What you need to do to drive for Uber
To drive for Uber, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets Uber's requirements. Uber will run a background check that includes your driving history and criminal record. The process takes about a week after you submit your documents through the Uber app.
Your vehicle must be at least 15 years old (the year depends on your location), pass a vehicle inspection, and have four doors. Uber accepts most sedans, SUVs, and minivans. You'll need to provide the vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a photo of the car's exterior. Some cities have additional requirements — certain areas require commercial insurance or a specific license plate.
Once approved, you can turn the app on and start accepting rides. You keep a percentage of each fare; Uber takes a commission that varies by city and ride type. You are responsible for gas, maintenance, insurance, and vehicle repairs.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle at least 15 years old that passes Uber's inspection.
- Uber runs a background check on your driving record and criminal history before you can start driving.
- You keep a portion of each fare after Uber's commission, and you pay for all vehicle costs including gas, maintenance, and repairs.
- Your earnings depend on demand in your area, the time of day you drive, and how many rides you complete.
- You are an independent contractor, not an Uber employee, which affects your taxes, benefits, and legal protections.
Documents and information Uber will ask for
Uber requires a photo ID, your Social Security number, and your driver's license number. You'll upload these through the app along with a clear photo of yourself. Have these documents ready before you start the process — it speeds things up.
For your vehicle, you'll need the registration, proof of insurance, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). You'll also upload photos of the car's front, back, sides, and interior. The photos must be clear and show the full vehicle. If your insurance or registration expires soon, renew them first — Uber will reject documents that expire within 30 days.
If you have a commercial driving license or have been convicted of certain crimes, you may not be approved. Uber's background check looks back seven years for most offenses and longer for serious crimes. Driving violations like speeding tickets usually don't disqualify you, but multiple violations or a DUI will.
How much you can earn and what affects your income
Your earnings depend on how many rides you complete, the distance and time of each ride, and demand in your area. Uber shows you the estimated fare before you accept a ride, so you know what you'll make. During peak hours — typically evenings and weekends — fares are higher because more people are requesting rides.
Uber takes a commission from each ride, usually between 20 and 30 percent depending on your city. You also pay for gas, which is your largest ongoing cost. A typical driver might earn $15 to $25 per hour before expenses, though this varies widely by location and how efficiently you drive. Some drivers in busy cities earn more; drivers in rural areas earn less.
You don't earn money while waiting for a ride request or driving to pick up a passenger. Only the time from pickup to dropoff counts toward your earnings. This means your actual hourly rate is lower than the per-ride amount suggests.
Taxes and expenses you're responsible for
As an independent contractor, you must pay self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare. This is roughly 15 percent of your net income on top of regular income tax. You also owe income tax on your earnings. Uber does not withhold taxes from your pay, so you need to set aside money throughout the year or make quarterly tax payments.
Keep records of your mileage, gas receipts, and maintenance costs. These are deductible business expenses that reduce your taxable income. The IRS allows you to deduct either your actual expenses or use the standard mileage rate, which changes each year. Most drivers find the standard mileage deduction simpler to track.
You must carry commercial or rideshare insurance. Your personal auto insurance will not cover you while you're driving for Uber. Uber provides some coverage, but it has gaps and limits. Check your state's requirements — some states require you to carry your own commercial policy.
What happens if you get into an accident or have a problem with a passenger
If you're in an accident while driving for Uber, report it through the app immediately. Uber's insurance covers damage to your vehicle and injuries, but only if you were actively on a ride or heading to pick up a passenger. If you were offline, your personal insurance applies. Uber's coverage has a deductible, usually $1,000 or $2,500 depending on your location.
If a passenger reports damage to your car or accuses you of misconduct, Uber investigates. You can respond through the app with your version of events and photos. Serious complaints or multiple incidents can result in deactivation — Uber can remove you from the platform without much warning. You have limited recourse once deactivated.
Keep your car clean and in good condition. Take photos of your vehicle before and after each shift if you're concerned about false damage claims. Be professional with passengers, follow traffic laws, and avoid confrontation. These habits protect you from complaints and deactivation.
When Uber can deactivate your account
Uber can remove you from the platform for safety violations, poor ratings, or breaking their community guidelines. If your rating drops below 4.6 stars in most cities, you risk deactivation. Ratings come from passenger feedback after each ride. Canceling too many rides, arriving late, or taking long routes can lower your rating.
Criminal activity, violence, or sexual misconduct result in immediate deactivation. Driving under the influence, reckless driving, or multiple traffic violations can also get you removed. Uber's deactivation process is quick and often final — you can request to know why you were deactivated, but you have limited ability to appeal.
You have no employment contract or job security. Uber can change commission rates, deactivate you, or shut down service in your area without notice. This is the trade-off of being an independent contractor — you have flexibility but no protections.
The difference between Uber and other rideshare platforms
Lyft, DoorDash, and other platforms have similar requirements and pay structures. Lyft typically has slightly lower commission rates than Uber in some cities, but earnings vary by location. You can drive for multiple platforms at once — many drivers do this to maximize earnings and have backup work if one platform deactivates them.
Uber Eats is different from Uber rides. You deliver food instead of passengers, and the pay and requirements are different. Some drivers do both Uber rides and Uber Eats to increase income. The app lets you toggle between them.
Compare platforms in your area before committing. Earnings, demand, and commission rates differ by city. Driving for multiple platforms gives you more flexibility and reduces the risk of losing all income if one deactivates you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved as an Uber driver?
The approval process usually takes five to seven days after you submit all required documents. Background checks take the longest. If Uber needs more information or your documents are unclear, approval can take longer. You'll receive notifications through the app as your application moves through each stage.
Can I drive for Uber if I have a DUI or accident on my record?
A DUI or serious accident within the last seven years will likely disqualify you. Uber's background check looks at your driving record and criminal history. Minor violations like speeding tickets usually don't prevent approval, but multiple violations within a few years can. Contact Uber support to ask about your specific situation before you apply.
What if I don't have commercial insurance?
You need either commercial rideshare insurance or a personal policy that covers rideshare driving. Uber's insurance covers you while you're on a ride, but has gaps and a high deductible. Most states require you to carry your own coverage. Contact your insurance company to add rideshare coverage — it usually costs $10 to $20 per month.
Can I refuse a ride request without penalty?
You can decline rides, but declining too many hurts your acceptance rate and can lower your rating. Uber doesn't penalize you directly for declining, but passengers see your acceptance rate, and low rates discourage them from requesting you. Accepting most requests keeps you visible and maintains your rating.
What happens to my earnings if I take time off?
You only earn money when you're actively driving and accepting rides. If you take a week off, you earn nothing that week. There is no paid time off, sick leave, or vacation. You control your schedule, but you also bear all the financial risk of not working.