What Uber requires before you can start driving
Uber requires you to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and own or have regular access to a vehicle that meets their standards. You must also pass a background check, provide proof of insurance, and complete their onboarding process. The exact requirements vary slightly by location — some cities have additional local rules — but these core items apply everywhere Uber operates.
The process takes roughly one to two weeks from the moment you submit your documents to the moment you can accept rides. Some of that time is waiting for Uber to review your background check and insurance. The rest depends on how quickly you gather and upload the documents they ask for.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, hold a valid driver's license, and have access to a vehicle that is generally less than 10 to 15 years old (the exact age limit depends on your vehicle type and location).
- Uber requires proof of auto insurance that covers commercial driving, which is different from personal auto insurance and usually costs more.
- You will need to pass a background check that looks at your driving record and criminal history; the standards vary by state and city.
- Some cities require additional documents like a commercial driver's permit, vehicle inspection, or local business license before Uber will activate your account.
- The entire onboarding process typically takes one to three weeks, depending on how fast you submit documents and how quickly your local background check clears.
Vehicle requirements and age limits
Your vehicle must be registered in your name or in the name of someone who lives with you. Uber accepts cars, SUVs, and some pickup trucks, but not motorcycles or commercial vehicles. The vehicle must have four doors and working seat belts, and it cannot have significant damage to the body, frame, or interior.
The age limit for your vehicle depends on which Uber service you want to drive. For UberX (the standard service), most vehicles must be 2010 or newer, though this varies by city — some places allow 2008 or 2009 models, and a few require 2012 or newer. UberXL (larger vehicles) and Uber Black (premium service) have different age requirements; UberXL typically requires 2010 or newer, while Uber Black often requires 2008 or newer but in excellent condition. Check your local Uber requirements before you buy or commit to a vehicle.
Your vehicle will need to pass a vehicle inspection, which Uber arranges through a third-party service. The inspection checks the exterior, interior, lights, tires, brakes, and safety features. If your vehicle fails, you can fix the issues and resubmit for inspection, but you cannot drive until it passes.
Insurance and commercial coverage
Personal auto insurance does not cover you while you are driving for Uber. You must have commercial rideshare insurance or a rideshare endorsement added to your personal policy. This coverage protects you and your passengers if you are in an accident while working.
Uber provides some insurance coverage while you are actively on a trip — from the moment a passenger accepts your ride to when they exit the vehicle — but this is a secondary layer, not a replacement for your own policy. Your personal insurance is the first line of coverage, and Uber's coverage fills gaps. If you do not have your own commercial coverage, you are driving illegally in most states, and your personal insurer can deny a claim.
Commercial rideshare insurance costs between $10 and $30 per week depending on your location, driving record, and the insurer. Some major insurers like State Farm, Geico, and Progressive offer rideshare endorsements. Others do not, so call your current insurer first to ask whether they offer this coverage. If they do not, you will need to switch insurers or buy a separate rideshare policy.
Background check and driving record standards
Uber runs a background check through a third-party screening company. The check looks at your criminal history, driving record, and sex offender registry. Uber's standards are strict: they typically reject applicants with felony convictions in the past seven years, certain misdemeanors (especially those involving violence, theft, or drugs), or more than one moving violation in the past three years.
Your driving record is especially important. Uber looks at the number and type of violations. A single speeding ticket usually will not disqualify you, but multiple violations, reckless driving, DUI, or driving with a suspended license will. Some cities have their own standards that are stricter than Uber's national policy, so local rules may reject you even if Uber's national standards would not.
The background check takes five to ten business days in most places. Uber will notify you by email whether you passed or were rejected. If you are rejected, you can contact Uber's support team to ask for details, though they do not always provide a full explanation. Some rejections can be appealed, but the process is not transparent and success is not may provide.
Local and city-specific requirements
Beyond Uber's national requirements, your city or county may have additional rules. Some cities require Uber drivers to obtain a for-hire vehicle license or commercial driver's permit before they can legally drive. Others require a vehicle inspection by the city, not just Uber's inspection. A few cities require proof of a local business license or a specific insurance amount.
New York City, for example, requires a Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) license, which involves a separate application, background check, and fee. San Francisco requires drivers to register with the city. Los Angeles requires a business tax registration certificate. These requirements exist on top of Uber's own process, and you must complete both before you can drive.
Before you start the Uber onboarding process, search your city's name plus "Uber driver requirements" or contact your local transportation or business licensing department. Spending 15 minutes on this step can save you weeks of delays later.
The onboarding timeline and what to submit
The Uber onboarding process happens in stages. First, you create an account and enter your basic information. Then you upload your driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. Uber reviews these documents, and if they are clear and match your account information, they move forward with your background check.
While the background check is running, you schedule a vehicle inspection. The inspection is usually available within a few days and takes about 30 minutes. Once your inspection passes and your background check clears, Uber activates your account and you can start accepting rides.
The entire process typically takes one to three weeks. The main delays are usually: waiting for your insurance company to issue a rideshare endorsement (three to five business days), scheduling the vehicle inspection (one to three days), and the background check itself (five to ten business days). If you submit everything at once and your documents are in order, you can move through faster. If documents are missing or unclear, Uber will ask you to resubmit, which adds time.
What disqualifies you or delays approval
Common reasons Uber rejects or delays drivers include: a driver's license that is expired or suspended, insurance that does not cover rideshare, a vehicle that fails inspection, a background check that reveals disqualifying offenses or violations, or missing documents. If your driver's license is expired, renew it before you apply. If your insurance does not cover rideshare, add the endorsement or switch insurers. If your vehicle fails inspection, fix the issues and resubmit.
If your background check is rejected, you have limited options. Uber does not always explain the reason in detail, and appeals are not may provide to succeed. If you believe the rejection was an error — for example, if the background check confused you with someone else — you can contact Uber support and ask them to review. Otherwise, you may need to wait until enough time has passed that older violations or offenses fall off your record, or you may not be able to drive for Uber in your area.
Some drivers are deactivated after they start driving if Uber discovers issues during their first weeks — for example, if a background check update reveals new information, or if a passenger reports an accident or safety concern. Once you are driving, Uber monitors your ratings, cancellation rate, and acceptance rate. Falling below certain thresholds can result in deactivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber if I have a DUI on my record?
Most DUIs disqualify you for at least seven years from the date of conviction. Some cities have stricter rules and may reject you permanently. Contact Uber support with details of your case to ask whether you might be an exception, but do not expect approval. A DUI is one of the most serious disqualifying offenses.
What if I do not own a car — can I rent one and drive for Uber?
Yes, but the car must be registered in your name or in the name of someone who lives with you. You cannot use a rental car from a traditional rental company because it is not registered to you. Some Uber-affiliated car rental or leasing programs exist in certain cities that allow you to rent a vehicle specifically for Uber driving; these are separate from Uber itself and have their own requirements and costs.
How long does the background check take?
Background checks typically take five to ten business days. In some areas, they clear faster; in others, especially if there are issues to investigate, they can take up to three weeks. Uber will email you when the check is complete and let you know the result.
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?
No, a standard driver's license is sufficient for UberX and most Uber services. A few cities or specific Uber services (like Uber Black in some places) may have different requirements, so check your local rules. A commercial driver's license is not the same as a for-hire vehicle license, which some cities do require.
What happens if my vehicle fails the inspection?
Uber will tell you which items failed and what needs to be fixed. Common failures include worn tires, broken lights, or interior damage. You fix the issues, schedule a new inspection, and resubmit. You cannot drive until the vehicle passes. The second inspection usually happens within a few days of your request.