A method for operating a reducing agent delivery unit having a tank, a feed line running from the tank to an addition point, a return line branching off from the feed line and a valve to be activated with an electrical current for closing off the return line, includes initially applying an activation current to the valve for a first time interval. Subsequently, a holding current is applied to the valve when the first time interval has elapsed. Then, an operating variable of the delivery unit is determined and at least the activation current, the holding current and/or the first time interval are adapted as a function of the determined operating variable. A motor vehicle having a delivery unit is also provided.