Uber runs a third-party background check on every driver applicant, and you cannot drive for the platform without passing it

Uber uses Checkr, a background screening company, to conduct checks on all driver applicants in the United States. The check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status. You must clear this screening before you can accept rides or deliveries. The company does not publish a single list of disqualifying offences — instead, Uber reviews each case individually, which means two people with similar records may receive different decisions.

The background check is free to you. Uber pays Checkr directly. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and consent to the search when you create your driver account. The process typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if Checkr needs to verify information or if records are delayed.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber uses Checkr to screen all driver applicants, and the check covers driving violations, criminal history, and sex offender registry status.
  • You cannot start driving until the background check clears, and Uber reviews each case individually rather than applying a fixed rule to all applicants.
  • The screening is free and takes three to five business days on average, though delays can occur if records are slow to return.
  • If you are denied, Uber will tell you the reason and give you a chance to dispute inaccurate information through Checkr's dispute process.
  • Some offences and violations are automatic disqualifiers, while others are reviewed on a case-by-case basis depending on how recent they are and what they involved.

What shows up in an Uber background check

Checkr pulls information from multiple sources: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records, national criminal databases, county court records, and the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW). The check looks for moving violations, at-fault accidents, DUIs, reckless driving, criminal convictions, and sex offender registry status.

The scope varies slightly by state because criminal records are stored differently in each jurisdiction. Some states make records available instantly; others require manual requests that can add days to the process. Checkr also checks for any name changes or aliases you may have used, so providing accurate information when you apply is critical.

Uber typically looks back seven years for criminal history, though some serious offences (felonies, violent crimes, sex offences) may disqualify you regardless of how long ago they occurred. Recent traffic violations, especially those involving alcohol or drugs, carry more weight than older ones.

Automatic disqualifiers and case-by-case review

Uber will deny your application if you have a conviction for certain crimes: violent felonies, sexual offences, human trafficking, drug manufacturing or distribution, or crimes involving children. A DUI or DWI within the past seven years is also typically an automatic disqualifier. If you are on a sex offender registry, you cannot drive for Uber.

Many other offences — including some drug possession charges, property crimes, or older felonies — go to individual review. Uber's team looks at the nature of the crime, how long ago it happened, and what you have done since. A felony conviction from 15 years ago may not disqualify you, while a recent misdemeanor involving dishonesty might. This is why two applicants with similar records can receive different outcomes.

Traffic violations are reviewed similarly. A single speeding ticket will not stop you, but multiple violations in a short time, or violations involving reckless driving or hit-and-run, may. Suspended or revoked licenses are grounds for denial.

How to check your own background before you apply

You can request your own background report from Checkr before applying to Uber. Visit checkr.com and look for the "Consumer Disclosure" or "Check Your Background" option. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Checkr will generate a report similar to what Uber will see, though the exact format may differ.

Ordering your own report costs money (typically $20 to $50 depending on what you request), but it can save you time. If you find errors — a conviction that was expunged, a traffic ticket that does not belong to you, or a name misspelled — you can dispute it with Checkr before Uber even sees it. Correcting errors beforehand is faster than disputing them after Uber has already denied you.

You can also order your driving record directly from your state's DMV, usually for $5 to $15. This shows what Uber will see about your driving history and lets you catch errors there too.

What happens if Uber denies your application

If your background check does not clear, Uber will send you a notice explaining the reason. The notice will come from Checkr on behalf of Uber and will tell you which issue caused the denial — for example, "felony conviction on record" or "active suspension of driving privileges."

You have the right to dispute the information if it is wrong. Checkr's dispute process lets you submit documents (court records showing an expungement, a letter from the DMV correcting a record, etc.) to challenge the finding. You have 60 days from the date of the notice to file a dispute. Checkr will investigate and send you a new report if the information changes.

If the information is correct but you believe Uber should reconsider, you can contact Uber's support team to ask for a manual review. Uber does not always grant these, but some applicants have had decisions reversed after providing context or updated information about their situation.

Timeline and what to expect during the process

After you submit your application and consent to the background check, Checkr begins pulling records. You will see your application status in the Uber app or driver portal. Most checks move from "pending" to "clear" within three to five business days. If records are delayed — for example, if a county court is slow to respond — Checkr will contact you to let you know.

Once your check clears, you can activate your account and begin accepting rides or deliveries. You do not need to do anything else; Uber will notify you when you are approved to drive.

If your check is taking longer than a week, you can contact Checkr directly using the case number in your Uber account. Checkr has a consumer support line and an online portal where you can check the status of your report and see which records are still pending.

Ongoing monitoring and rechecks

Uber does not run a continuous background check while you are driving. However, the company does periodically re-screen active drivers — typically annually or when renewing your driver profile. These rechecks use the same process and sources as your initial screening.

If something shows up on a recheck that was not there before (a new conviction, a suspended license, a sex offender registry listing), Uber can deactivate your account. You will receive notice and an opportunity to dispute the information if it is inaccurate.

Some states and cities require Uber to conduct checks more frequently or to use additional screening methods. For example, some jurisdictions require fingerprint-based FBI checks in addition to Checkr's database search. If you drive in one of these areas, the process may take longer and cost more, though Uber still covers the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber if I have a misdemeanor on my record?

It depends on the type of misdemeanor and how recent it is. Uber reviews each case individually. A misdemeanor from 10 years ago is unlikely to disqualify you, but a recent misdemeanor involving dishonesty, violence, or drugs may. You will not know for certain until Checkr completes your screening.

What if the background check has an error about me?

Contact Checkr using the case number in your Uber account and file a dispute. You have 60 days from the denial notice to submit documents (court records, DMV letters, etc.) proving the information is wrong. Checkr will investigate and issue a corrected report. If the error is fixed, you can reapply to Uber.

How long does the background check take?

Most checks clear within three to five business days. Delays happen when county records are slow to respond or when Checkr needs to verify information. If your check is pending longer than a week, contact Checkr directly using your case number to ask about the status.

Will Uber tell me why I was denied?

Yes. Checkr sends you a notice explaining the reason for denial — for example, a specific conviction, a suspended license, or a sex offender registry match. The notice will include information about how to dispute the finding if you believe it is inaccurate.

Can I reapply after being denied?

Only if you dispute and correct the information that caused the denial. If the denial was based on accurate information (a real conviction or suspended license), you cannot reapply until that situation changes — for example, after a conviction is expunged or a license suspension is lifted. Contact Uber support to ask about your specific situation.