What You Need Before You Start
Uber requires you to meet several conditions before you can drive. You must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver's license, have proof of vehicle insurance, and own or have regular access to a car that meets Uber's standards. The vehicle must be at least 2015 model year in most markets (older in some cities), pass a vehicle inspection, and have four doors and five seats.
You will also need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, a bank account in your name for deposits, and a valid phone number. Uber runs a background check that includes your driving record and criminal history, so you should know what will appear before you submit.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is generally 2015 or newer with four doors and five seats.
- The application process happens online through Uber's driver portal and typically takes one to two weeks from submission to approval, depending on background check processing time.
- You will need to upload documents including your driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and proof of address, and pass a vehicle inspection.
- Uber's background check examines your driving record and criminal history; certain violations or convictions may disqualify you.
- Once approved, you can turn on the app and start accepting rides, though you may face a waiting period before your first ride request arrives.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Start by going to Uber's driver sign-up page on the web or downloading the Uber Driver app. You will enter your name, email address, phone number, and the city where you want to drive. Uber will send you a verification code by text or email to confirm your phone number and email address.
Next, you upload your driver's license photo and information. Uber's system reads the license automatically, so make sure the image is clear and all text is readable. You then provide your Social Security number or ITIN and date of birth. After that, you upload proof of vehicle insurance and your vehicle's registration. Both documents must show your name and be current (not expired).
You will also upload a proof of address document — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Finally, you provide your bank account information for direct deposit of your earnings. Uber does not hold funds; money goes directly to your account, usually within one to two business days after a trip ends.
Vehicle Inspection and Requirements
After you submit your documents, Uber schedules you for a vehicle inspection. This is a physical check of your car at a location Uber designates, usually a partner inspection center or sometimes a dealership. The inspection verifies that your vehicle matches the registration you provided, checks that all doors and windows work, confirms the vehicle has five seats, and ensures the interior and exterior are in safe condition.
Your vehicle must have no major damage, functioning lights, valid registration plates, and a clean title (no salvage or flood designation). Tires must have adequate tread, brakes must work, and the windshield cannot have large cracks. The inspection typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs nothing — Uber covers the fee.
If your vehicle fails inspection, you receive a detailed report of what needs to be fixed. You can schedule a re-inspection after repairs are complete. Some issues, like a salvage title or frame damage, cannot be repaired and will disqualify the vehicle permanently.
Background Check and Approval Timeline
Uber runs a background check that pulls your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and your criminal history from public records. The check typically takes three to seven business days, though it can take longer if records are delayed or if Uber needs to verify information manually.
Certain violations will disqualify you: a DUI or DWI within the past seven years, a reckless driving conviction within the past three years, more than three moving violations in the past three years, or a major criminal conviction. Uber's standards vary slightly by state and city, so a disqualifying offense in one market may not be in another.
Once your background check clears and your vehicle inspection passes, Uber sends you an approval email. From approval to your first ride can be immediate, though some drivers report a delay of a few hours or a day before ride requests start coming through. The entire process from application to first ride typically takes one to three weeks.
Documents You Will Upload
| Document | What Uber Needs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License | Front and back photo, clear and readable | Must be valid and not expired |
| Proof of Insurance | Policy document showing your name and current coverage dates | Must cover rideshare driving; personal auto insurance may not |
| Vehicle Registration | Current registration showing your name and vehicle details | Must not be expired |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days | Must show your name and current address |
| Social Security Number or ITIN | Provided during application, not uploaded | Used for background check and tax reporting |
Insurance and What It Covers
Your personal auto insurance policy may not cover rideshare driving. Many standard policies exclude commercial use, which means Uber trips are not covered if you have an accident. Before you drive, contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rideshare or whether you need a separate rideshare endorsement.
Uber provides some coverage: $1 million in liability coverage when you have a passenger in the car, and lower coverage ($25,000 to $100,000) when you are online but have no passenger. However, this coverage is secondary to your personal insurance, meaning your insurance pays first if you have a claim. You are responsible for any gap between your coverage and Uber's.
Many drivers purchase a rideshare endorsement from their insurance company, which costs $10 to $30 per month and fills the gap. This is optional but strongly recommended, because an accident without proper coverage can result in a denied claim and personal liability for damages.
What Happens If You Are Denied
If your background check does not clear or your vehicle fails inspection, Uber sends you a notice explaining why. For background check denials, you can request a copy of the report and dispute inaccuracies with the background check company (usually Checkr or similar). If the issue is a criminal record or driving violation, you cannot appeal Uber's decision, but you can reapply after the disqualifying event ages off (for example, after seven years for a DUI).
For vehicle inspection failures, you receive a list of required repairs. You can fix the issues and schedule a re-inspection at no cost. If the vehicle has a structural problem like frame damage or a salvage title, it cannot be approved, and you will need a different vehicle.
If you are denied, you can contact Uber support through the app or website, but Uber's decisions on background checks and vehicle standards are final. Your only recourse is to reapply with a different vehicle or after time has passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
Most drivers complete the application, inspection, and background check within one to three weeks. The background check is usually the longest step, taking three to seven business days. Some drivers are approved and driving within a week; others wait longer if documents need resubmission or if inspection centers are busy.
Can I drive before my background check is complete?
No. You cannot turn on the driver app or accept rides until Uber sends you an approval email confirming that your background check has cleared and your vehicle has passed inspection. Attempting to drive before approval can result in your account being deactivated.
What if my insurance company says they don't cover rideshare?
You will need to purchase a rideshare endorsement from your current insurer or switch to an insurance company that offers rideshare coverage. Uber's coverage is secondary, so you must have primary coverage in place. Driving without proper insurance is illegal and leaves you personally liable for accidents.
Can I use someone else's car to drive for Uber?
The vehicle registration must be in your name or you must be listed as an authorized driver on the registration. Uber verifies that the person driving matches the person on the registration. If you use a car registered to someone else, you will fail the verification step and cannot be approved.
What if I have an old traffic ticket or accident on my record?
Minor traffic violations and accidents older than three years typically do not disqualify you. Uber looks at the severity and recency of violations. A single speeding ticket from five years ago will not block you, but three moving violations in the past three years or a recent reckless driving conviction will. You can contact Uber support before applying if you are unsure whether a specific incident will disqualify you.