What you need to do to drive for Uber

To drive for Uber, you submit your information through the Uber Driver app, pass a background check, and provide proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Uber then reviews your documents — this usually takes a few days to a week. Once approved, you can turn on the app and start accepting rides in your area.

The process is straightforward, but the requirements are strict. Uber rejects applications for serious driving violations, criminal history, or vehicle problems. You also need to meet their vehicle standards: most markets require a 2010 model year or newer, valid registration, and a clean title. Some cities have additional local rules that Uber enforces on top of their own requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and pass a background check that includes your driving record and criminal history.
  • Your vehicle must meet Uber's standards for age, condition, and insurance — typically a 2010 or newer car with valid registration and proof of insurance.
  • The approval process takes several days to a week after you submit your documents through the Uber Driver app.
  • Once approved, you control when you drive — you can turn the app on and off whenever you want, and you keep a percentage of each fare after Uber's commission.
  • Uber charges a commission on every ride (the percentage varies by city), and you are responsible for your own gas, maintenance, and vehicle insurance.

Documents and information Uber will ask for

When you open the Uber Driver app and start your application, you will need to upload several documents. Have these ready before you begin: your driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a photo of yourself. Uber also asks for your Social Security number and date of birth to run the background check.

The insurance requirement is important: your personal auto insurance must cover commercial driving, or you need a commercial policy. Many standard personal policies exclude ride-sharing. Call your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers Uber driving, or whether you need to add a rider or switch to a commercial plan. Uber will not approve your application without proof that your vehicle is insured for this use.

You will also need to provide your bank account information so Uber can deposit your earnings. Have your routing number and account number ready — Uber transfers money weekly to the account you link.

Background check and approval timeline

Uber runs a background check through a third-party screening company. The check looks at your driving record (from your state's DMV), your criminal history, and sex offender registries. Serious violations — DUIs, reckless driving convictions, at-fault accidents with injuries, or felonies — will disqualify you. Minor traffic tickets usually do not.

The approval process typically takes three to seven days after you submit all your documents. Uber will notify you through the app whether you are approved or rejected. If you are rejected, Uber provides a reason, though you cannot always appeal. If your application is pending longer than a week, contact Uber support through the app to check the status.

Some cities have additional local requirements. New York City, for example, requires a separate Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) license on top of Uber's approval. Los Angeles and other cities have their own vehicle inspection and insurance rules. Uber will tell you during signup if your city has extra steps.

Vehicle requirements and what disqualifies a car

Uber's vehicle standards vary slightly by city, but most markets require a four-door sedan, SUV, or hatchback that is 2010 model year or newer. The car must have a clean title (no salvage or flood title), valid registration, and no major mechanical problems. Uber may ask you to submit photos of your vehicle's exterior and interior to verify it meets their standards.

Cars with high mileage, visible damage, or interior wear can be rejected. Uber does not set a specific mileage limit, but vehicles with over 200,000 miles are often flagged. If your car has dents, broken windows, stains, or torn seats, Uber may ask you to repair them before approval. Keep your vehicle clean and in good working order — this affects both your approval odds and your rating from passengers.

Certain vehicle types are not allowed: commercial vehicles, vehicles with commercial plates, taxis, and vehicles with aftermarket modifications that change their appearance. If you are unsure whether your car meets the standard, submit photos through the app and Uber will tell you.

How earnings work and what Uber takes

Uber calculates your earnings based on the distance and time of each ride. The fare is split between you and Uber: Uber takes a commission (usually 25 to 30 percent, though it varies by city and promotion), and you keep the rest. Passengers can add tips through the app, and tips go entirely to you.

You are responsible for all your own costs: gas, vehicle maintenance, oil changes, tire replacement, and repairs. You also pay for your own insurance and registration renewal. These expenses reduce your actual take-home income. Many drivers track their mileage for tax purposes, since you can deduct business expenses when you file taxes as an independent contractor.

Uber deposits your earnings weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, to the bank account you linked during signup. You can see your earnings in real time through the app, broken down by ride. During surge pricing (high-demand periods), fares increase and you earn more per ride.

Insurance and liability when you drive for Uber

Your personal auto insurance almost certainly does not cover you while you are driving for Uber. Most personal policies exclude commercial use. You have three options: add a commercial rider to your existing policy, switch to a commercial auto insurance policy, or use Uber's insurance coverage.

Uber provides some insurance protection, but only during specific periods. When you are logged into the app and have a passenger in the car, Uber's insurance covers liability and collision. When you are logged in but waiting for a ride request, coverage is limited. When you are offline, Uber's insurance does not apply at all — you rely on your personal policy. This gap is why you need your own commercial coverage: it fills the periods when Uber's insurance does not.

Contact your insurance company before you start driving and ask what they recommend. Some insurers offer ride-share endorsements that are cheaper than full commercial policies. Others will not insure Uber drivers at all. Getting this sorted before you apply to Uber saves you from being approved and then unable to legally drive.

What happens after you are approved

Once Uber approves you, you can open the driver app and turn it on whenever you want to work. You see ride requests in real time and can accept or decline them. You control your schedule completely — there is no minimum number of hours you must work, and you can stop driving whenever you want.

Your rating matters. Passengers rate you after each ride on a scale of one to five stars. Uber monitors your average rating and can deactivate your account if it drops below 4.6 stars in most cities. Ratings are based on cleanliness, driving behavior, and how you treat passengers. Canceling rides also affects your rating and can lead to deactivation if you cancel too many.

Uber may also ask you to renew your documents periodically — usually your driver's license, insurance, and vehicle registration. You will receive a notification through the app when something is about to expire. If you do not renew in time, your account gets suspended until you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber if I have a DUI or accident on my record?

A DUI conviction will disqualify you in most cases. At-fault accidents with injuries also typically result in rejection. Minor traffic violations and accidents without injuries may not disqualify you, but Uber reviews each case individually. If you are unsure, you can submit your information and see whether Uber approves you — rejection does not prevent you from reapplying later if your record improves.

What if I do not own a car outright?

You can drive a financed or leased vehicle as long as the registration and title are in your name and you have insurance that covers Uber driving. If you lease, check your lease agreement — some leasing companies prohibit commercial use. If you finance, your lender does not usually care how you use the vehicle, but your insurance company does.

How long does the background check take?

Most background checks complete within three to seven days. Some take up to two weeks if Uber needs to verify information or if there are delays with the third-party screening company. You can check your application status in the Uber Driver app at any time. If it has been more than two weeks, contact Uber support.

Can I drive for Uber and Lyft at the same time?

Yes. You can have both apps active and accept rides from either platform. Many drivers do this to maximize earnings and have more ride options. You will need to meet both companies' vehicle and background check requirements, and both require commercial insurance coverage.

What happens if my car fails inspection or does not meet Uber's standards?

Uber will notify you through the app if your vehicle does not meet their requirements. You can either repair the vehicle and resubmit photos, or use a different vehicle if you have one. If you resubmit and Uber still rejects it, you cannot drive until you use a may have access to vehicle.