What you need to drive for Uber
To drive for Uber, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, own or have regular access to a may have access to vehicle, and pass a background check. Uber also requires proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The exact vehicle requirements vary by city — some markets accept older cars than others, and some require commercial insurance rather than personal coverage.
You do not need to own the car outright. Many drivers use financed vehicles, leased cars, or vehicles borrowed from family members. What matters to Uber is that the vehicle meets their age and condition standards for your location, and that you have permission to use it for commercial driving.
The background check is conducted by a third-party screening company and typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Uber will review your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status. A single traffic violation or minor criminal charge does not automatically disqualify you, but serious felonies, violent crimes, or multiple recent violations will.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, own or regularly access a may have access to vehicle, and pass a background check before you can drive.
- Vehicle requirements differ by city — check Uber's website for your specific location to see the minimum year, mileage limits, and insurance type required.
- The background check takes 3 to 5 business days and reviews your driving record and criminal history, not just traffic tickets.
- You will need to provide proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a Social Security number or ITIN during the sign-up process.
- Once approved, you can start accepting rides immediately, though some cities require additional commercial permits or inspections.
Documents and information Uber will ask for
During sign-up, Uber collects your personal information, driver's license details, vehicle information, and proof of insurance. You will upload photos of your driver's license (front and back), vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. These documents must be current and match the name on your Uber account.
Uber also requires a valid email address and phone number. The phone number is used for ride requests and customer communication, so it should be one you check regularly. Some cities ask for additional documents — a commercial driver's license, a vehicle inspection certificate, or proof of local business registration — so check your city's requirements before you start the process.
If your insurance policy does not explicitly cover commercial rideshare driving, you will need to add a rideshare endorsement or switch to a policy that covers it. Personal auto insurance typically does not cover income-generating driving, and driving without proper coverage can void your policy and leave you personally liable in an accident.
Vehicle requirements by location
Uber's vehicle standards vary significantly by city. In most major markets, your car must be 2010 or newer, have fewer than 200,000 miles, and be in good mechanical condition with no major damage. Some cities accept 2008 or 2009 models, while others require 2015 or newer for UberX (the standard service). UberXL, which uses larger vehicles, often has different age and mileage rules.
Your vehicle must pass a vehicle inspection if your city requires one. This is typically done at a partner inspection facility and checks brakes, tires, lights, windshield condition, and overall safety. The inspection usually costs between $20 and $50 and is valid for one year. Some cities do not require an inspection; others make it mandatory before your first ride.
Check Uber's website for your specific city to see the exact year, mileage, and model requirements. If your car does not meet the standard for UberX, you may still be able to drive for Uber Eats (food delivery) or UberXL if you have a may have access to larger vehicle.
The background check process
Uber uses a third-party screening company to run your background check. The company will review your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, your criminal history, and national sex offender registries. The check typically takes 3 to 5 business days, though it can take longer if there are delays in records retrieval.
You will receive an email when the check is complete. If you are approved, you can move forward with vehicle verification. If there are issues, Uber will notify you of the reason and may give you a chance to dispute or explain the findings. If you are denied, you can contact Uber's support team to understand the specific reason and ask about the appeals process.
Uber's background check standards are not public, but the company has stated that it considers the nature, severity, and recency of any criminal convictions or driving violations. A single speeding ticket will not disqualify you, but a recent DUI, reckless driving conviction, or multiple violations within a short time frame may.
Insurance requirements for rideshare drivers
Your personal auto insurance policy almost certainly does not cover commercial rideshare driving. When you are logged into the Uber app and accepting rides, you are operating a commercial vehicle, and most personal policies exclude that activity. Driving without proper coverage puts you at financial and legal risk if you cause an accident.
You have two options: add a rideshare endorsement to your existing policy, or switch to a policy that explicitly covers rideshare driving. A rideshare endorsement typically costs $10 to $25 per month and covers you when you are logged in and carrying passengers. Some insurance companies offer standalone rideshare policies as well.
Uber also provides contingent liability coverage while you are on the platform, but this is a secondary layer and does not replace your own insurance. Your personal policy is the primary coverage, and Uber's coverage only kicks in if your policy denies the claim. Always confirm with your insurance company that your policy covers rideshare before you start driving.
How to sign up and complete verification
Go to Uber's driver sign-up page and enter your email, phone number, and password. You will then be asked to provide your personal information, driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN. Next, you will upload photos of your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
After you submit these documents, Uber's system will verify them automatically in most cases. If there are any issues — a blurry photo, a name mismatch, or an expired document — Uber will ask you to resubmit. Once your documents are verified, your background check will begin. You will receive an email when it is complete.
If your city requires a vehicle inspection, you will be directed to a partner inspection facility. Schedule an appointment, bring your vehicle and registration, and the inspection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once the inspection is passed, you will receive a certificate that you upload to Uber. After that, you can activate your driver account and start accepting rides.
What happens after you are approved
Once your background check clears and your vehicle is verified, your Uber driver account is activated. You can download the Uber Driver app, log in, and start accepting ride requests immediately in most cities. Some cities require additional steps — a local business license, a commercial vehicle permit, or a final inspection — so check your city's requirements before your first ride.
When you accept a ride, the passenger's pickup location appears on your map. You drive to pick them up, and the app tracks the route and fare. After the ride ends, the passenger rates you and you rate them. Your earnings are deposited into your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your bank.
You are responsible for your own taxes, vehicle maintenance, and fuel. Uber does not withhold taxes or provide benefits. Keep records of your mileage, expenses, and earnings for tax purposes — you will owe self-employment tax on your net income. Many drivers use mileage tracking apps or spreadsheets to record this information throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber if I have a DUI or accident on my record?
A single DUI or accident does not automatically disqualify you, but Uber considers the recency and severity. A DUI from 10 years ago is viewed differently than one from last year. Contact Uber's support team with details about your specific situation — they can tell you whether you meet their standards before you invest time in the application.
What if my vehicle does not meet the age or mileage requirements?
If your car is too old or has too many miles for UberX, you may still be able to drive for Uber Eats (delivery only, no passengers) or wait until you have access to a may have access to vehicle. Some cities have slightly different requirements, so check Uber's website for your location. You can also contact Uber support to ask about exceptions.
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?
Most cities do not require a commercial driver's license for UberX (passenger rides). A standard driver's license is sufficient. However, some states or cities may have different rules, and UberXL (larger vehicles) sometimes has different requirements. Check your local regulations and Uber's requirements for your city.
How long does the entire sign-up process take?
From start to first ride typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. The background check takes 3 to 5 business days, document verification is usually instant, and vehicle inspection (if required) can be scheduled within a few days. If there are delays or issues with documents, it can take longer.
What if Uber denies my application?
Uber will tell you the reason for denial. If you believe the decision is wrong, you can dispute it through Uber's support team. Some denials are final, but others can be appealed if you have documentation that contradicts the finding — for example, if a background check error included someone else's record.