What You Need to Create an Uber Driver Account

To drive for Uber, you need to create an account through the Uber Driver app, not the regular Uber passenger app. The account setup itself is free, but Uber will verify your identity, driving record, and vehicle information before you can start accepting rides. You cannot begin driving until Uber completes a background check and confirms your documents meet their requirements.

The basic process is: download the Uber Driver app, enter your phone number and email, provide your driver's license information, upload photos of your vehicle, and submit to a background check. Uber typically completes this verification within three to five business days, though it can take longer if documents are unclear or if there are issues with your driving history.

You will need a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID. Your vehicle must be at least 15 years old (the year varies slightly by city), pass a vehicle inspection, and meet Uber's safety standards. Some cities require additional documents like a commercial driver's license or local permit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must download the Uber Driver app and complete identity verification, vehicle registration, and a background check before your first ride.
  • Your vehicle must be registered in your name, insured, and pass Uber's inspection; the minimum age requirement is typically 15 years old.
  • Uber charges a service fee per ride (usually 25 to 30 percent) plus keeps a portion of surge pricing; you pay for gas, maintenance, and insurance yourself.
  • Your earnings are deposited weekly to a bank account you link during setup, and you can view detailed trip history and earnings in the app at any time.
  • You can pause or stop driving whenever you want by going offline in the app; there is no contract or minimum commitment.

Documents and Requirements for Driver Verification

Uber requires specific documents in a specific format. Your driver's license must be valid and show your full name, date of birth, and license number clearly. The photo must be well-lit, in focus, and show your entire face. If your license has expired, you must renew it before Uber will accept it.

Your vehicle registration must be in your name and current. If the registration is in someone else's name, you cannot use that vehicle. You will upload a photo of the front and back of the registration card. Your proof of insurance must show your name as the policyholder, your vehicle's VIN, and a current expiration date at least 30 days in the future.

Some cities require a vehicle inspection at a certified mechanic or inspection station. Uber will tell you during signup whether your city requires this. The inspection checks that your vehicle's lights, brakes, tires, and safety features work. If your vehicle fails, you must repair it and have it re-inspected before you can drive.

A few cities also require a local commercial driver's permit or taxi license. You obtain these through your city or county transportation department, not through Uber. Uber's signup flow will indicate if your location requires one.

Background Check and Approval Timeline

Uber runs a background check through a third-party screening company. The check looks at your driving record for the past seven years, your criminal history, and whether you appear on any sex offender registries. Uber will reject your account if you have certain convictions, a suspended or revoked license, or more than three moving violations in the past three years.

The background check typically takes three to five business days. You can check your status in the Uber Driver app under "Documents" or "Account Status." If the check is delayed, it usually means Uber is waiting for a document from you or needs clarification on something in your record.

If Uber denies your account, they will send you an email explaining the reason. You can appeal the decision by responding to that email with additional documentation or explanation. Appeals can take another one to two weeks. If your denial was due to a document issue rather than a background issue, resubmitting a clearer photo or corrected document often resolves it quickly.

How Earnings Work and What Uber Keeps

Uber calculates your pay based on time and distance for each trip. The exact rate varies by city and changes periodically. You can see the rate card for your city in the Uber Driver app under "Earnings" or "Account Settings." Rates are typically between $0.60 and $2.00 per mile and $0.08 to $0.70 per minute, but these numbers vary widely.

Uber deducts a service fee from each trip before you receive payment. This fee is usually 25 to 30 percent of the fare but varies by city and promotion. If a rider pays a tip through the app, Uber does not take a cut of the tip—you receive the full amount. Surge pricing (higher rates during busy times) is split between you and Uber; you receive a percentage of the surge, not all of it.

You are responsible for all vehicle costs: gas, maintenance, repairs, registration renewal, and insurance. You must carry commercial or rideshare insurance, which costs more than personal auto insurance. Standard personal auto insurance does not cover rideshare driving, and Uber's insurance only covers you while you have a passenger in the car, not while you are waiting for rides.

Uber deposits your earnings weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, to the bank account you link during signup. You can view a detailed breakdown of every trip, fare, fee, and tip in the app. At the end of the year, Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form for tax purposes if you earned over $600.

Managing Your Account and Going Online and Offline

Once your account is approved, you control when you drive. Open the Uber Driver app and toggle yourself "Online" to start receiving ride requests. You can go offline at any time by toggling the button off. There is no minimum number of hours you must work, no schedule you must follow, and no penalty for taking time off.

The app shows you the pickup location, estimated fare, and rider rating before you accept each request. You can decline rides without penalty. If you decline too many rides in a short period, Uber may temporarily restrict your access to new requests, but this restriction lifts after a few hours.

Your driver rating appears in your account. Riders rate you after each trip on a scale of one to five stars. If your rating drops below 4.6 stars in most cities, Uber may deactivate your account. You can see individual ratings and feedback from riders in the app and can respond to feedback or report inaccurate ratings.

You can update your vehicle information, bank account, phone number, and other account details in the app settings. If you change vehicles, you must upload new registration and insurance documents and may need to pass a new vehicle inspection. If you change your bank account, the change takes effect within one to two pay cycles.

Deactivation, Reactivation, and Account Issues

Uber can deactivate your account for several reasons: a low rating, safety violations, fraudulent activity, or breach of Uber's terms. Common safety violations include driving under the influence, refusing a rider, or using the app to solicit rides outside the Uber platform. If your account is deactivated, Uber will send you an email explaining the reason.

If the deactivation is temporary (usually for a low rating or minor violation), you may be able to reactivate by improving your rating or completing additional training. Uber will specify what you need to do. If the deactivation is permanent, you cannot drive for Uber again, though you can appeal the decision by contacting Uber support.

If you voluntarily stop driving, your account remains active. You can go back online whenever you want. There is no reactivation process for voluntary pauses. However, if your documents expire (driver's license, registration, or insurance), your account will automatically go offline until you upload updated documents.

Account issues like payment delays, missing trips, or disputes with riders can be reported through the app or by contacting Uber support. Uber support responds within 24 to 48 hours for most issues. Keep records of trip details, screenshots, and communication with riders in case you need to dispute a charge or rating.

Taxes and Record-Keeping for Uber Drivers

As an Uber driver, you are self-employed. You must report all earnings to the IRS on your tax return, even if Uber does not send you a 1099 form. You can deduct business expenses like gas, maintenance, insurance, phone service, and vehicle depreciation. Many drivers use mileage deduction instead of tracking individual expenses; the standard mileage rate for business use changes yearly.

Keep records of your trips, earnings, and expenses throughout the year. The Uber Driver app provides a trip history you can download, but you should also keep receipts for gas, maintenance, and insurance. Some drivers use accounting software or apps designed for rideshare drivers to track expenses automatically.

You may owe quarterly estimated taxes if you expect to owe more than $1,000 at tax time. The IRS requires self-employed people to pay estimated taxes four times per year. You can calculate your estimated tax using IRS Form 1040-ES or consult a tax professional. Missing quarterly payments can result in penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved as an Uber driver?

Most drivers are approved within three to five business days if all documents are clear and correct. Background checks are the main variable. If Uber requests clarification on a document or your background, approval can take one to two weeks longer. You can check your status in the app at any time.

Can I drive for Uber if I have a bad driving record?

Uber will reject you if you have a suspended or revoked license, more than three moving violations in the past three years, or certain criminal convictions. Minor violations or accidents may not disqualify you, but Uber reviews each case individually. If you are denied, you can appeal with an explanation or additional documentation.

What happens if my vehicle registration or insurance expires?

Your account will automatically go offline when your registration or insurance expires. You must upload updated documents to go back online. Uber will send you a reminder as your expiration date approaches. You cannot accept rides while offline, so renew before your documents expire.

Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Uber?

Yes. Personal auto insurance does not cover rideshare driving. You must carry commercial or rideshare insurance. Uber's insurance covers you only while you have a passenger in the car, not while you are waiting for requests. Contact your insurance company about rideshare coverage or shop for a rideshare-specific policy.

Can I pause my account and come back later?

Yes. You can go offline in the app whenever you want and come back online whenever you want. There is no penalty for taking time off, and you do not need to notify Uber. Your account stays active as long as your documents are current and your rating stays above the minimum threshold.