What you need before you can drive for Uber
Uber requires you to meet several conditions before you can start accepting rides. You must be at least 21 years old (19 in some cities), have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets Uber's standards. Your car must be 2012 or newer in most places, though this varies by city — some allow older vehicles. You'll also need a Social Security number or ITIN, a bank account for deposits, and a phone with the Uber Driver app installed.
Your driving record matters. Uber checks your history through a third-party background check company and will reject applications if you have serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or multiple at-fault accidents in the past seven years. Minor traffic tickets usually don't disqualify you, but the exact threshold depends on your state and local laws. You can ask Uber directly about your specific record before you start the full process.
Insurance is non-negotiable. Your personal auto insurance likely does not cover you while you're driving for Uber — most personal policies exclude commercial use. Uber provides limited coverage while you're actively transporting passengers, but you're responsible for gaps when you're logged in but haven't accepted a ride yet. Many drivers buy commercial rideshare insurance through their own insurer or a third party to close that gap.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 21, have a valid license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle from 2012 or newer to start the process.
- Uber runs a background check and will reject you if you have serious driving violations like DUIs or multiple at-fault accidents within seven years.
- Your personal auto insurance does not cover you while driving for Uber — you need commercial or rideshare coverage for the gaps in Uber's protection.
- The entire sign-up process typically takes one to two weeks once you submit your documents, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you provide what Uber requests.
- You can drive for Uber part-time or full-time, and you set your own hours by turning the driver app on and off.
The step-by-step sign-up process
Start by downloading the Uber Driver app and entering your phone number. Uber will send you a verification code via text. Once you confirm it, you'll create an account and enter your basic information — name, email, and date of birth. This takes about five minutes.
Next, you upload your documents. Uber needs a photo of your driver's license (front and back), proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a recent photo of you. You'll also provide your Social Security number or ITIN and bank account details for payouts. Upload everything through the app — Uber's system checks that documents are legible and match the information you entered. If a photo is blurry or cut off, the system will ask you to resubmit.
Uber then orders a background check from a third-party company. This typically takes three to five business days. You'll receive an email when the check is complete. If you pass, you move to the next step. If Uber has questions about something in your history, they'll contact you directly.
Finally, you complete a vehicle inspection. You can do this at an Uber Greenlight Hub (a physical office in your city), through a third-party inspection partner, or sometimes through a video inspection depending on your location. The inspector verifies that your car matches the registration, has no major damage, and meets safety standards. Once the inspection passes, you're approved and can start accepting rides.
Documents you'll need to gather
Collect these items before you start the application. You'll need the original documents themselves to photograph or show in person, not just digital copies you already have.
| Document | What Uber checks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license | Valid, not suspended or revoked, matches your name and date of birth | Must be current or expiring within a certain timeframe depending on your state |
| Proof of insurance | Active policy covering the vehicle you'll drive, with your name on it | A screenshot of your policy or a declaration page from your insurer works; must show current dates |
| Vehicle registration | Current registration in your name, matches the vehicle you'll drive | If the car is registered to someone else, you'll need their permission and may need additional paperwork |
| Photo of yourself | Clear, recent photo showing your face | Taken against a plain background; Uber uses this to verify you're the person driving |
| Social Security number or ITIN | Used for background check and tax reporting | Required for all drivers; Uber reports your earnings to the IRS |
How Uber's background check works
Uber uses a third-party company to run a background check on every applicant. The check includes your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry. Uber looks back seven years for most violations, though some serious crimes have no time limit.
Disqualifying offenses include felonies, DUIs, reckless driving convictions, hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license, and sex crimes. Multiple minor traffic violations can also disqualify you if they show a pattern of unsafe driving. Uber publishes its full background check policy on its website, and you can review it before you apply.
If you have something in your history you're unsure about, contact Uber support through the app before you submit your full application. They can tell you whether a specific incident will disqualify you. This saves time if you're going to be rejected anyway.
Insurance requirements and gaps
Uber provides insurance coverage in three phases: when you're online but haven't accepted a ride, when you're actively transporting a passenger, and when you've accepted a ride but haven't picked up the passenger yet. However, the coverage is limited and may not be enough if you cause a serious accident.
Your personal auto insurance almost certainly excludes commercial use, which means you're not covered during any of these phases. If you cause an accident while driving for Uber and your personal insurer finds out, they can deny your claim. This leaves you personally liable for damages.
The safest option is to buy commercial or rideshare insurance from your own insurer or a third party. This covers the gaps in Uber's protection and ensures you're fully covered. Some insurers offer rideshare-specific policies that cost less than full commercial coverage. Get a quote before you start driving — the cost is usually $10 to $25 per week depending on your location and driving record.
Vehicle requirements and inspection
Your car must be 2012 or newer in most cities, though some areas allow 2011 or older depending on local demand. The vehicle must be registered in your name or, if it's registered to someone else, you need their written permission and may need to provide additional paperwork. Uber will not let you drive a vehicle you don't own or have permission to use.
The car must pass a safety inspection before you're approved. Inspectors check that the vehicle has no major dents, broken windows, or interior damage, and that all safety features work — lights, wipers, brakes, horn, and seatbelts. The inspection is not a full mechanical inspection; it's a visual check that the car is safe for passengers.
You can schedule an inspection at an Uber Greenlight Hub in your city, through a third-party inspection partner, or sometimes via video depending on where you live. The inspection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs nothing if you use Uber's partner. Once it passes, you're cleared to drive.
How you get paid and what to expect
Uber deposits your earnings into your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. The amount you earn depends on how many rides you complete, how long each ride is, and the demand in your area. Uber takes a percentage of each fare — typically 25 to 30 percent — and you keep the rest. Tips go directly to you and are not subject to Uber's cut.
You're responsible for your own taxes. Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form at the end of the year reporting your total earnings. You'll owe self-employment tax on top of income tax, and you can deduct business expenses like gas, maintenance, and insurance. Many drivers use tax software or hire an accountant to handle this.
Earnings vary widely by city, time of day, and season. You can see what other drivers in your area earn by checking Uber's earnings estimates in the app before you start driving. These are averages and not may provide — your actual earnings depend on how many rides you complete and how long you work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire sign-up process take?
From the moment you download the app to your first ride usually takes one to two weeks. The background check takes three to five business days, and the vehicle inspection can be scheduled within a few days in most cities. If you submit documents that are unclear or incomplete, it takes longer because Uber will ask you to resubmit.
Can I drive for Uber if I have an accident or ticket on my record?
Minor traffic tickets usually don't disqualify you, but multiple violations or serious ones like reckless driving or DUI will. Contact Uber support with details about your specific incident before you apply — they can tell you whether you'll be approved. The exact threshold depends on when the incident happened and your state's laws.
What happens if my car doesn't pass inspection?
If your car fails inspection, Uber will tell you what needs to be fixed. You can get the repairs done and schedule another inspection. Minor issues like a broken taillight are quick and cheap to fix. If the damage is extensive, it may not be worth repairing for Uber driving.
Do I have to drive full-time?
No. You control your own schedule by turning the driver app on and off whenever you want. Many people drive part-time around other jobs or commitments. There's no minimum number of hours you have to work.
What if I get deactivated after I start driving?
Uber can deactivate your account if you violate its community guidelines — for example, if you receive too many low ratings, cancel too many rides, or break traffic laws while driving. Uber will notify you of the reason. You can appeal the decision through the app, though not all appeals are successful.