What Uber's background check includes

Uber runs a third-party background check on every driver before they can start working. The company uses screening firms like Checkr or similar providers to pull records. The check covers criminal history, driving records, and sex offender registries — but the exact scope varies by state and country because different places have different records available and different laws about what Uber can access.

The criminal history portion looks back seven years in most states, though some states allow longer lookback periods. Uber also checks your driving record with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to see accidents, violations, and license suspensions. In some states, Uber also verifies that you have valid auto insurance and that your vehicle registration is current.

Uber does not run a credit check. It does not contact your previous employers or personal references. It does not verify your income or employment history before you start driving.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber's background check is run by a third-party company and covers criminal history (usually the last seven years), your driving record, and sex offender registries.
  • The check happens before you can accept your first ride, and you will see the results in your Uber Driver app once it is complete.
  • If the check comes back with a problem, Uber will tell you which issue disqualified you, but you may need to contact the screening company directly to dispute inaccurate information.
  • Rules about what shows up on a background check vary by state — some states seal or expunge old records, and some limit how far back Uber can look.
  • You can reapply if you were rejected, but you must wait at least 30 days and address whatever issue caused the initial rejection.

What will disqualify you from driving for Uber

Uber has a list of offenses that automatically disqualify you, though the exact list can shift. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, and crimes involving children almost always result in rejection. Drug-related felonies within the last seven years typically disqualify you. Certain driving-related convictions — like driving under the influence, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license — also block approval.

Hit-and-run convictions and multiple traffic violations within a short period can result in rejection. Uber also looks at your driving record for accidents and insurance claims; too many in a short window may trigger a denial. The company does not publish a complete list of disqualifying offenses, so if you have a criminal or driving record and are unsure, you can contact Uber support before you apply to ask whether your specific situation would be a problem.

How long the background check takes

Most background checks complete within 24 to 48 hours. Some take up to a week, depending on how quickly the screening company can pull records from your state's systems. If your state's records are delayed or if there is a name match that requires manual review, the process can stretch to two weeks.

You will receive a notification in your Uber Driver app when the check is complete. If you are approved, you can start accepting rides immediately. If you are rejected, the app will tell you the reason — though the explanation is sometimes vague, like "background check did not clear" without spelling out which offense caused the problem.

Disputing inaccurate background check results

If your background check was rejected and you believe the information is wrong, you have the right to dispute it. The first step is to contact the screening company directly, not Uber. Uber will tell you which company ran your check when they reject you. You can request a copy of your report from that company for free.

Common errors include records that belong to someone else with a similar name, convictions that were expunged or sealed in your state but still showing up in the national database, or driving violations that were dismissed or reduced but still appearing on your record. Once you dispute an error with the screening company, they will investigate and send you a corrected report. You can then reapply with Uber using the corrected information.

If the screening company confirms the information is accurate but you still disagree — for example, if you believe the conviction should have been sealed under your state's law — you may need to work with a lawyer or your state's attorney general's office to force the correction at the source.

Reapplying after rejection

Uber requires you to wait at least 30 days before reapplying after a rejection. During that time, if the issue was a criminal conviction or driving violation, nothing will change unless you take action. If the issue was an error in the background check, use those 30 days to dispute it with the screening company and get a corrected report.

If the issue was a recent driving violation or accident, waiting longer than 30 days will not help — Uber will still see it. However, if enough time passes that the violation or accident falls outside Uber's lookback window (usually seven years for criminal history, but varies for driving records), it will no longer appear on future checks.

How background checks differ by state

Some states have laws that limit how far back a company can look at criminal records. California, for example, generally does not allow employers to consider convictions older than seven years, though there are exceptions for certain serious crimes. New York has similar rules. Other states allow lookback periods of ten years or longer.

Some states also have "ban the box" laws that restrict when a company can ask about criminal history, though Uber's model — running the check after you apply but before you start driving — usually complies with these laws. A few states have laws about expungement or sealing that mean old convictions should not appear on background checks at all, even if the screening company's database still has them.

If you live in a state with strong record-sealing laws and your conviction was sealed, you may have grounds to dispute a background check result that includes it. Contact your state's attorney general's office or a legal aid organization if you need help.

What happens after you pass the background check

Once you are approved, Uber does not run another full background check unless you take a break from driving for a long period or if Uber has reason to believe something has changed. Some cities require periodic rechecks — for example, every year or every two years — but this varies by local regulation, not by Uber policy.

If you are arrested or convicted of something while driving for Uber, you are required to report it to Uber. Failure to disclose can result in deactivation of your account. Uber also monitors your driving record continuously through your state's DMV, so new violations, accidents, or suspensions will show up and may trigger a review of your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my full background check report?

You can request your report directly from the screening company that ran it. Uber will tell you the company's name when they reject you. By law, you have the right to a free copy of your report. The company must provide it within a reasonable time, usually 5 to 10 business days.

What if I have a felony conviction but it was a long time ago?

It depends on your state's laws and the type of felony. Most background checks look back seven years, so a conviction older than that may not appear. However, violent crimes, sexual offenses, and crimes against children often have no time limit. If your conviction is within the lookback window, you will likely be rejected unless your state's law requires it to be sealed or expunged.

Does Uber check immigration status?

Uber does not run immigration checks as part of the background screening process. However, you must have a valid Social Security number or ITIN to drive for Uber, and you must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license. Uber does verify these documents, but that is separate from the criminal background check.

Will a DUI from 10 years ago show up?

Probably not, since most background checks look back seven years. However, some states allow longer lookback periods for certain driving offenses, and some allow no time limit for serious crimes. Check your state's specific rules or contact Uber support with your situation before you apply.

What if the background check company made a mistake with my name?

Contact the screening company directly and request a copy of your report. If the report includes records that do not belong to you, dispute them in writing. The company must investigate and correct the report. Once corrected, you can reapply with Uber after the 30-day waiting period.