What you need to do to drive for Uber
To drive for Uber, you submit an online form through Uber's driver portal, pass a background check, provide documents that prove your identity and driving history, and complete a vehicle inspection. The whole process usually takes one to two weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you gather documents and whether the background check raises questions. Uber does not interview drivers or require you to visit an office in most places.
The steps happen in a set order: you create an account, Uber reviews your basic information, you upload required documents, a third-party company runs your background check, your vehicle gets inspected (either by you uploading photos or by visiting a partner location), and then Uber either approves you or asks for more information. You cannot start driving until every step is complete and Uber sends you final approval.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and own or have regular access to a car that meets Uber's age and condition standards.
- Background checks look at your driving record and criminal history; Uber will reject you if you have certain convictions or too many traffic violations in the past seven years.
- You need to upload a photo of your driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and proof of address before Uber will move forward.
- Your vehicle must pass an inspection that checks for safety issues, working lights, valid registration, and general mechanical condition.
- Approval timelines vary by city and how quickly you submit documents, but most drivers hear back within one to three weeks.
Documents and information Uber will ask for
When you start the application, Uber asks for your name, phone number, email address, and Social Security number. You will also need to provide your date of birth and home address. Have these ready before you begin, because the form will not save your progress if you close the browser.
Next, you upload digital copies of five key documents. The first is your driver's license — Uber needs a clear photo of both the front and back. Second is your vehicle registration, which shows you own or lease the car. Third is proof of insurance that lists you as the driver; your insurance company can email this to you as a PDF. Fourth is proof of your address, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Fifth is a selfie of yourself holding your driver's license next to your face, which Uber uses to verify you are the person in the application.
All documents must be in color, clearly readable, and not expired. If your driver's license or insurance expires soon, renew them before you upload. Blurry photos or documents with missing information will be rejected, and you will have to resubmit.
Background check requirements and what disqualifies you
Uber uses a third-party background check company to review your driving record and criminal history. The check looks back seven years for traffic violations and ten years for criminal convictions. Uber will not approve you if you have a DUI or DWI conviction, a felony conviction of any kind, or a sex offense conviction. You will also be rejected if you have more than three moving violations in the past seven years, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
Minor traffic tickets — a single speeding ticket or parking violation — will not automatically disqualify you, but multiple violations add up. If you have questions about your specific record, you can contact Uber's support team before you apply, though they cannot tell you whether you will be approved until they run the actual check.
The background check takes three to five business days. Uber will email you the result. If you are rejected, the email will tell you why, and you can appeal if you believe the information is wrong. Appeals go to the background check company first, not to Uber.
Vehicle requirements and inspection process
Your car must be at least 2015 model year in most U.S. cities, though some cities allow older vehicles. The car must have four doors, a working seatbelt for every seat, and a trunk or cargo area. It cannot have significant dents, rust, or damage to the body. The interior must be clean, with no tears in the seats, and all lights — headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals — must work.
Uber inspects vehicles in two ways depending on your city. In some places, you upload photos of the car's exterior (front, back, both sides, interior, and odometer) through the app. In other cities, you book an appointment at an Uber-approved inspection partner, usually a local mechanic or car wash, and they check the vehicle in person. The inspection partner takes photos and submits them to Uber. Either way, the inspection is free.
If your car fails inspection, Uber tells you what needs to be fixed. You have a set time — usually 30 days — to get the repairs done and resubmit photos or schedule a new inspection. Common reasons for failure are broken lights, expired registration, or no proof of insurance.
How long approval takes and what happens next
From the moment you submit your first form to the moment Uber approves you, the process typically takes one to three weeks. The timeline depends on how fast you upload documents, how quickly the background check company processes your information, and whether Uber needs to ask you follow-up questions. If you submit everything correctly the first time, you are more likely to be on the faster end.
Once Uber approves you, you receive an email confirming your account is active. You can then download the Uber Driver app, log in, and start accepting rides. Your first ride can happen within hours of approval. Uber does not require you to complete training or take a test before you start driving.
If Uber rejects you at any stage, the rejection email explains why. Some rejections are permanent — for example, if you have a disqualifying criminal conviction. Others are temporary — for example, if your insurance expired and you need to renew it. You can reapply once you have fixed the issue.
Insurance and vehicle ownership rules
You must have active auto insurance in your name before you apply. Uber does not provide insurance for you. Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover you while you are driving for Uber — many personal policies exclude commercial driving. You should contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rideshare driving, or whether you need to add a rideshare endorsement or switch to a commercial policy.
You do not have to own the car outright. You can drive a leased vehicle, a financed vehicle, or a car you borrow regularly, as long as you have insurance and the registration is in your name or you have written permission from the owner. If someone else owns the car, Uber may ask you to provide a letter from the owner saying you have permission to use it for rideshare driving.
What to do if your application is stuck or rejected
If your application has not moved forward after two weeks, contact Uber's support team through the driver app or website. They can tell you whether your background check is still pending, whether Uber is waiting for documents from you, or whether there is a technical issue. Response times vary, but Uber usually replies within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are rejected and believe the reason is wrong — for example, if the background check contains incorrect information about your driving record — you can appeal. Contact the background check company directly (Uber will provide their contact information in the rejection email) and ask them to review the report. This process takes another one to two weeks. You can also contact Uber's support team to explain your situation, though Uber will ultimately defer to the background check company's findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?
No. A standard personal driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial license, a taxi medallion, or any special permit to drive for Uber in most U.S. cities. Some cities have local regulations, so check your city's rules, but Uber will tell you during signup if your location requires anything beyond a regular license.
What if I have a minor traffic violation or accident on my record?
A single minor violation like a speeding ticket usually will not disqualify you. Uber looks at the pattern over seven years. Multiple violations, at-fault accidents, or serious violations like reckless driving are more likely to cause rejection. The background check company will flag everything, and Uber makes the final decision based on the full picture.
Can I drive for Uber if I do not own a car?
Yes, but you need regular access to a car that meets Uber's requirements and is insured in your name or with your written permission. Some drivers use a spouse's car, a family member's car, or a leased vehicle. The car must pass inspection and have valid registration and insurance before you can start driving.
What happens if I am approved but then my license gets suspended?
You must tell Uber immediately. Your account will be deactivated, and you cannot drive. Once your license is reinstated, you can contact Uber to reactivate your account. Uber may ask for proof that your license is valid again before you can resume driving.
Is there a fee to apply or to drive for Uber?
There is no fee to apply. Uber does not charge you to create an account or submit your application. Once you start driving and accept rides, Uber takes a percentage of each fare (the percentage varies by city and ride type). You keep the rest.