What you need before you can drive for Uber
Uber requires you to meet several conditions before you can accept rides. You must be at least 21 years old (19 in some cities), hold a valid driver's license, have proof of vehicle insurance, and pass a background check. You also need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number. Uber will verify your license and insurance through their system, so have those documents ready when you sign up.
Your vehicle must be registered in your name and meet Uber's age and condition standards. Most cars must be 2011 or newer, though this varies by city and vehicle type. The car needs to pass a vehicle inspection, which Uber can arrange or you can complete independently at a mechanic. Your insurance must be active and cover commercial rideshare use — personal auto insurance typically does not, so you may need to add a rideshare endorsement or switch to a policy that covers it.
You'll also need a bank account in your name to receive payments. Uber deposits your earnings weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on your location. The account must match the name on your driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 21, have a valid driver's license, current insurance that covers rideshare, and pass a background check before Uber will activate your account.
- Your vehicle must be registered in your name, meet age and condition requirements (usually 2011 or newer), and pass an Uber vehicle inspection.
- Rideshare work is self-employment, so you are responsible for tracking mileage, setting aside money for taxes, and paying self-employment tax quarterly.
- Uber takes a percentage of each fare (typically 25 to 30 percent depending on your city), and you keep the rest plus tips paid through the app.
- You can drive whenever you want, but earnings vary by time of day, location, and demand — peak hours (evenings and weekends) usually pay more.
How to sign up and get your account activated
Go to Uber's driver signup page and enter your email, phone number, and the city where you want to drive. Uber will ask for your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. Upload a photo of your driver's license (front and back) and a recent photo of yourself. Uber uses these to verify your identity.
Next, you'll provide your vehicle information: the year, make, model, license plate, and VIN. Upload a photo of your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Uber will check these against state records. If everything matches, Uber will send you a link to schedule your vehicle inspection. You can either take your car to a third-party inspection center (Uber provides a list) or, in some cities, have an Uber employee inspect it. The inspection typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs nothing if you use Uber's partner locations.
Once your inspection passes, Uber will run a background check. This usually takes three to five business days. You'll receive an email when the check is complete. If you pass, your account will be activated and you can start accepting rides immediately. If you don't pass, Uber will tell you why and may offer you a chance to appeal.
Understanding how Uber calculates what you earn
Uber charges passengers a fare based on distance, time, and demand. You see the fare before you accept the ride. Uber then takes a commission — typically 25 to 30 percent of the fare, though this varies by city and ride type. You keep the remainder. Tips paid through the app go entirely to you; Uber does not take a cut.
Your actual earnings depend on several factors. Surge pricing (when demand is high) increases fares, so you earn more per ride during rush hours, late nights, and bad weather. Longer rides usually pay more in total but may pay less per mile than short rides. Acceptance rate, cancellation rate, and customer ratings can affect whether Uber offers you surge rides or promotions, though Uber does not explicitly penalize low ratings by reducing pay.
Uber also runs occasional promotions: may provide earnings for a certain number of rides in a week, or bonuses for completing rides during specific hours. These vary by city and change frequently. You can see current promotions in the Uber Driver app under "Promotions."
What taxes and expenses you're responsible for
Driving for Uber is self-employment, not a job. You are not an Uber employee, so Uber does not withhold taxes, pay payroll tax, or provide benefits. You must set aside money from your earnings to pay federal income tax, self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare), and state income tax if your state has one. Self-employment tax is roughly 15 percent of your net earnings.
The IRS allows you to deduct mileage. For 2024, the standard mileage rate for business use is set by the IRS each year — you can deduct either this rate per mile driven or your actual expenses (gas, maintenance, insurance, depreciation). Most drivers find the mileage deduction simpler. Track your mileage carefully: record your odometer reading when you start and end each driving session, or use a mileage-tracking app. Only miles driven while logged into the Uber app count; commuting to a pickup location does not.
You also pay for gas, maintenance, repairs, and vehicle depreciation. Your insurance costs more if you add a rideshare endorsement. Some drivers also pay for car washes and phone mounts. These are all deductible business expenses. Keep receipts and track everything in a spreadsheet or accounting app.
When and how you can drive
You can drive whenever you want. Open the Uber Driver app, toggle yourself online, and you'll start receiving ride requests. You can go offline at any time — there are no minimum hours or shifts. However, your earnings fluctuate based on demand. Evenings (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and weekends typically have more riders and higher fares. Early mornings (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.) are also busy. Late nights (after 10 p.m.) can pay well but may have fewer requests depending on your city.
Rainy or snowy weather often increases demand and fares. Holidays and special events (concerts, sports games, New Year's Eve) can create surge pricing. You'll see surge zones highlighted on your map in the app — these are areas where demand is high and fares are increased. Driving to a surge zone takes time, so factor that into whether it's worth the trip.
You can drive as much or as little as you want. Some drivers do this full-time; others drive a few hours a week for extra income. Your earnings will reflect the hours you put in and the times you choose to drive.
Safety, ratings, and account standing
Uber rates drivers on a five-star scale based on passenger feedback. Your rating appears in the app and affects which rides you're offered. Passengers rate you after each trip. A rating below 4.6 stars can result in deactivation, though Uber typically gives you a warning first. To maintain a high rating, arrive on time, keep your car clean, follow traffic laws, and be polite to passengers.
You can also rate passengers. If you give a passenger a low rating, Uber will not match you with that passenger again. Passengers who have low ratings may not be offered rides with you either.
Uber has a deactivation policy. You can be deactivated for safety violations (accidents, traffic violations, driving under the influence), low ratings, canceling too many rides, or violating Uber's community guidelines. If you're deactivated, you can appeal through the app. Deactivation is permanent if the violation is serious (like a DUI).
Costs and earnings: what to expect in your first month
Your first-month earnings depend on your city, how many hours you drive, and the time of day you choose. In most U.S. cities, drivers report earning between $15 and $25 per hour before expenses. This is gross earnings (before Uber's commission, taxes, and vehicle costs). After Uber's cut and your expenses, net earnings are typically lower — often $10 to $18 per hour depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and maintenance costs.
Your startup costs include the vehicle inspection (usually free at Uber partner locations), adding a rideshare insurance endorsement (typically $10 to $30 per month), and possibly a phone mount or car charger. If you don't already have a vehicle, that's your largest cost. If you do, your main ongoing expenses are gas and maintenance.
Earnings are not may provide. Slow periods, bad weather, or low demand in your area can reduce your income. Some cities have more riders than others, and some times of year are busier than others. Track your actual earnings for a few weeks to understand what's realistic in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?
No. A regular driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial license, taxi license, or special permit to drive for Uber in most states. However, a few cities require rideshare drivers to register with the city or obtain a permit — check your local regulations before you sign up.
What if my car is too old or doesn't meet Uber's requirements?
Uber's vehicle requirements vary by city. In most places, your car must be 2011 or newer and in good condition. If your car is older or doesn't meet requirements, you cannot drive for Uber in that city. You can check your specific car's may be able to access on Uber's website by entering your vehicle information.
Can I drive for Uber and Lyft at the same time?
Yes. You can sign up for both apps and drive for either one whenever you want. Many drivers use both to maximize earnings and have more ride requests. You'll need to pass background checks and vehicle inspections for each platform separately.
What happens if I get in an accident while driving for Uber?
Report the accident to Uber through the app immediately. Uber provides contingent liability insurance that covers you while you have a passenger in the car, but your personal insurance is primary. If you have a rideshare endorsement, it covers you during all rideshare activities. Contact your insurance company and Uber's support team to file a claim.
How do I know how much I'll owe in taxes?
You owe federal income tax on your net earnings (earnings minus deductible expenses) and self-employment tax on roughly 92.35 percent of your net earnings. The easiest approach is to set aside 25 to 30 percent of your gross earnings each week and consult a tax professional or use tax software designed for self-employed drivers. Many drivers pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid a large bill at tax time.