What Uber for Kids Actually Is
Uber for Kids is not a separate app or service. It is a feature within the regular Uber app that lets a parent or guardian request a ride for a minor and track it in real time. The young person rides alone, but an adult controls the booking from their phone and can see exactly where the car is and when it arrives.
The feature is called Uber Teen in some regions and works only through the main Uber app — there is no standalone app for children. A parent sets up the account, links it to their payment method, and then creates a profile for each child. When a child needs a ride, the parent orders it from their own phone, and the driver is notified that a minor is the passenger.
This is different from a carpool or a ride-share with peers. The driver is a standard Uber driver, the car is a standard Uber vehicle, and the ride is priced like any other Uber trip in your area. The main difference is the supervision layer: the parent can see the route, receive notifications when the ride starts and ends, and set rules about where rides are allowed.
Key Takeaways
- Uber for Kids is a feature in the main Uber app that lets parents book rides for minors and track them in real time from their own phone.
- A parent must create and manage the account, link a payment method, and set up a child profile before the child can use the service.
- The child does not need their own Uber account or phone app — they simply get in the car when the parent orders it.
- Rides cost the same as regular Uber trips, and the driver is a standard Uber driver, not a specialized service.
- Parents can set destination restrictions, receive ride notifications, and view the route and driver details in real time.
Age Requirements and Who Can Use It
Uber for Kids is intended for children ages 13 to 17, though the exact age range varies by region and changes as Uber updates the feature. There is no hard legal minimum — Uber's policy is the deciding factor, not state law. A parent or legal guardian must be the account holder and must authorize each ride.
The child does not need to be old enough to have their own Uber account or a smartphone. In fact, many parents use this feature specifically because the child does not have a phone plan or an independent account. The parent controls everything from their end.
If your child is younger than the minimum age or older than the maximum, Uber for Kids is not available for them. In those cases, a parent would need to book a standard Uber ride and ride along, or use a different service.
How to Set Up an Account for Your Child
Start with the main Uber app on your own phone. You need an active Uber account with a valid payment method already on file. Open the app, go to the Account section (usually the icon in the bottom right), and look for an option labeled "Add a Dependent" or "Family" or "Uber Teen" — the exact wording depends on your region and app version.
Tap that option and follow the prompts to create a profile for your child. You will enter their name, date of birth, and a photo. Uber uses the photo to verify the child's identity when they get in the car, so the driver can confirm they have the right passenger. You will also set a PIN or password that the child uses to confirm the ride when it arrives.
Once the profile is created, you can set rules: which destinations are allowed, what time of day rides can happen, and whether the child can request rides independently or only when you order them. These settings vary by region. After setup is complete, you are ready to book a ride for your child from your own phone.
Booking a Ride and What Happens During the Trip
When your child needs a ride, open your Uber app and select your child's profile from the dropdown menu at the top. Enter the pickup location (usually your child's current location) and the destination. Request the ride as you normally would. The app will show you the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and real-time location.
Your child will receive a notification that the ride has been booked and will see the driver's details and vehicle information. When the driver arrives, your child enters the PIN you set during setup to confirm they are getting in the correct car. The driver will also verify the child's identity using the photo from the profile.
During the ride, you can watch the route in real time on your phone. You will receive notifications when the ride starts, when the car is a few minutes away from the destination, and when the ride ends. If there is a problem during the trip, you can contact the driver through the app or call them directly using the number provided.
Cost and Payment
Rides booked through Uber for Kids cost the same as regular Uber rides in your area. Pricing depends on demand, distance, and time of day — the same factors that affect any Uber trip. The fare is charged to the payment method linked to your account, not to the child.
There are no additional fees for using the Uber for Kids feature itself. However, surge pricing applies during busy times, just as it does for regular rides. You can see the estimated fare before you confirm the booking, so there are no surprises.
If you want to set a spending limit or receive alerts when rides exceed a certain price, check your account settings. Some regions allow parents to set caps on individual ride costs or daily spending, though this feature is not available everywhere.
Safety Features and Parental Controls
Uber for Kids includes several built-in safety tools. The driver is notified that a minor is the passenger, and Uber's standard background check process applies to all drivers. The child's photo is shown to the driver so they can verify the right person is getting in the car. You can see the driver's name, photo, vehicle information, and real-time location throughout the ride.
You can set destination restrictions so rides are only allowed to certain addresses — for example, school, home, or a friend's house. Some regions allow you to set time windows for when rides can be booked. You can also turn off the ability for your child to request rides independently and require that you order every trip from your phone.
If your child feels unsafe during a ride, they can contact you directly or use the in-app emergency button to alert Uber support. You will receive a notification if your child marks a ride as unsafe. Uber's standard safety policies apply, including the ability to report a driver and request a refund if something goes wrong.
Availability and Regional Differences
Uber for Kids is not available in all regions. It launched in select cities and has expanded over time, but coverage remains limited. Check the Uber app in your area by looking for the "Add a Dependent" or "Family" option in your Account settings. If it is not there, the feature is not yet available where you live.
Even in regions where Uber for Kids exists, the exact features and age requirements can vary. Some areas allow independent ride requests from the child; others require the parent to order every trip. Some regions have destination restrictions; others do not. The best way to find out what is available to you is to open the app and attempt to set up a profile.
Uber updates this feature regularly, so what is available today may change. If you have questions about what is offered in your specific area, contact Uber support through the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need their own phone to use Uber for Kids?
No. The child does not need a phone, an app, or an Uber account. You book and pay for the ride from your phone. The child just needs to be at the pickup location when the driver arrives and know the PIN you set to confirm the ride.
What if the driver does not show up or goes to the wrong location?
You can see the driver's location in real time on your phone. If the driver is going the wrong way or is significantly delayed, contact them through the app. If the problem is not resolved, you can cancel the ride and request a refund through the app or contact Uber support.
Can my child request a ride without me ordering it?
It depends on your region and the settings you choose during setup. In some areas, you can allow your child to request rides independently; in others, you must order every trip from your phone. Check your account settings to see what options are available to you.
What happens if my child gets in the wrong car?
The driver will verify your child's identity using the photo from the profile before the ride starts. If your child tries to get in a different car, the driver will not confirm the ride, and your child should wait for the correct vehicle. The driver's photo and vehicle details are shown to your child before pickup, so they know what to look for.
Is Uber for Kids more expensive than a regular Uber ride?
No. The fare is the same as any other Uber trip in your area. You pay based on distance, time, and demand — not because a minor is the passenger. There are no extra fees for using the Uber for Kids feature.