You must be at least 18 years old to drive for Uber, and you'll need to meet several other requirements before you can start accepting rides.

Uber's minimum age is 18 in most places, though some cities or regions may have different rules. You also need a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance, and a vehicle that meets Uber's standards. The company runs a background check on every driver, which includes your driving history and criminal record.

If you're under 18, you cannot drive for Uber at all — this is a hard rule set by the company and by most state laws governing commercial driving. Even if you have a learner's permit or a restricted license, you won't pass the onboarding process.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license in the state where they plan to drive.
  • You'll need to provide proof of auto insurance, vehicle registration, and pass a background check that looks at your driving record and criminal history.
  • Your vehicle must be at least 2010 or newer (the year varies by city), pass a vehicle inspection, and meet Uber's safety standards.
  • The background check process typically takes 3 to 10 business days, though it can take longer if there are issues with your documents.

What Documents You Need to Provide

When you sign up to drive for Uber, you'll upload several documents through the app. These include a photo of your driver's license (front and back), proof of vehicle insurance with your name on the policy, your vehicle registration, and proof of your Social Security number. Uber also asks for your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) so they can verify the year, make, and model.

All documents must be current and valid. If your insurance or registration is expired, Uber will reject your application until you renew them. Some documents need to be uploaded as clear photos or PDFs — blurry or partially cut-off images will be sent back for resubmission.

The Background Check Process

Uber uses a third-party company to run your background check. This check looks at your driving record for the past seven years, your criminal history, and whether you're on any sex offender registries. The company also verifies that your driver's license is valid and that you have no serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents.

The background check usually takes 3 to 10 business days. During this time, your application will show as "pending" in the app. If there are issues — such as a document that doesn't match your name or a discrepancy in your driving history — Uber will ask you to provide more information or clarification. This can add several more days to the process.

Vehicle Age and Condition Requirements

Your car must be at least a certain age to drive for Uber. In most cities, this means 2010 or newer, though some areas allow older vehicles and others require 2015 or newer. Uber checks the vehicle year against your registration and VIN, so you can't use a car that's older than their requirement for your area.

Your vehicle also has to pass an inspection. Uber partners with local inspection centers where you'll take your car to be checked for safety issues. The inspector looks at things like tire tread, brakes, lights, wipers, and overall condition. If your car fails, you'll need to fix the problems and schedule another inspection before you can start driving.

Insurance and Registration Requirements

You must have active auto insurance that covers commercial driving or rideshare activity. Standard personal auto insurance often does not cover you when you're driving for Uber, so you may need to add a rideshare endorsement to your policy or switch to a policy that includes it. Your insurance company needs to be able to confirm your coverage when Uber requests verification.

Your vehicle registration must be current and in your name (or in the name of someone who has given you permission to use the car). If the registration is about to expire, renew it before you apply. Uber will not onboard you with an expired or soon-to-expire registration.

What Happens If You're Denied

If Uber denies your application, they will send you a message explaining why. Common reasons include a serious driving violation, a criminal conviction, a vehicle that's too old, or documents that don't match or are unclear. Some denials are permanent — for example, if you have a DUI or felony conviction, Uber will not reconsider.

Other denials can be appealed or resolved. If your documents were rejected because they were blurry or incomplete, you can resubmit clearer versions. If there's an error in your driving record (such as a violation that was dismissed), you may be able to provide court documents to clear it up. Contact Uber's support team through the app to ask about your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber if I have a suspended license?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot drive for Uber. You'll need to resolve the suspension and have your license reinstated before you can apply.

What if I just turned 18 — can I apply right away?

Yes, as long as you have a valid driver's license. Some states issue licenses to 18-year-olds with restrictions, so make sure your license allows you to drive commercially or for hire. If it has restrictions, contact your state's DMV to see if you need to upgrade it.

Do I need rideshare insurance or can I use regular car insurance?

Most standard personal auto insurance policies do not cover you while you're driving for Uber. You'll need either a rideshare endorsement added to your existing policy or a separate rideshare insurance policy. Check with your insurance company before you apply.

How long does the whole onboarding process take?

From the time you submit your documents to the time you're approved usually takes 3 to 10 business days, depending on how quickly the background check clears and whether your documents need resubmission. Vehicle inspection can add a few more days if you need to schedule an appointment.

What if I have an accident or traffic ticket after I'm approved?

Uber may deactivate your account if you get a serious violation or are at fault in an accident. Minor tickets usually don't result in deactivation, but they may affect your rating or future standing with the platform. Report accidents to Uber through the app as soon as they happen.