Download the Uber Driver App from Your Phone's Store

The Uber Driver app is available on both iPhone and Android. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) on your phone, search for "Uber Driver," and tap the download button. The app is free to download. Once it finishes installing, tap "Open" to launch it for the first time.

Make sure your phone has at least 100 MB of free storage space and runs iOS 14 or later (iPhone) or Android 8.0 or later (Android). Older phones may not support the app or may run it slowly. If your phone is too old, you will need a newer device to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Uber Driver app from the App Store or Google Play Store, not from the regular Uber passenger app.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a background check before you can start driving.
  • The app requires location services to be turned on at all times while you are online and accepting rides.
  • Keep your app updated to the latest version, as older versions may stop working or lose features.

What Information You Need Before Opening the App

Before you download, gather the documents you will need to complete your driver profile. Have your valid driver's license, current vehicle insurance card, vehicle registration, and Social Security number ready. You will also need a photo of yourself and photos of your vehicle from multiple angles.

Uber will run a background check through a third-party service. This process typically takes a few days to a week. During this time, you can set up your profile and review the requirements, but you cannot accept rides until the background check clears.

Creating Your Driver Account

When you open the app for the first time, you will see a sign-up screen. Enter your phone number and create a password. Uber will send you a verification code by text message — enter it to confirm your number. Then fill in your name, email address, and date of birth.

Next, you will upload your driver's license photo and the front and back images of your license. The app uses automatic scanning, so hold the license steady and make sure the text is clear and fully visible. If the scan fails, you can upload photos manually instead.

Adding Your Vehicle Information

In the vehicle section, enter your car's year, make, model, and license plate number. Take clear photos of your vehicle from the front, back, driver's side, and passenger's side. The photos must show the entire car and the license plate clearly. Blurry or partial photos will be rejected and you will have to resubmit.

Upload your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Both documents must show your name and the vehicle's license plate. If the insurance card is old or the text is faded, take a new photo in good lighting. Uber will not accept documents that are hard to read.

Turning On Location Services and Permissions

The Uber Driver app requires location services to work. Go to your phone's Settings, find the Uber Driver app, and set Location to "Always" or "While Using the App." If you choose "While Using the App," you must keep the app open to receive ride requests. If you choose "Always," the app can send you requests even when it is running in the background.

The app will also ask for permission to access your contacts, calendar, and phone storage. You do not have to grant all of these permissions to drive, but some features may not work without them. You can change these settings later in your phone's Settings menu.

Waiting for Your Background Check and Approval

After you submit all your documents, Uber sends them to a background check company. This process usually takes three to seven days, though it can take longer if there are issues with your documents or if the company needs more information. You will receive an email or notification in the app when the check is complete.

If your background check is approved, you will see a "Go Online" button in the app. Tap it to start accepting rides. If there is a problem, Uber will explain what needs to be fixed — usually a document that was unclear or information that did not match. You can resubmit documents directly in the app.

Keeping Your App Updated

Uber releases updates regularly to fix bugs, add features, and improve safety. Check your App Store or Google Play Store weekly for updates to the Uber Driver app. Tap "Update" when you see a new version available. Older versions may stop working or may not show all available rides.

If you turn off automatic updates in your phone's settings, you will need to update manually. To turn on automatic updates, go to your App Store or Google Play Store settings and enable automatic updates for the Uber Driver app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Uber Driver app different from the regular Uber app?

Yes. The regular Uber app is for passengers requesting rides. The Uber Driver app is for drivers accepting and completing rides. You need the driver version to drive for Uber. Do not download the passenger app by mistake.

What happens if my documents are rejected?

Uber will send you a message explaining why. Usually it is because the photo is blurry, the text is not fully visible, or the information does not match. Take a new photo in good lighting and resubmit it through the app. You can resubmit as many times as needed.

Can I drive before my background check is done?

No. You must wait for Uber to notify you that your background check is complete and approved. Once approved, the "Go Online" button will appear in your app and you can start accepting rides.

Do I need WiFi to download the app?

You can download over WiFi or mobile data, but WiFi is faster and uses less of your monthly data. The app is about 100 MB, so it should take a few minutes on either connection.

What if my phone does not have enough storage space?

Delete apps or files you do not use to free up space. You need at least 100 MB free. If your phone is too full, you may need to delete photos, videos, or old apps to make room for the Uber Driver app.