Your car must meet Uber's age, condition, and registration standards before you can start driving
Uber requires your vehicle to pass a vehicle inspection that checks its age, mileage, safety features, and overall condition. The inspection happens after you submit your car's information through the Uber app — you cannot drive until it passes. Most cars built within the last 15 years can meet the standard, but the exact cutoff year changes based on your location and the Uber service level you choose (UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Black, and so on).
Beyond the inspection, your car must be registered in your name, have valid insurance that covers rideshare driving, and pass a title check to confirm you own it free and clear or that any lien holder approves. You will also need a valid driver's license and a clean driving record — Uber pulls your history from your state's DMV.
Key Takeaways
- Your vehicle must be at least 15 years old or newer in most markets, though some cities allow older cars and luxury services require newer ones.
- The car must pass a vehicle inspection that checks for safety issues, mechanical problems, and overall condition — you arrange the inspection through a third-party vendor Uber directs you to.
- Your insurance must explicitly cover rideshare driving; your personal auto policy likely does not, and driving without rideshare coverage voids your claim if you have an accident.
- The title must be in your name, and if there is a lien, the lien holder must consent to you using the car for commercial rideshare work.
- Uber checks your driving record and will reject you if you have serious violations, DUIs, or at-fault accidents within the past three to seven years depending on your state.
Vehicle age and mileage limits
Uber's standard age requirement is that your car was manufactured within the last 15 model years. If you are applying in 2024, that means 2009 or newer for most UberX drivers. However, this cutoff shifts every January 1st — a car that qualifies this year may not may have access to next year if it falls outside the rolling window.
Some cities allow older vehicles, and luxury tiers like Uber Black or Uber Comfort have stricter requirements — they may demand 2015 or newer, or even 2018 or newer depending on the market. Check your local Uber requirements in the app before you submit your vehicle information, because the rules vary by city and service type.
Mileage limits also vary. Many markets cap mileage at 200,000 miles, though some allow higher mileage if the car is in excellent condition. Uber's inspection process will flag high-mileage vehicles, so if your car is close to or over the limit, contact Uber support before you book an inspection to confirm whether it will pass.
Safety features and mechanical condition
Uber requires your car to have working seat belts in all seating positions, functioning airbags, working headlights and taillights, and a valid emissions system. The inspection also checks for major mechanical problems — a transmission that slips, an engine that misfires, or brakes that are worn past safe limits will fail you.
The car cannot have significant damage to the frame, body, or interior. Dents, scratches, and worn upholstery are usually acceptable, but large dents, cracked windshields, missing trim, or torn seats may cause a rejection. The inspection is visual and mechanical — the inspector will test the brakes, check fluid levels, and look for rust, leaks, or signs of accident damage.
If your car fails inspection, Uber will tell you which items need repair. You can then fix those items and resubmit for inspection, usually at no additional cost. Some inspection vendors allow you to schedule a follow-up inspection within a set window (often 30 days) without paying again.
Insurance requirements for rideshare driving
Your personal auto insurance policy almost certainly does not cover rideshare driving. Most standard policies exclude commercial use, which means if you have an accident while driving for Uber, your insurer can deny your claim and refuse to pay for damage or injuries. This leaves you personally liable for all costs.
You need a rideshare insurance policy or a rideshare endorsement added to your existing policy. Some insurers offer a separate rideshare policy that covers you only when you are actively driving passengers. Others allow you to add rideshare coverage to your current policy for a monthly or annual fee. The cost varies widely — anywhere from $10 to $50 per month depending on your insurer, location, and driving record.
Uber also provides contingent liability coverage while you are driving passengers, but this is a backup that covers only injuries to third parties, not damage to your own car. You still need your own rideshare policy to protect yourself and your vehicle. Some drivers purchase a commercial auto policy instead, which is more expensive but offers broader coverage.
Vehicle title and ownership documentation
The title must be in your name. If you are financing the car, the lender's name will appear on the title as a lien holder, and that is acceptable — you do not need to own the car outright. However, if someone else's name is on the title (a spouse, parent, or co-owner), you cannot use that car to drive for Uber unless you are listed as an owner on the title.
If there is a lien, the lender may have restrictions on commercial use. Some lenders prohibit rideshare driving, and if you drive anyway and have an accident, they can deny your insurance claim or even repossess the car. Contact your lender before you apply to confirm that rideshare driving is allowed under your loan agreement.
Uber will run a title check through a third-party service to confirm ownership and check for liens, salvage titles, or other issues. A salvage title (issued after a car has been declared a total loss by an insurer) disqualifies you in most markets. Rebuilt titles are sometimes accepted, but it depends on your location — ask Uber support if you have a rebuilt title.
Driving record and background check requirements
Uber pulls your driving record from your state's DMV and checks for serious violations. A DUI or DWI within the past seven years will disqualify you in most states. At-fault accidents, reckless driving, and suspended or revoked licenses also typically result in rejection. Minor speeding tickets or parking violations usually do not disqualify you, but multiple violations in a short period may.
The exact lookback period varies by state — some states allow Uber to see only the past three years, while others allow seven years or more. Uber also runs a national background check through a third-party screening company to look for felonies, violent crimes, and sex offenses. Any felony conviction will disqualify you.
If you have a violation or accident on your record, you can still apply, but Uber may reject you. If you are rejected, you can reapply after a certain period has passed (usually one to three years depending on the violation). Contact Uber support to understand why you were rejected and when you may be may be able to access to reapply.
The vehicle inspection process
After you submit your car's information in the Uber app, Uber directs you to a third-party inspection vendor. You schedule an appointment at a location near you — this is usually a service station, car wash, or dedicated inspection center. The inspection typically takes 30 minutes to an hour and costs nothing if you are a new driver, though some vendors charge a fee if you reschedule or fail and resubmit.
Bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to the inspection. The inspector will check the items listed above — safety features, mechanical condition, body damage, and interior condition. They will also verify that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on your car matches the VIN you submitted in the app.
Once the inspection is complete, the vendor submits the results to Uber. If you pass, Uber will notify you in the app and you can begin accepting rides. If you fail, Uber will list the specific items that need repair. You can then schedule a follow-up inspection after you have made the repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a car that is registered to someone else?
No. The title must be in your name, or you must be listed as a co-owner on the title. If someone else owns the car, you cannot drive it for Uber even if they give you permission. The title check is a hard requirement.
What happens if my car fails inspection?
Uber will tell you which items failed and what repairs are needed. You can fix those items and schedule a follow-up inspection. Most vendors allow one free resubmission within 30 days. If your car fails a second time, you may need to pay a fee to resubmit or wait a set period before trying again.
Does Uber's insurance cover my car if I have an accident?
Uber's coverage is contingent liability only — it covers injuries to passengers and third parties, not damage to your own vehicle. You need your own rideshare insurance policy to cover your car. Without it, you are personally liable for all repair costs.
Can I drive for Uber with a rebuilt or salvage title?
Salvage titles are rejected in most markets. Rebuilt titles are sometimes accepted, but it depends on your city. Contact Uber support before you apply if your car has a rebuilt title to confirm whether you are may be able to access in your area.
How far back does Uber check my driving record?
It depends on your state, but typically three to seven years. Uber will reject you for DUIs, at-fault accidents, reckless driving, and suspended licenses within that window. Minor violations like speeding tickets usually do not disqualify you unless there are multiple violations in a short time.