What you need before you start

Uber requires you to meet several conditions before you can drive. You must be at least 21 years old (19 in some cities), hold a valid driver's license, have proof of insurance, and own or have regular access to a vehicle that meets Uber's standards. You also need a Social Security Number, a valid email address, and a phone number.

Your vehicle must be registered in your name or you must have written permission from the owner. Uber checks your driving record and background history, so you should know that accidents, traffic violations, or criminal convictions may disqualify you. The exact rules vary by city — some places have stricter insurance requirements or vehicle age limits.

You will also need a bank account in your name to receive payments. Uber deposits earnings directly, so you cannot use someone else's account.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name or with written owner permission.
  • Uber runs a background check that includes your driving record and criminal history, and results vary by location.
  • The signup process happens online through the Uber Driver app, and approval typically takes one to two weeks after you submit all documents.
  • You will need to upload photos of your license, insurance card, vehicle registration, and vehicle itself during the signup process.
  • Some cities require additional steps like fingerprinting or a local permit before Uber will activate your account.

Step-by-step signup through the Uber Driver app

Download the Uber Driver app on your phone and create an account with your email address and phone number. Uber will send you a verification code — enter it to confirm your contact information.

Next, you will enter your personal details: full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. Uber uses this information to run your background check. Then you will add your driver's license number and upload a photo of the front and back of your license. The photo must be clear and match the name on your Uber account.

After that, upload a photo of your proof of insurance and your vehicle registration. Both documents must show your name and current dates. Then upload photos of your vehicle from the front, back, sides, and interior. The vehicle must be clean and in working condition — Uber rejects photos that show significant damage or dirt.

Finally, add your bank account information for direct deposit. You will need your routing number and account number. Once you submit everything, Uber sends your information for review.

What happens during the review period

After you submit your documents, Uber's team reviews your background check, driving record, and vehicle information. This usually takes one to two weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how busy the system is and whether your documents are clear.

During this time, Uber may contact you by email or phone if they need clarification on anything — for example, if a photo is too blurry or if there is a question about your driving history. Check your email and answer calls from unknown numbers, because missing Uber's request can delay your approval.

If Uber finds something in your background that concerns them, they will tell you. You cannot appeal or dispute Uber's decision through the app, but you can contact Uber support through the Driver app to ask why you were denied.

Additional requirements in some cities

Some cities require extra steps before Uber will let you drive. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco may require you to obtain a local permit, pass a fingerprint background check, or complete a vehicle inspection at a specific location.

Before you start the signup process, search online for "[your city] Uber driver requirements" or check the Uber Driver app — it will show you what your city needs. If your city requires a permit, you usually have to get it before Uber will activate your account, or Uber will tell you to get it within a certain timeframe.

Some cities also have rules about vehicle age, emissions, or insurance minimums that are stricter than Uber's standard requirements. Knowing this before you upload documents saves time.

How to handle a denied application

If Uber denies your application, the app will show a message explaining the reason — usually something like "driving record does not meet requirements" or "vehicle does not meet standards." The message may be vague, and Uber does not always explain in detail.

You can contact Uber support through the Driver app by tapping the menu and selecting "Help." Explain your situation and ask for more information about why you were denied. Support may be able to tell you whether the decision is final or whether you can reapply after a certain time.

If you were denied because of your driving record or background, you cannot change that history, but you can reapply after a waiting period — usually several months to a year, depending on what Uber found. If you were denied because of your vehicle, you can reapply with a different car that meets the requirements.

Getting paid and what to expect as a new driver

Once Uber activates your account, you can start accepting trips immediately. Earnings go directly to your bank account, usually within one to two business days after a trip ends. Uber takes a percentage of each fare — the amount varies by city and changes over time, but it is typically between 25 and 30 percent.

You are responsible for your own expenses: gas, maintenance, insurance, and vehicle registration. You are also responsible for paying taxes on your earnings — Uber does not withhold taxes, so you will owe them at tax time. Keep records of your mileage and expenses for tax purposes.

As a new driver, you may see lower fares or fewer trip requests at first. This is normal. Your rating and acceptance rate affect how many trips you see, so accepting trips and maintaining good ratings helps you earn more over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved after I submit my documents?

Most drivers are approved within one to two weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly Uber's team processes applications in your area and whether your documents are clear and complete. If Uber needs more information from you, the process takes longer.

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

It depends on what the ticket or accident was and how recent it is. Minor violations like speeding may not disqualify you, but serious violations, at-fault accidents, or multiple incidents within a short time can. Uber's standards vary by city. Contact Uber support before you apply if you are unsure.

What if my vehicle is registered to someone else?

You can still drive if the vehicle is registered to someone else, but you must have written permission from the owner. Uber will ask you to upload a document showing the owner's consent. The owner's name does not have to match your name on the registration.

Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Uber?

Uber provides insurance coverage while you are actively driving a passenger, but your personal auto insurance does not cover rideshare work. You should tell your insurance company that you plan to drive for Uber — some companies offer rideshare coverage as an add-on, and some will not insure you if you do not disclose it.

What happens if I am denied and want to reapply?

If Uber denies you, ask support how long you must wait before reapplying. For driving record or background issues, the wait is usually several months to a year. For vehicle issues, you can reapply immediately with a different car. Reapply through the Uber Driver app using the same process as the first time.