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Delivery and rideshare apps: how to start

DoorDash, Uber, Lyft, Instacart and Amazon Flex — what each one requires, exactly where to sign up, and the tax steps the IRS expects from day one.

  • 5 steps, each with the official page
  • Reviewed 2026-10-19

Start with step 1See open jobs

At a glance

18+DoorDash and Instacart minimum age (DoorDash: 19 or 21 in some states)
21+Amazon Flex minimum age
23+Uber minimum age for new drivers
$1,000expected tax owed that generally triggers IRS estimated payments

Sources: each company's own sign-up page and the IRS — see the requirements table and the source list below. Checked 2026-10-19.

What the work involves

  • Accept delivery or ride offers in the app
  • Pick up orders or passengers on time
  • Shop orders accurately (Instacart)
  • Keep your vehicle, licence and insurance valid
  • Track your own income, miles and expenses for taxes

Your step-by-step plan

Steps for Uber. Every button opens the exact page where you act.

  1. Step 1: Pick the app you qualify for today

    Compare the requirements table on this page with what you have: your age, your vehicle, your licence. Starting with two apps lets you fill quiet hours.

    Done when: You have picked one or two apps whose requirements you meet.

  2. Step 2: Call your car insurer before your first trip

    Ask your insurer in writing whether your policy covers you while you work through an app. Lyft, for example, says most personal auto policies will not cover you while you use its app, and keeps commercial insurance where state law allows.

    Done when: You have your insurer's answer, and added coverage if they require it.

  3. Step 3: Sign up on the official page

    Open Uber's own sign-up page — never a link from a text message or a stranger — and create your account.

    Have ready: U.S. driver's license with at least 1 year of driving (3 years if under 25) · Proof of residency, profile photo, vehicle registration and insurance

    Done when: Your application is submitted and the background check has started.

  4. Step 4: Set money aside for taxes from your first payout

    The IRS says gig income is taxable even if you get no 1099 form. Independent contractors may have to pay estimated tax quarterly — generally if you expect to owe $1,000 or more — and must file if net self-employment earnings reach $400.

    Done when: You have a separate savings pot for tax and know your quarterly due dates.

  5. Step 5: Keep records from day one

    The IRS tells gig workers to collect and keep records and receipts all year: they help you track income and deduct certain expenses. Log every work trip and expense the same day.

    Done when: You have a simple log (app or notebook) with date, miles and expenses.

Finish line

You are now waiting for the app to approve your background check. Watch the e-mail address you signed up with, and never pay anyone who offers to "speed up" approval.

Requirements by app

AppWhat is requiredOfficial source
DoorDash18 or older (19 in AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, KY, MT, NJ, NM, TX, UT, WV; 21 in CA). Driver's license, or other ID if delivering by bike only. Social Security number for the background check.DoorDash
UberNew drivers 23 or older; 1 year of U.S. driving (3 years under 25); eligible four-door vehicle; license, proof of residency, photo, registration and insurance; online background screening.Uber
LyftPersonal auto insurance meeting your state's minimum. Lyft says most personal policies do not cover app work and keeps commercial insurance where state law allows. Lyft's fee is capped at 30% of passenger payments.Lyft
Instacart18 or older, authorized to work in the U.S., able to lift 40 lb without accommodation, reliable car and a smartphone.Instacart
Amazon Flex21 or older; four-door sedan, SUV, van or covered-bed truck; U.S. license and Social Security number; insurance meeting local rules; smartphone; bank account.Amazon

Requirements change and vary by city: each company's own page is the final word.

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Sources

App rules change and vary by city: each company's own page is the final word. JoRoute makes no promise about earnings. Reviewed 2026-10-19. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.