What you need to do to drive for Uber
To drive for Uber, you submit your information through the Uber app or website, pass a background check, and provide documents that prove who you are and that you own or lease a car that meets Uber's standards. Uber then reviews your application — this usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks — and either approves you to start accepting rides or asks for more information.
The process is straightforward in outline but the details matter, because Uber's requirements are strict and rejections happen often. You cannot start driving until every piece is in place: a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a clean background check. If any of these fail, you will not be approved.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 21 years old (or 18 in some cities), have a valid driver's license, and own or lease a car that is less than 15 years old and passes a vehicle inspection.
- Uber runs a background check that looks at your driving record and criminal history; a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or serious criminal record will disqualify you.
- You pay for your own gas, maintenance, and insurance, and Uber takes a percentage of each fare (the amount varies by city and ride type).
- You are an independent contractor, not an employee, which means Uber does not withhold taxes, provide benefits, or cover you if you are injured on the job.
- Your approval can be revoked if your rating drops below a certain threshold, you receive complaints, or your insurance lapses.
Age, license, and vehicle requirements
You must be at least 21 years old to drive UberX (the standard service) in most cities. Some cities allow 18-year-olds, but this is the exception. You need a valid driver's license — it can be from any state or country, but it must be current and not suspended or revoked.
Your car must be at least 2010 or newer in most markets (some cities allow older vehicles, but 15 years is roughly the cutoff). It must pass a vehicle inspection, which Uber arranges through a third-party inspector. The inspection checks that the car is safe to drive: brakes, tires, lights, wipers, and that there is no major damage. You pay for the inspection, usually between $20 and $50 depending on your location.
The car must also be registered in your name or in the name of someone who lives with you. If you lease the car, you need written permission from the leasing company to use it for rideshare. Many lease agreements forbid this, so check your contract before you apply.
Insurance and what it must cover
You must have active auto insurance in your name before you submit your application. Uber requires that your policy cover commercial use or rideshare driving — standard personal auto insurance does not. If you tell your insurance company you are driving for Uber and they do not offer rideshare coverage, they may cancel your policy.
Some insurance companies offer rideshare endorsements that add coverage for a small monthly fee. Others require you to switch to a commercial policy, which costs more. You need to contact your insurance company directly and ask what they offer; do not assume your current policy covers you. When you apply to Uber, you will upload a photo of your insurance card, and Uber verifies it covers rideshare.
Uber also provides some insurance during rides — when you have a passenger in the car, Uber's policy covers liability and collision. But this coverage only applies while you are actively on a trip, not while you are driving to pick someone up or waiting for a ride request. The gap between when you are online and when you have a passenger is your responsibility.
Background check and driving record
Uber runs a background check through a third-party company. The check looks at your criminal history and your driving record. Uber will reject you if you have a DUI or DWI conviction in the past seven years, a reckless driving conviction in the past three years, or a serious felony conviction (the definition varies by state, but includes violent crimes and crimes involving fraud or theft).
You will also be rejected if you have more than three moving violations in the past three years, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. Uber also checks for sex offender registration and wants to see that you have not been involved in a hit-and-run.
The background check takes a few days. Uber will tell you the result through the app. If you are rejected, you can contact Uber support to ask why, but the decision is usually final. If you believe the information is wrong — for example, if the background check company confused you with someone else — you can dispute it, but this process is slow and requires documentation.
How Uber's payment system works
Uber calculates the fare based on distance and time, and takes a percentage of each ride. The percentage Uber takes varies by city and by service type (UberX, UberXL, Uber Eats, etc.). In most cities, Uber takes between 25 and 30 percent of the fare, though some cities are higher. You see the breakdown in the app after each ride.
You are paid weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, to a bank account you link to your Uber account. The payment includes all rides from the previous week minus Uber's commission. You do not receive tips through Uber's payment system; tips are added separately and may take a few days to appear.
You are responsible for all your own costs: gas, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation of the car. You also pay self-employment tax, which is roughly 15 percent of your net income. Uber does not withhold taxes from your payments, so you will owe money at tax time unless you set aside money as you earn it.
Your status as an independent contractor
Uber classifies drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This means Uber does not provide health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, or workers' compensation. If you are injured while driving, you cannot file a workers' compensation claim against Uber. Your own car insurance may not cover you either, depending on what happened and what your policy says.
As an independent contractor, you have some freedom: you choose when you work, which rides you accept (though accepting very few rides can get you deactivated), and how you drive. But you also bear all the financial risk. If your car breaks down, you cannot work and you do not get paid. If you are in an accident, you pay for repairs (or your insurance does, up to your deductible).
Some states and cities have tried to change this classification or add protections for rideshare drivers. California's Proposition 22 (passed in 2020) allows Uber and Lyft to keep drivers as contractors but requires them to provide some benefits. Other places have different rules. Check your local laws before you start.
What can get you deactivated
Uber can deactivate your account — meaning you can no longer drive — if your rating falls below 4.6 stars (the threshold varies slightly by city), if you receive complaints from passengers, or if you violate Uber's community guidelines. Common reasons for deactivation include driving under the influence, carrying weapons, refusing rides based on a passenger's race or other protected characteristic, or having an accident and not reporting it.
Uber can also deactivate you if your insurance lapses, if your vehicle inspection expires, or if your license is suspended. You will usually receive a warning before deactivation, but not always. If you are deactivated, you can appeal through the app, but the process is slow and appeals are often denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved after I apply?
Most applications are reviewed within a few days to two weeks. The background check is usually the slowest part. If Uber needs more information from you, they will message you through the app, and the clock restarts once you submit it. Some cities are faster than others.
What if I have a minor traffic ticket or accident on my record?
Minor traffic tickets (like a parking ticket or speeding ticket) usually do not disqualify you. Accidents are reviewed case by case — a single accident from years ago is unlikely to be a problem, but multiple accidents or an at-fault accident recently may cause rejection. Contact Uber support before you apply if you are unsure.
Can I drive for Uber and Lyft at the same time?
Yes. Both companies allow you to drive for multiple platforms. You will need to pass each company's background check and vehicle inspection separately, and you will manage two separate apps. Many drivers do this to increase their earnings and have more flexibility.
Do I need a special license or permit to drive for Uber?
Most cities do not require a special license, but some do. A few cities require rideshare drivers to obtain a permit or license from the local government. Check your city's transportation department website or contact Uber support to find out what your city requires.
What happens if I get in an accident while driving for Uber?
Report it to Uber through the app immediately. Uber's insurance may cover the accident if you had a passenger in the car at the time. If you were waiting for a ride request or driving to pick someone up, your personal insurance is responsible. Either way, you will likely need to file a claim and may face a deductible.