Yes, you can change your working location in Grubhub, but the process depends on whether you want a temporary shift or a permanent move
Grubhub lets you work in different cities and regions, but the method for changing where you deliver depends on what you need. If you want to work in a new area for a few days or weeks, you can usually switch your delivery zone through the driver app without contacting support. If you want to permanently relocate your home base to a different city, you will need to update your account information and may need to verify that you meet the requirements for that region.
The key difference is between temporary zone changes (which you control in the app) and permanent address changes (which require account updates and sometimes verification). Both are possible, but they work differently and take different amounts of time.
Key Takeaways
- You can switch delivery zones temporarily through the Grubhub driver app without contacting support, as long as both zones are active in your account.
- To permanently move to a new city, you must update your address in your account settings and may need to pass a background check for that region.
- Some regions have driver saturation limits, which means Grubhub may not accept new drivers in that area even if you want to work there.
- Switching zones does not affect your driver rating or account history — your stats travel with you.
- If you want to work in multiple cities regularly, you can set up zones in advance through the app or by contacting driver support.
How to switch zones temporarily using the app
Open the Grubhub driver app and look for the zone or location selector, usually displayed at the top of the home screen or in the settings menu. Tap it to see a list of available zones where you are already approved to drive. Select the zone where you want to work that day or week. The app will update your location, and you will start receiving delivery offers from restaurants and customers in that zone.
This method works only if Grubhub has already approved you to drive in that zone. If you have never worked in a particular city before, you cannot straightforward tap a button to set up it — you will need to go through the account update process described below. Switching zones this way is when ready and does not require you to contact support or wait for approval.
How to add a new city to your account permanently
Go to your account settings in the Grubhub driver app and find the section for your delivery zones or service areas. Select "Add a new zone" or "Expand to a new city." You will be asked to enter your new address and confirm that you want to work in that region. Grubhub will then check whether that area is open for new drivers and whether you meet the requirements for that location.
In most cases, you will need to pass a background check specific to that state or region. This check typically takes three to seven business days. Once it clears, the new zone will appear in your zone selector, and you can switch to it whenever you want. If the region is closed to new drivers, you will see a message saying so, and you will not be able to add it at that time.
Some states and cities have different insurance requirements or vehicle rules. When you add a new zone, review any location-specific requirements that appear in the app. If your vehicle does not meet those requirements, you will not be able to work in that zone until you address the issue.
What happens to your rating and history when you change zones
Your driver rating, acceptance rate, and delivery history stay the same across all zones. Switching from one city to another does not reset your stats or create a new account. Grubhub treats your account as a single entity, so a 4.8 rating in Denver is a 4.8 rating if you start working in Phoenix.
This means your reputation follows you, which is good if you have built up a strong record. It also means any issues — low ratings, cancellations, or violations of Grubhub's policies — will be visible to the platform no matter where you work.
Why Grubhub might not let you work in a particular zone
Grubhub closes zones to new drivers when too many drivers are already working in that area. This is called driver saturation. If you try to add a zone and see a message that the area is not accepting new drivers, it means Grubhub has reached its driver limit for that region. You can check back later — zones open and close based on demand and driver turnover.
Some zones may also be restricted if you do not meet specific requirements. For example, certain cities require drivers to be at least 21 years old, have a vehicle that is less than 10 years old, or carry commercial insurance. If you do not meet these requirements, you cannot work in that zone even if it is open to new drivers.
If a zone is closed, you have no way to force it open. Your only option is to wait and check the app periodically, or contact Grubhub driver support to ask when the zone might reopen.
How to contact Grubhub driver support to change your location
If you cannot change your zone through the app, or if you need help with a permanent move, open the Grubhub driver app, go to the menu, and select "Help" or "Support." Look for an option to contact driver support via chat or phone. Explain that you want to work in a new zone or that you are relocating permanently. Support can tell you whether the zone is open, whether you need a new background check, and how long the process will take.
Driver support can also manually add zones to your account in some cases, though this is less common. If you are moving to a zone that is currently closed, support may be able to put you on a waitlist or let you know when it will reopen.
What to expect during the background check for a new zone
When you add a new zone, Grubhub runs a background check through a third-party company. The check typically covers criminal history, driving record, and sex offender registry status. The requirements vary by state and city, so what disqualifies you in one zone might not in another.
The background check usually takes three to seven business days, though it can take longer if there are delays or if the company needs to verify information. You will receive a notification in the app once the check is complete. If you pass, the zone will be added to your account when ready. If you do not pass, Grubhub will explain why and tell you whether you can reapply in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in multiple zones at the same time?
Yes. Once you are approved in multiple zones, you can switch between them in the app whenever you want. Some drivers set up zones in different cities and toggle between them based on where they are that day. You do not have to choose one zone permanently.
Do I lose my deliveries if I switch zones mid-shift?
If you switch zones while you are actively working, you may lose pending delivery offers. It is best to finish your current deliveries or go offline before switching zones. Once you switch and come back online, the app will show you offers from the new zone.
How long does it take to add a new zone?
If the zone is already open and you pass the background check, it usually takes three to seven business days. If the zone is closed to new drivers, you cannot add it until it reopens. Temporary zone switches through the app are when ready if you are already approved in that zone.
What if my new address is in a zone that is closed?
You can still maintain your account and work in other zones where you are approved. Check the app periodically to see if the closed zone reopens. You can also contact driver support to ask about the timeline for that zone to reopen.
Will changing my location affect my pay or the number of orders I get?
Pay rates and order volume vary by zone and time of day, so switching to a new area may change how much you earn per delivery. Some zones are busier or have higher base pay than others. The number of orders you receive depends on demand in that zone, not on your account history.