Uber runs a background check on every driver, and the process differs slightly depending on the service level you want to drive

Uber's background check is a requirement before you can accept your first ride, regardless of whether you're driving Uber X, Uber Black, or Uber Lux. The company uses a third-party screening service to review your driving history, criminal record, and sex offender registry status. The check takes a few days to a few weeks, and you won't be able to go online until it clears.

For Uber Black and Uber Lux — the premium tiers — Uber runs the same background check as standard Uber drivers, but adds requirements about your vehicle, insurance, and documentation. The background check itself is not stricter; what changes is what you need to prove about your car and your commercial insurance.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber's background check covers your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status, and you cannot drive until it clears.
  • The check typically takes three to seven business days, though it can take longer if Uber needs to verify information or if your records are unclear.
  • Certain convictions, DUIs, and driving violations within the past seven years will disqualify you from driving on any Uber tier.
  • For Uber Black and Lux, you'll also need to show proof of commercial insurance and meet vehicle age and condition standards, which are separate from the background check.

What Uber's background check actually covers

Uber uses Checkr, a background screening company, to pull your records. The check includes your driving history from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, your criminal history from county and state records, and a search of the National Sex Offender Public Website. Uber also verifies your Social Security number and checks for any active warrants.

The company does not run a credit check or pull your financial records. It focuses on safety and driving behavior. If you have a clean record with no major violations or criminal convictions, the check usually clears within three to seven business days.

Disqualifying offenses and violations

Uber will deny your application if you have a felony conviction within the past seven years, any conviction for a violent crime, sexual offense, or crime involving property damage or theft. You'll also be rejected if you have more than three moving violations, two or more accidents, or a DUI within the past seven years. A suspended or revoked license will also disqualify you.

Misdemeanors vary by type and recency. A single misdemeanor from years ago may not block you, but Uber reviews each case individually. If you're unsure whether your record will disqualify you, you can contact Uber's support team before you formally apply, though they cannot tell you definitively until they run the full check.

How long the background check takes

Most background checks clear within three to seven business days. Uber sends you updates by email as the check progresses. You'll see a status change when Uber receives your information, when the check is under review, and when it's complete.

If your check takes longer than two weeks, it usually means Uber is waiting for records from a county or state office, or there's a discrepancy in your information that needs clarification. You can contact Uber support to ask for a status update, but you cannot speed up the process. Some states and counties are slower to respond to record requests than others.

What happens if your background check is denied

If Uber denies your application, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You have the right to dispute the findings if you believe the information is incorrect. You can request that Uber re-review your case, and you can also contact Checkr directly to dispute inaccuracies in the background report itself.

If the denial is based on a conviction or violation, disputing it usually means providing court documents or official records showing the charge was dismissed, expunged, or that the conviction was overturned. This process can take weeks or months. If you're denied, you cannot reapply until you've resolved the dispute or until the disqualifying offense falls outside Uber's seven-year window.

Background checks for Uber Black and Uber Lux drivers

The background check for Uber Black and Lux is identical to the standard Uber check. What differs is the vehicle and insurance requirements. For Uber Black, your car must be a 2010 model year or newer (in some markets, 2012 or newer), be in excellent condition, and have commercial insurance. For Uber Lux, the vehicle must typically be 2015 or newer and meet higher appearance and maintenance standards.

You'll need to provide proof of commercial insurance before you can activate your account, even after your background check clears. Some drivers assume the background check is the final hurdle, but insurance verification is a separate step that can take another few days.

What to do while you wait for your background check

While your check is processing, make sure your contact information is current in your Uber account. If Uber needs to reach you with questions, they'll email the address you provided. Check your spam folder regularly in case verification emails end up there.

Do not apply to multiple Uber accounts or use a different name or Social Security number. Uber will catch duplicate applications, and doing so can result in permanent deactivation. If you've moved or changed your phone number since you started the application, update your profile immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive Uber while my background check is pending?

No. You cannot go online or accept rides until your background check clears and you receive confirmation from Uber. The app will not allow you to activate your driver account until the check is complete.

Will a misdemeanor from 10 years ago show up on my background check?

It may appear in the records Uber receives, but Uber's policy focuses on violations and convictions from the past seven years. A misdemeanor older than seven years is unlikely to disqualify you, though Uber reviews each case individually.

What if the background check shows an arrest that was dismissed?

Dismissed charges should not disqualify you. If the report shows a dismissed charge, contact Checkr directly with court documents proving the dismissal. Uber will update your file once Checkr corrects the record.

Can I reapply if my background check was denied?

You can reapply once the disqualifying offense falls outside Uber's seven-year window, or if you successfully dispute the findings. If you dispute the report, provide documentation to Checkr and ask for a re-review before reapplying to Uber.

Do I need a separate background check for Uber Black?

No. The background check is the same for all Uber tiers. What changes for Uber Black and Lux are the vehicle requirements and the need to show commercial insurance, not the background screening process itself.