Grubhub Driver Application – How to Sign Up and Start Delivering
To sign up with Grubhub, go to driver.grubhub.com, upload your license and insurance, and pass a background check (3–5 days). Grubhub drivers earn $12–$20/hr including tips across 4,000+ US cities. The minimum age is 18 — lower than Uber or Lyft. Bicycle and scooter delivery is accepted in select cities.
How to Sign Up with Grubhub
Signing up to deliver for Grubhub takes 15–30 minutes online. Most drivers are approved within a week and can start accepting orders immediately after activation.
- Go to driver.grubhub.com Visit driver.grubhub.com and click “Become a Driver.” Select your city to confirm availability.
- Enter Your Basic Information Provide your name, email, phone number, and date of birth.
- Choose Your Vehicle Type Select car, bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle. Bicycle and scooter options are available in select dense urban markets.
- Upload Your Documents For car delivery: driver’s license, vehicle registration, and auto insurance. For bicycle or scooter delivery: a valid government-issued ID is sufficient.
- Pass the Background Check Grubhub runs a criminal background check for all delivery partners. This typically takes 3–5 business days.
- Complete App Onboarding Download the Grubhub for Drivers app and complete the brief in-app onboarding covering delivery guidelines and restaurant pickup procedures.
- Go Online and Accept Orders Toggle online in the app to start receiving delivery offers. Grubhub offers a mix of scheduled blocks and on-demand requests depending on your market.
Grubhub Gig Positions and Earnings
Grubhub accepts four delivery vehicle types. Car delivery is available nationwide; bicycle and scooter delivery is limited to select dense urban markets where order distances are short enough for non-motorized transport.
| Position / Gig Type | Earnings | Work Type |
|---|---|---|
| Car Delivery Driver | $12–$20/hr (base pay + tips + promotions) | Contractor – Food Delivery |
| Bicycle Courier (select cities) | $12–$18/hr (urban markets) | Contractor – Bicycle Delivery |
| Scooter Courier (select cities) | $12–$18/hr | Contractor – Scooter Delivery |
| Motorcycle Courier | $12–$20/hr | Contractor – Motorcycle Delivery |
Grubhub pay combines a base delivery fee, a per-mile mileage component, and 100% of customer tips. Peak Pay promotions add $1–$5 per delivery during busy periods. Earnings in dense urban markets (New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles) trend higher than suburban areas.
Grubhub Sign-Up Requirements
Grubhub’s minimum age of 18 makes it accessible to a wider range of applicants than rideshare platforms. The bicycle delivery option in major cities requires no vehicle at all — just a valid ID.
- Minimum age: 18 (lower than Uber, Lyft, and Amazon Flex)
- Car delivery: valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and auto insurance
- Bicycle/scooter delivery: valid government-issued photo ID (no driver’s license required)
- Reliable vehicle in good working condition
- Pass Grubhub’s background check (car drivers only)
- Smartphone to run the Grubhub for Drivers app
Grubhub Background Check and Approval
Grubhub runs a background check on all car delivery applicants. Bicycle and scooter couriers in some markets may not require a full background check — confirm requirements for your specific city at sign-up.
Grubhub’s background check covers criminal history and is typically completed in 3–5 business days. The check is administered through a third-party screening provider.
Grubhub’s disqualification criteria include serious criminal convictions. Minor violations are generally not disqualifying. Once approved, drivers are subject to ongoing monitoring.
Grubhub Earnings and Compensation
Grubhub pay is calculated per delivery, combining a base fee, mileage pay, and 100% of customer tips. Promotions and Peak Pay boost earnings during busy periods.
How Grubhub Pays Drivers
Each delivery pays a base fee plus a per-mile rate. Drivers keep 100% of tips added through the Grubhub app. Grubhub’s Instant Cash Out feature lets you transfer earnings to a debit card anytime.
Peak Pay Promotions
During high-demand periods (lunch, dinner, weekends), Grubhub activates Peak Pay — an additional $1–$5 per delivery on top of standard pay. Challenge bonuses reward drivers for completing a set number of deliveries within a week.
Scheduled Blocks vs. On-Demand
In some markets, Grubhub offers scheduled delivery blocks — reserved time slots with more predictable order flow. On-demand mode lets you accept orders whenever you are available. Many drivers prefer a mix of both.
Contractor Tax Responsibility
Grubhub drivers are 1099 independent contractors. Grubhub sends a 1099-NEC at year-end if earnings exceed $600. Set aside approximately 25–30% for taxes and track all business miles for the mileage deduction.
Gig Worker Tips: Maximizing Your Grubhub Income
These strategies help Grubhub drivers increase their per-hour earnings on the platform.
- Activate Peak Pay: Check the app before going online to see if Peak Pay is active in your zone. Even a $2 bonus per delivery adds up significantly over a lunch rush.
- Complete Weekly Challenges: Grubhub’s challenge bonuses can boost total weekly earnings by $20–$50.
- Use Instant Cash Out: Transfer earnings to your debit card at any time for immediate access to your money, rather than waiting for the weekly deposit.
- Multi-App Strategy: Many Grubhub drivers simultaneously run DoorDash or Uber Eats to fill gaps between Grubhub orders, maximizing active delivery time per hour.
- Bicycle Delivery in Cities: Bicycle couriers in dense urban areas often have shorter delivery distances and can complete more deliveries per hour than car drivers dealing with parking and traffic.
- Track All Miles: Car drivers should log every mile from when they go online. Bicycle couriers may deduct bike maintenance and related expenses at tax time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grubhub
Here are the most common questions about signing up and earning with Grubhub.
How old do you have to be to work for Grubhub?
You must be at least 18 years old to deliver for Grubhub. This is lower than rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft, which require drivers to be 21. In select cities, bicycle and scooter couriers must also be 18.
How much do Grubhub drivers make per hour?
Grubhub delivery drivers typically earn $12–$20 per hour including base delivery pay, mileage pay, and tips. Earnings vary by market, time of day, and order volume. Tipping is built into the Grubhub app and drivers keep 100% of all tips.
How long does it take to get approved for Grubhub?
Most drivers are approved within 3–7 days. The process involves submitting documents online and passing a background check. Once approved, you can start delivering the same day your account is activated.
Can I deliver for Grubhub on a bicycle?
Yes — in select dense urban markets including New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, Grubhub accepts bicycle and scooter couriers. You only need a valid government-issued ID — no driver’s license or vehicle registration required.
Does Grubhub do background checks?
Yes. Grubhub runs a criminal background check on all car delivery partners before activation. Drivers are also subject to ongoing monitoring. Background check requirements for bicycle couriers may vary by market.
Does Grubhub offer benefits to drivers?
Grubhub drivers are independent contractors and do not receive traditional employee benefits. Grubhub partners with third-party providers to offer access to discounted health, dental, and vision insurance through its driver benefits program.
How does Grubhub pay?
Grubhub pays per delivery — a base fee plus mileage plus 100% of customer tips. Weekly direct deposit is standard. Instant Cash Out (available anytime) lets you transfer your balance to a debit card immediately.
Does Grubhub drug test drivers?
Grubhub does not conduct a pre-hire drug test for delivery partners. A background check and document verification are the primary requirements for activation.