Your car must meet Uber's age, condition, and registration requirements before you can start driving
Uber requires your vehicle to pass a vehicle inspection that checks the car's age, mileage, mechanical condition, and safety features. The inspection happens after you submit your vehicle information through the Uber app — you'll need to provide photos of the exterior, interior, odometer, and registration documents. If your car passes, you can begin accepting rides. If it fails, Uber will tell you which items need repair or replacement before you can reapply.
The specific requirements vary slightly by city and by which Uber service you want to drive (UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Black). Most cities follow similar rules, but some have stricter standards. You should check your local Uber requirements before spending money on repairs, because what fails in one city might pass in another.
Key Takeaways
- Your car must usually be no more than 15 years old for UberX, though some cities allow up to 20 years old depending on the vehicle's condition.
- The vehicle inspection checks for working brakes, tires, lights, wipers, air bags, and a functioning air conditioner or heater — not cosmetic damage.
- You'll need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration in your name, proof of insurance that covers commercial driving, and a clean driving record.
- Uber requires a professional vehicle inspection at a third-party shop in some cities, while others allow you to submit photos and have Uber review them remotely.
- Your insurance must specifically cover rideshare driving; personal auto insurance typically does not, and Uber's coverage only applies when you have a passenger in the car.
Age and mileage limits for different Uber services
UberX, the most common Uber service, typically requires a car that is no more than 15 years old. Some cities allow vehicles up to 20 years old if they are in excellent condition and pass inspection. Uber Comfort and Uber Black have stricter age requirements — usually 10 years old or newer — because riders expect a newer, cleaner vehicle.
Mileage limits vary by location. Many cities set a maximum of 200,000 miles, though some allow higher mileage if the car is well-maintained. Uber checks the odometer reading in your photos during the inspection process. If your car is near or over the limit, it will fail inspection and you won't be able to drive until you appeal or provide evidence of recent major repairs.
The year is calculated from the model year, not the purchase year. A 2010 model year car is considered 14 years old in 2024, regardless of when it was actually built or sold. Check your vehicle registration to find the model year.
Safety and mechanical requirements Uber inspectors check
Uber's inspection focuses on safety features and mechanical function, not appearance. Your car must have working brakes, tires with adequate tread, functioning headlights and taillights, working windshield wipers, and an operational air conditioner or heater. The inspection also verifies that your airbags are present and functional, your seatbelts work, and your windows and mirrors are intact.
Cosmetic damage — dents, scratches, faded paint, worn upholstery — typically does not cause a car to fail inspection, though severe damage that affects visibility or safety will. A cracked windshield that obstructs the driver's view will fail; a small chip in the corner usually will not. Tires must have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth, which you can check with a penny test or by having a tire shop measure them.
Common reasons cars fail inspection include bald or mismatched tires, non-functional lights, broken wipers, a missing or cracked mirror, and a malfunctioning air conditioner or heater. If your car fails, Uber will specify which items failed so you know what to repair before reapplying.
Documents and insurance you need before inspection
You'll need a valid driver's license, your vehicle registration (in your name), and proof of insurance. Your insurance policy must cover rideshare driving — this is critical. Standard personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial use, which includes driving for Uber. If you have an accident while driving for Uber and your policy doesn't cover rideshare, your insurance company can deny your claim.
Most major insurance companies offer rideshare coverage as an add-on to your existing policy, or you can purchase a separate rideshare insurance policy. The cost varies but is usually $10 to $30 per month. Uber also provides some coverage — $1 million in liability coverage when you have a passenger in the car — but this is secondary coverage and only applies after your personal insurance is exhausted.
During the inspection process, Uber will ask you to upload photos of your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. Make sure the documents are clear and readable. If Uber can't read the information, it will ask you to resubmit.
How the vehicle inspection process works
After you submit your vehicle information through the Uber app, Uber will either ask you to take photos for a remote inspection or direct you to a third-party inspection facility. Which method applies depends on your city. Some cities use only remote inspections; others require an in-person inspection at a partner shop.
For a remote inspection, you'll photograph the front, back, and sides of your car, the interior (dashboard, seats, floor), your odometer, and your registration documents. The photos must be clear and taken in daylight. Uber reviews these photos and either approves your vehicle or tells you which items failed and need repair.
For an in-person inspection, you'll drive to a partner inspection facility in your area. The inspector will check the items listed above and provide a report. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and may cost $0 to $50 depending on your city and whether Uber covers the fee. Once the inspection is complete, you'll receive the results within a few days.
What happens if your car fails inspection
If your car fails inspection, Uber will send you a list of the specific items that failed. You then have the option to repair those items and resubmit for inspection. There is no limit to how many times you can resubmit, but you cannot drive until your car passes.
If you disagree with the inspection result, you can appeal through the Uber app. Provide photos or documentation showing that the item in question actually meets Uber's requirements. Uber will review your appeal and either overturn the decision or confirm the failure. Appeals typically take a few days to a week.
Some drivers choose to use a different vehicle if repairs are expensive. You can add a second vehicle to your Uber account and have both inspected, though each vehicle must pass inspection separately before you can drive it.
Ongoing requirements after your car is approved
Once your car passes inspection, you must maintain it in safe, working condition. Uber can conduct random re-inspections or ask you to submit updated photos if they receive complaints about your vehicle's condition. If your car develops a safety issue — a broken light, worn tires, or a malfunctioning air conditioner — you should repair it promptly. Driving with a known safety issue can result in your account being deactivated.
Your vehicle registration and insurance must remain current. If your registration expires or your insurance lapses, Uber will deactivate your account until you provide updated documents. You'll need to upload new proof of insurance and registration through the app.
As your car ages, it will eventually exceed the age limit for your service tier. For example, if you drive UberX and your car reaches 15 years old, you may no longer be able to drive that service, though you might be able to switch to a different Uber service with higher age limits if one exists in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a car that's registered to someone else?
No. Your vehicle registration must be in your name. If you want to drive a car registered to a family member or friend, you'll need to have the registration transferred to your name first. Uber verifies that the name on the registration matches the name on your driver's license.
What if I have a newer car but it has high mileage?
High mileage alone doesn't automatically disqualify you if your car is in good condition and passes the safety inspection. However, if your mileage exceeds your city's limit, your car will fail. Check your local Uber requirements to see what the mileage cap is in your area.
Do I need to get my car inspected by a mechanic before submitting to Uber?
Not required, but it's a smart idea. A pre-inspection by a trusted mechanic can identify problems before you submit to Uber, saving you time and resubmission fees. If you know your car has issues, fix them first rather than failing Uber's inspection and having to reapply.
Can I drive for Uber while my car is being inspected?
No. You cannot accept rides until your vehicle passes inspection and is approved. The approval process usually takes a few days to a week, depending on whether you're doing a remote or in-person inspection.
What if my insurance company won't cover rideshare driving?
You can purchase a separate rideshare insurance policy from a company that specializes in it, or switch to an insurance company that offers rideshare coverage. You must have rideshare coverage in place before you can drive for Uber — you cannot start driving with only personal auto insurance.