousin, no expired cards from last year — they actually verify this stuff.

Your insurance should meet your state’s minimum liability coverage requirements (which vary by state). Some states even require you to tell your insurer that you’re using the vehicle for commercial or gig work — because technically, food delivery isn’t “personal use.”

Now here’s where a lot of drivers get caught:

Most personal auto policies don’t cover you if you’re using your car for delivery gigs. So if you get into an accident while you’re on a delivery run, and your insurer finds out you were “working,” they could deny your claim.

That’s why a lot of pros go for rideshare or delivery add-ons. They’re not expensive, and they make sure you’re protected both off-duty and on the clock.

When you sign up for Grubhub, you’ll have to upload proof of insurance, and it needs to show:

• Your name (matching your driver account)
• Vehicle info
• Policy number
• Expiration date

Grubhub keeps this on file, and if your policy expires, they’ll bug you for an update — and if you ignore it, your account can get paused.

No insurance, no driving. And even if you do sneak by, one fender-bender without coverage can ruin your week — or your whole gig career. So yeah, make sure your paperwork’s tight before you start that first delivery.

Bank Account Requirement

Alright, let’s be real — you’re not doing deliveries just for the fun of it. You’re out there grinding for the money.

So here’s how that part works: if you wanna get paid by Grubhub, you gotta have a valid U.S. bank account under your name.

No shared accounts, no “my friend’s account works fine,” and definitely no prepaid cards from sketchy apps.

Grubhub’s payout system only connects to legit checking or savings accounts that can accept direct deposit. That’s how they send your weekly earnings straight to you — no middleman, no paper checks.

When you’re setting up your driver profile, they’ll ask for your routing number and account number. Double-check those digits — if even one is wrong, your payment will bounce, and fixing that mess takes time.

Now, Grubhub pays every Thursday, usually for the previous Monday–Sunday work week. But here’s a sweet option: you can cash out early using Grubhub Instant Cash Out. As long as your bank supports it and your account’s been active for at least a couple of weeks, you can transfer your balance instantly — 24/7. There’s a tiny fee, but most drivers don’t mind because it hits your account right now.

Couple more things you should know:

• The bank account name must match your Grubhub driver profile. No exceptions.
• Grubhub doesn’t support business accounts or joint names — it’s gotta be personal.
• Some online banks (like Chime or Cash App) work fine, but make sure they accept ACH deposits before linking.

And yeah, keep that account in good standing. If your bank freezes your card, changes your routing number, or flags deposits, Grubhub payments can stall.

In short — no bank account, no payday.

You might be the fastest driver in town, but without a legit direct deposit setup, your cash just sits there waiting.

Smartphone Requirement

Here’s the truth — your phone isn’t just a gadget when you’re delivering for Grubhub.

It’s your command center, your GPS, your time tracker, your customer communicator — basically, your everything.

So yeah, Grubhub’s a little picky about what kind of phone you use.

To drive with Grubhub, you need a smartphone that can run the Grubhub for Drivers app smoothly. That means:

• iPhone users need iOS version 11 or newer
• Android users need Android 5.0 or higher

If you’re using some old cracked-screen phone from 2015 that lags when you open Google Maps, you’re gonna hate life on the road. The app updates constantly — and every update expects your phone to keep up.

Now let’s talk connection.

Grubhub requires a reliable data plan. Wi-Fi won’t cut it — you’re gonna be driving, navigating, and messaging customers while bouncing between cell towers. So if your carrier drops signal every few blocks, that’s gonna mess with your acceptance rate and your income.

Most full-timers run on unlimited data because once the app starts refreshing during dinner rush, it chews through your gigabytes fast.

Also — keep your GPS accuracy on point. Turn on location services, and make sure your maps app is synced properly. If the system can’t track you in real time, you’ll start missing offers or getting “not moving” warnings even when you’re literally parked outside the restaurant.

Here’s a pro tip from seasoned drivers:

Carry a car charger and a power bank. The app drains your battery like crazy — especially if you’re running Grubhub, Maps, and Spotify all at once.

And always close background apps. You don’t want your phone freezing up just when a $15 dinner order pops in.

One more small but important detail — the Grubhub for Drivers app must be installed on the same phone number registered to your account. They use two-factor verification for security, and if you change numbers, you’ll have to reverify before you can get back online.

Your phone is your paycheck. Treat it like your delivery partner, not an afterthought. Keep it charged, fast, and connected — because if your phone dies, your shift’s dead too.

Clean Driving Record Requirement

Alright, here’s the cold truth — Grubhub doesn’t wanna hand delivery bags to someone with a sketchy driving past.

You’re out there representing the brand, driving around town with people’s food — they gotta know you can handle yourself behind the wheel. That’s why having a clean driving record isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a requirement.

When you apply, Grubhub pulls your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) straight from the DMV. They look back about three years, sometimes more depending on your state. What they’re looking for is simple:

• No DUI or DWI offenses
• No reckless driving citations
• No license suspensions
• No major at-fault accidents
• Minimal moving violations (like speeding tickets)

One or two small speeding tickets? No biggie. But if your record looks like a NASCAR crash report, you’re not getting in. Grubhub wants drivers who are safe, steady, and predictable on the road — not someone who treats the speed limit like a loose suggestion.

And yeah, don’t think you can hide stuff.

The DMV check doesn’t care what name you used before, or which state you used to live in. They can see it all. If something doesn’t line up — like your license number, address, or history — your application gets flagged for “manual review,” and that can take weeks.

Here’s something most people miss: even if you pass the check once, Grubhub can recheck your record later.

If you get a DUI or lose your license while you’re active, your account can be deactivated instantly. No appeal, no “I swear it’s not my fault.” Safety is non-negotiable.

Why do they care this much?

Because every accident or bad delivery ends up reflecting on the company. If customers start seeing Grubhub drivers as unsafe, the trust breaks — and that’s bad for everyone.

So if your record’s clean, you’re golden.

If it’s not, it’s time to slow down, clean up your driving habits, and reapply later once your record clears.

Grubhub’s not looking for perfect drivers — they’re looking for responsible ones. Be that guy or girl who drives smart, stays chill, and keeps their record clean.

Vehicle Insurance Verification (if applicable)

Okay, so you’ve got your insurance — good job.

But here’s the kicker: Grubhub doesn’t just take your word for it.

They actually verify it, line by line, before they let you go live on the platform.

When you upload your proof of insurance, Grubhub runs a quick check to make sure:

• The name on your policy matches the name on your driver profile.
• The vehicle listed is the same one you’ll use for deliveries.
• The policy number and expiration date are valid and up to date.

If anything looks off — like the name doesn’t match, or your insurance expired last week — the system flags it instantly, and your application gets stuck in review. You’ll get an email saying something like “We were unable to verify your insurance information”, and you’ll need to upload new proof before they move forward.

Why so strict?

Because Grubhub’s gotta protect itself legally. If you’re in an accident while delivering and your insurance info doesn’t check out, the company could get dragged into the mess. So yeah, they’re super picky about making sure your insurance documents are clean, current, and verifiable.

And here’s the thing — insurance verification isn’t a one-and-done deal.

Every time your policy renews or your insurance card changes, you might get a reminder from Grubhub to upload the new one. If you ignore that reminder, your account can get paused until you fix it. That means no deliveries, no money.

Keep digital copies of your updated insurance card in your phone gallery or cloud drive. That way, if Grubhub pings you for an update midweek, you can upload it in 30 seconds instead of digging through your glove box.

If you’re one of those drivers doing bike or walking deliveries, this step usually doesn’t apply — but if you ever switch to driving, you’ll have to submit your insurance before switching modes.

Verification isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about proving you’re covered. Grubhub wants to make sure both you and their customers are protected the moment you hit the road.

Identity Verification

Alright, here’s the deal — before you can ever go live on Grubhub, you’ve gotta prove you’re you.

Like, legally you. Not your cousin, not your roommate, not someone who “borrowed your account.”

Grubhub takes identity verification seriously because your name, photo, and reputation are all tied to the deliveries you make.

They’re protecting not only customers but also the platform itself from fraud, fake accounts, and unsafe drivers.

So how’s it done?

When you hit the ID verification step, Grubhub asks you to:

• Upload a valid government-issued ID (usually your driver’s license or state ID).
• Take a selfie in real time through their verification system.

They use AI-based ID tech (think Onfido or Persona, depending on your region) to match your face with the photo on your ID.

If the lighting’s bad, the angle’s off, or you upload an edited photo, it’s gonna fail.

And if it fails too many times, your application gets locked and sent for manual verification — which can take days.

So yeah, no filters, no sunglasses, no hats.

Just look straight into the camera, neutral face, good lighting.

Pretend it’s a passport photo but way less formal.

Once your identity is verified, Grubhub locks your account to you only.

That means you can’t share your login or “rent” your account to someone else.

If they catch someone else delivering under your name — even once — it’s an instant deactivation.

And believe me, they will catch it. The system tracks face data, device IDs, GPS patterns — even behavior like delivery routes and app activity times.

You’re basically building your driver reputation under your name, so don’t risk it.

Keep your ID info accurate, and always match what’s on your profile.

If you ever change your legal name, move to a new state, or get a new ID, update your Grubhub account immediately.

They’ll ask for re-verification, and if you don’t complete it, you might get temporarily locked out of the app.

Grubhub wants to know exactly who’s delivering their orders — no stand-ins, no fakes, no guessing games.

Identity verification is their way of saying, “Cool, we trust you now. Go make that bag.”

Smartphone and App Compatibility

Alright, so here’s the deal — Grubhub doesn’t hand out fancy tablets or special driver devices.

You’re expected to bring your own phone, and it better be able to handle the app like a champ.

At the core, Grubhub’s driver system lives and breathes through the Grubhub for Drivers app. That app’s your lifeline — it’s how you get pings, accept orders, check delivery addresses, track mileage, and confirm drop-offs. If your phone’s lagging, glitching, or dropping signal, your money’s basically slipping through your fingers.

Let’s break it down:

1. Operating System Requirements

iPhone users: You’ll need iOS 14 or newer. Anything below that tends to crash or lose GPS sync.

Android users: You’re good with Android 10 or higher, but the sweet spot is Android 12 and up.

Older phones might still run the app, but you’ll run into issues like delayed notifications, slow maps, or missing pings — which can absolutely tank your acceptance rate.

2. Reliable GPS & Location Services

Grubhub needs to know exactly where you are to send you orders nearby.

That means GPS must be always on, and location accuracy set to “high.”

If your phone’s GPS drifts or turns off to save battery, the system might think you’re miles away — and you’ll miss good-paying orders without even realizing it.

3. Strong Cellular Data Connection

You can’t rely on Wi-Fi once you’re on the road.

You’ll need solid 4G LTE or 5G coverage in your delivery zone. Weak data signal = delayed updates, dropped routes, or even canceled orders.

Most drivers use unlimited data plans because the app eats bandwidth when it’s running navigation, sending proof-of-delivery photos, and syncing updates in real time.

4. Battery Life & Accessories

Running the Grubhub app, GPS, and Google Maps all day? That’s a battery killer.

Most full-time drivers carry a fast charger and a power bank (10,000 mAh minimum).

Some even keep an extra cable in the car because you will forget or break one eventually.

Pro tip: keep your screen brightness low but still readable — it saves more juice than you’d think.

5. Storage & App Performance

The Grubhub app updates often, sometimes multiple times a month.

So you’ll want at least 2 GB of free space to handle cache data and updates.

If your phone’s overloaded with old photos or unused apps, clear it out. Lag kills performance, and you don’t wanna lose an order because your phone froze mid-navigation.

6. Notification Settings

This one’s simple but overlooked: make sure the app’s notifications are always on.

If you miss pings because your phone’s on “Do Not Disturb,” that’s on you.

Grubhub doesn’t resend offers if you didn’t hear them — they move to the next driver fast.

7. No Jailbroken or Rooted Devices

Grubhub’s system can detect if your phone’s been modified.

Jailbroken or rooted phones trigger security alerts, and that can lead to temporary suspension or even deactivation.

They need to trust that your app data, GPS info, and photo verifications are 100% secure — and modified devices break that trust.

8. Keep the App Updated

Every few weeks, Grubhub pushes updates with bug fixes and new security patches.

If you skip updates too long, you might get logged out or lose access to delivery features.

Best move? Turn on auto-update in your App Store or Google Play settings so you’re always current.

At the end of the day, your smartphone is your biggest tool.

If it’s slow, laggy, or outdated, you’re basically showing up to work without the right gear.

So invest in a reliable phone, keep it clean, keep it charged, and make sure the app’s always running at full speed.

Because when your tech’s solid, your workflow’s smooth — and that means more deliveries, less stress, and better cash flow.

Conclusion: Getting Approved Is Just the Beginning

So yeah, meeting all those Grubhub driver requirements isn’t rocket science — but it’s definitely not something you can fake your way through either. Every piece — from your age, background check, and driving record, all the way to your phone setup — exists for a reason. It’s about proving that you’re reliable, safe, and ready to deliver without problems.

Once you’ve passed all the checks and your account’s live, the real grind begins. That’s when you figure out routes, timing, traffic patterns, and customer quirks. But having your requirements solid from day one means you’re starting off strong. You don’t have to stress about random deactivations or missing documents down the line — you can just focus on hustling smart and stacking up that bag.

And look, Grubhub isn’t looking for perfect people — they’re looking for dependable ones. The kind of driver who shows up, drives safe, communicates clearly, and delivers with consistency. That’s what keeps your ratings high, your acceptance rate healthy, and your account in good standing.

If you ever feel stuck or unsure, always check your app notifications and emails from Grubhub. They’re big on updates, and sometimes the rules shift a little depending on where you drive. Staying alert keeps you one step ahead.

Getting approved as a Grubhub driver means you’ve already proven you’re legit. The rest is about keeping that streak going — staying clean, staying covered, and staying ready. Because once you’re out there making deliveries, every order is another chance to show why Grubhub trusted you in the first place.

Now get out there, fire up the app, and make it happen.

At the end of the day, understanding all these Grubhub driver requirements is the key to starting right and staying active without stress. Whether it’s your age, insurance, clean record, or tech setup, every box you check brings you closer to hitting the road with confidence. Grubhub’s rules might seem strict, but they’re built to protect both drivers and customers — and once you’re through, you’re officially part of one of the biggest delivery platforms in the U.S. So keep your info current, stay professional, and let those deliveries (and paychecks) roll in.