The basic sign-up takes 10 to 15 minutes, but approval takes longer

You can start the Uber driver sign-up on the Uber website or through the Uber Driver app. The initial registration asks for your name, email, phone number, and password. After that, Uber will ask for your driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a background check authorization. The whole process from first click to having an active account typically takes one to two weeks, depending on how quickly your background check clears and whether Uber needs you to resubmit any documents.

The speed of approval depends partly on you and partly on Uber's processing queue. If your documents are clear and your background check comes back clean, you could be driving within days. If there are issues — a document is blurry, a name doesn't match across papers, or your background check needs review — Uber will email you asking for corrections or clarification. Resubmitting usually adds another few days.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number to start the sign-up process.
  • Uber will run a background check that looks at your driving record and criminal history, and you must authorize it before moving forward.
  • Your vehicle must meet Uber's age and condition requirements, which vary by city and by whether you're signing up for UberX, Uber Eats, or another service.
  • After you submit all documents, approval usually takes one to two weeks, but can be faster or slower depending on how quickly your background check processes.
  • You can drive for Uber only in cities where the service operates, and you must have a valid vehicle registration in a state where you're legally allowed to drive.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you open the app or website, because you'll need to upload them as part of sign-up. You need a valid driver's license (not expired), your vehicle's registration, and proof of insurance that covers you for commercial driving. Some states and cities require commercial rideshare insurance specifically; others allow personal insurance as long as it's active. Check your insurance policy or call your insurer to confirm whether your current coverage works for rideshare driving.

You'll also need your Social Security number, which Uber uses for the background check and tax reporting. Have a photo of your driver's license and registration ready — the app will let you take photos directly, but having them prepared on your phone beforehand speeds things up. If your vehicle registration or insurance is in someone else's name, you'll need to be the primary driver listed on both documents, or Uber will reject the application.

Vehicle requirements that vary by city and service type

Uber's vehicle rules change depending on where you live and which service you're driving for. For UberX (standard rides), most cities require your car to be no more than 10 to 15 years old, depending on the year you're reading this. Your car must have four doors, working seat belts, and no major damage. Uber will ask you to upload photos of your vehicle from multiple angles — front, back, sides, and interior — so they can verify the condition.

If you're signing up for Uber Eats (food delivery), the vehicle requirements are looser: you can use a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle, and older vehicles are often allowed. If you want to drive Uber Black (premium service), your car must be newer and in excellent condition, and you may need to provide additional documentation. Check the Uber Driver app for your specific city to see what the current requirements are, because they shift as Uber adjusts its standards.

How the background check works and what disqualifies you

When you authorize the background check, Uber runs your driving record through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and your criminal history through a third-party screening company. The check looks for serious traffic violations (like DUIs), major criminal convictions, and patterns of risky driving. Uber's exact standards are not published, but generally a single speeding ticket won't disqualify you, while a DUI or reckless driving conviction within the past seven years usually will.

If the background check comes back with issues, Uber will email you explaining what they found and whether you can appeal or reapply later. Some disqualifications are permanent; others have waiting periods. For example, if you have a DUI from eight years ago, you might be able to drive now, but Uber's system may flag it for manual review. You can contact Uber support to ask about your specific situation, though they often cannot give a definitive answer until you submit your full application.

The step-by-step sign-up process in order

Start by going to uber.com/drive or downloading the Uber Driver app from your phone's app store. Tap "Sign up" and enter your name, email, and phone number. Uber will send you a verification code via text or email — enter it to confirm your phone number. Then create a password and choose your city or cities where you want to drive.

Next, upload your driver's license photo. You can take a photo with your phone or upload an existing image. Uber's system will read the license automatically, but double-check that all the information is correct. Then upload your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. After that, you'll authorize the background check by entering your Social Security number and confirming that the information is accurate. Review the terms of service and the independent contractor agreement, then submit.

Once you submit, Uber will send you an email confirming receipt. You'll see a status page in the app showing where you are in the approval process — usually it says "Documents under review" or "Background check in progress." You can check this page anytime. When everything clears, you'll get an email saying your account is active, and you can start accepting rides.

What to do if Uber asks for more information

If any of your documents are unclear, expired, or don't match, Uber will email you asking for a resubmission or clarification. This is common and not a rejection. Open the email, read exactly what Uber is asking for, and resubmit the document or information they need. Make sure text is legible, dates are visible, and your name matches across all documents. If your name has changed, bring a legal name-change document or marriage certificate.

Resubmissions usually process within a few days. If you don't hear back within a week, you can contact Uber support through the app by going to Account > Help > Contact Us. Be specific about what you resubmitted and when. Uber support can sometimes speed up the review or tell you what's holding up approval.

Getting your first ride and understanding how payment works

Once your account is active, open the Uber Driver app and toggle yourself "Online." The app will show you ride requests in your area. Accept a ride by tapping it, and the passenger's pickup location will appear on your map. Drive to pick them up, and the app will guide you with turn-by-turn directions. After you drop them off, the ride ends automatically and the payment is processed.

Uber takes a percentage of each fare (the exact percentage varies by city and service type), and deposits your earnings into your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. You can see your earnings in real time in the app under "Earnings." Keep in mind that you're responsible for your own taxes, vehicle maintenance, gas, and insurance — Uber does not withhold taxes or provide benefits. Many drivers set aside 25 to 30 percent of their earnings for taxes and expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber if I have a suspended license or recent traffic violations?

A suspended license will disqualify you immediately — your license must be valid and active. Recent traffic violations like speeding tickets usually won't block you, but serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple violations within a short time may. Uber reviews each case individually, so you can submit your application and see what happens, but don't expect approval if your license is suspended.

How long does the background check actually take?

Most background checks clear within three to five business days, but some take up to two weeks if there's something that needs manual review. Weekends and holidays can slow things down. You can't speed up the process, but you can check your status in the app anytime. If it's been more than two weeks with no update, contact Uber support.

What if I don't have commercial rideshare insurance?

Check your current insurance policy first — some personal auto policies cover rideshare driving, and some don't. If yours doesn't, you'll need to add a rideshare endorsement or switch to a policy that includes it. This usually costs $10 to $30 per month extra. You must have active coverage before Uber will approve your account, so sort this out before you upload your insurance documents.

Can I use someone else's car to drive for Uber?

No. The vehicle registration must be in your name, or you must be listed as the primary driver. If the car belongs to someone else, they would need to sign up as the Uber driver, not you. Some people add their spouse or family member as an authorized driver on their registration to make this work, but Uber's system checks that the person signing up matches the registration.

What happens if Uber rejects my application?

Uber will email you explaining why. If it's a document issue, you can resubmit. If it's a background check issue, the email will tell you whether you can appeal or reapply later. Some rejections are permanent; others have waiting periods (like a DUI that disqualifies you for seven years). You can reply to the rejection email to ask questions, though Uber's responses are sometimes limited.