What you need before you start

To create an Uber account, you need a smartphone with the Uber app installed, a valid email address or phone number, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or linked bank account for riders; additional documentation for drivers). Uber requires you to be at least 18 years old. The entire account setup takes about 10 to 15 minutes, though driver accounts require additional verification steps that can take several days.

If you are signing up as a rider, you will also need to add a destination or payment method before you can request your first ride. If you are signing up as a driver, you will need to provide documents like your driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration before Uber can activate your driving privileges.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Uber app, enter your email or phone number, and create a password to set up a basic account in under 15 minutes.
  • Riders need a valid payment method on file before requesting a ride; drivers need to upload government ID, insurance, and vehicle documents.
  • Driver accounts go through a background check and vehicle inspection that typically takes three to five business days before you can accept rides.
  • You can use the same Uber account to both ride and drive, but each mode has separate requirements and settings.
  • Uber verifies your identity by sending a code to your phone or email; you must enter this code to complete signup.

Setting up a rider account

Open the Uber app and tap "Sign Up." Enter your phone number or email address, then create a password. Uber will send a verification code to your phone or email — enter it to confirm your identity. Next, add your name, and then add a payment method by entering your debit or credit card details, or by linking your bank account directly.

Once your payment method is saved, you can request a ride immediately. Enter your pickup location and destination, select your ride type (UberX, Uber Comfort, UberXL, etc.), and confirm the fare estimate. The app will show you the driver's name, photo, vehicle, and rating before they arrive. You can also add a promo code at this stage if you have one.

Setting up a driver account

The driver signup process is longer because Uber must verify your identity, check your driving record, and confirm your vehicle meets their standards. Start by opening the app and selecting "Drive with Uber." Enter your phone number, email, and password as with a rider account. Then provide your legal name, date of birth, and address.

Next, you will upload documents: a photo of your driver's license (front and back), proof of car insurance, vehicle registration, and a photo of your vehicle. Uber also requires a profile photo of your face. Some states or cities require additional documents like a commercial driver's license or proof of vehicle inspection — Uber will tell you which ones apply to your location when you start the signup flow.

After you submit these documents, Uber runs a background check and reviews your driving history. This typically takes three to five business days. During this time, your account status shows as "pending." Once approved, Uber sends you a notification, and you can start accepting ride requests. If Uber needs more information or finds an issue, they will contact you with next steps.

Adding payment and payment methods

Riders can add a debit card, credit card, or bank account. To add a card, go to the app menu, select "Payment," and tap "Add Payment Method." Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. For bank account linking, you will provide your routing number and account number, and Uber may make two small test deposits to verify the account — these deposits appear in your bank account within a few days and you do not need to do anything with them.

You can save multiple payment methods and choose which one to use for each ride. Riders can also add a cash payment option in some cities, though this requires confirming your identity with a photo ID first. Drivers receive payment to a bank account only; you must link a valid U.S. bank account before you can cash out earnings.

Verifying your identity and documents

Uber verifies your identity in stages. First, they send a code to your phone or email during signup — you must enter this code to proceed. For drivers, Uber then reviews the documents you upload: your driver's license, insurance, and registration. Uber's system checks these against state records and their own database.

If Uber cannot verify a document automatically, they may ask you to resubmit it or provide additional proof. For example, if your insurance document is expired or unclear, they will ask for a new one. If your vehicle does not meet Uber's age or condition requirements, they will tell you it cannot be added to your account. You can resubmit documents as many times as needed, and Uber typically reviews resubmissions within one to two business days.

What happens after your account is active

Once your account is approved, you can start using Uber immediately. Riders can request a ride at any time in cities where Uber operates. Drivers can log into the app and toggle "Go Online" to start accepting ride requests. Your account remains active as long as you follow Uber's community guidelines — both riders and drivers have ratings based on their behavior, and accounts with very low ratings may be deactivated.

You can update your account information anytime: change your payment method, add a profile photo, update your address, or add emergency contacts. If you stop using Uber for an extended period, your account stays open but inactive. You can reactivate it by logging back in.

Troubleshooting common signup problems

If you do not receive a verification code, check that you entered your phone number or email correctly, and wait a few minutes — codes can take up to five minutes to arrive. If you still do not see it, tap "Resend Code" in the app. Make sure your phone number is not already linked to another Uber account; each phone number can only be used once.

If your payment method is rejected, confirm that your card or bank account is active and has no fraud holds. Some banks block Uber transactions initially — contact your bank to allow them. If your documents are rejected during driver signup, Uber will show you a reason: the photo may be blurry, the document may be expired, or the information may not match your profile. Resubmit a clearer photo or updated document.

If your account is deactivated, Uber sends an email explaining why. Common reasons include a low rating, violation of community guidelines, or unpaid charges. You can appeal a deactivation by contacting Uber support through the app or website, though not all appeals are successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same account to ride and drive?

Yes. You can switch between rider and driver modes in the same app. However, you cannot be online as a driver and request a ride as a passenger at the same time — you must toggle offline as a driver first. Some cities have separate requirements for drivers, so you may need additional documents to drive even if you already ride.

What if I do not have a smartphone?

Uber requires a smartphone with the app installed. There is no web-based version for requesting rides or driving. If you do not have a smartphone, you cannot use Uber as a rider or driver.

How long does it take to get approved as a driver?

Most driver accounts are approved within three to five business days after you submit all required documents. Some cities or states with additional requirements may take longer. You can check your approval status in the app under "Account" — it will show "pending," "approved," or "needs more info."

Can I sign up with a temporary phone number or email?

You can use a temporary email to sign up, but Uber will send important account notifications to that address. For phone numbers, Uber requires a number that can receive text messages or calls for verification. Temporary or forwarding numbers sometimes do not work — if yours is rejected, use a permanent phone number instead.

What if my vehicle does not meet Uber's requirements?

Uber has minimum requirements for vehicle age, condition, and insurance. If your vehicle is too old, has too many miles, or does not meet safety standards, Uber will not allow you to add it. You can check your city's specific vehicle requirements in the app before you upload your registration. If your vehicle is rejected, you cannot drive for Uber unless you use a different vehicle that meets the standards.