You must be at least 18 years old to request an Uber ride as a passenger, and at least 21 to drive for Uber

Uber's age policy is straightforward but has two separate rules depending on whether you are the person requesting the ride or the person driving. If you are a passenger, you need to be 18 or older to create an account and book a ride. If you want to drive for Uber, you must be at least 21 years old, and you will also need to pass a background check and meet other requirements that vary by location.

The 18-year minimum for passengers applies everywhere Uber operates in the United States. You will need a valid payment method on file — usually a debit or credit card — to complete a booking. Uber does not verify your age at the time you create your account; the age requirement is part of Uber's terms of service, and you confirm you meet it when you sign up.

The 21-year minimum for drivers is a separate threshold. Some cities or states may have higher age requirements, so you should check with your local Uber office or the Uber Driver app before you start the process. Uber also requires drivers to have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets their standards.

Key Takeaways

  • Passengers must be at least 18 years old to create an Uber account and request a ride.
  • Drivers must be at least 21 years old, though some cities or states may require drivers to be older.
  • Uber does not verify your age when you sign up; the age requirement is part of the terms of service you accept.
  • Drivers must also pass a background check and meet vehicle and insurance requirements in addition to the age minimum.

What happens if you are under 18 and want to ride

If you are under 18, you cannot create your own Uber account or request a ride independently. However, an adult who is 18 or older can request a ride and have you travel as a passenger in that ride. The adult's account is responsible for the booking and payment.

Some families use a parent's or guardian's Uber account to arrange rides for teenagers. The adult controls the account, sees the trip history, and pays the fare. This is a common way for younger passengers to use Uber when they do not yet meet the age requirement themselves.

Driver age requirements and background checks

To drive for Uber, you must be at least 21 years old in most of the United States. Uber will ask you to provide your date of birth during the driver sign-up process, and you will need to upload a photo of your driver's license to verify your identity and age. Uber's system checks this information against public records.

In addition to age, Uber requires all drivers to pass a background check. The background check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status. The process can take several days to a few weeks. Some states or cities have additional age requirements — for example, some require drivers to be 25 or older — so you should confirm the rules in your area before you begin the application process.

How Uber verifies your age

When you create a passenger account, Uber asks for your date of birth but does not verify it at sign-up. You confirm that you are at least 18 by accepting the terms of service. Uber may ask for additional verification if you dispute a charge or if there is a problem with your account, but routine age verification does not happen for passengers.

For drivers, age verification is mandatory. You must upload a photo of your driver's license, and Uber's system compares the information on the license — including your date of birth — to public records. If there is a mismatch or if Uber cannot verify your information, your driver account will not be approved.

Age rules for Uber Eats and other Uber services

Uber Eats, Uber's food delivery service, has the same 18-year minimum age requirement for customers who want to place orders. You must be 18 to create an account and pay for food delivery. Delivery drivers for Uber Eats must also be at least 21 years old and pass a background check, just like ride drivers.

If Uber offers other services in your area — such as Uber Comfort or Uber Black — the age requirements remain the same: 18 for passengers, 21 for drivers. The vehicle type or service level does not change the age threshold.

What to do if you cannot verify your age

If you are trying to create a driver account and Uber cannot verify your age through your driver's license, you may be asked to provide additional documents. Some states allow Uber to verify age through other government-issued ID, such as a passport. Contact Uber's support team through the Driver app to ask what documents they will accept in your state.

If you are a passenger and you created an account using a false date of birth, you can update your profile information in the app settings. Go to your account, select "Personal Information," and correct your date of birth. Uber does not typically penalize passengers for age discrepancies unless fraud is involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 17-year-old ride Uber if a parent is in the car?

No. Uber's policy requires the person requesting the ride to be at least 18. However, a parent or guardian who is 18 or older can request the ride on their own account, and a 17-year-old can travel as a passenger in that ride.

What if I turn 21 after I start driving for Uber?

You cannot drive for Uber until you are 21. If you are currently under 21, you will not be able to complete the driver sign-up process. Once you turn 21, you can begin the application process, which includes background checks and vehicle verification.

Do I need to show ID when I get in an Uber?

No. Uber drivers do not routinely ask passengers for ID. However, if you are ordering alcohol through Uber Eats or a related service, the driver may ask for ID to verify you are of legal age to receive that item.

Can I use someone else's Uber account if I am under 18?

Yes, as long as the account holder is 18 or older and gives you permission. The account holder is responsible for the ride and the payment. This is a common arrangement for families, but the adult should be aware of where the ride is going and who is using their account.

What if Uber rejected my driver application because of my age?

If you are under 21, Uber will not approve your driver account. You can reapply once you turn 21. If you are 21 or older and your application was rejected, contact Uber support to ask why. The rejection may be related to your background check, vehicle, or insurance rather than your age.