What Uber Kids is and how to set it up

Uber Kids is a separate account type within the Uber app that lets a parent or guardian set up a profile for a child, then request rides on their behalf. The child does not need their own phone or app. Instead, the parent controls the account, chooses the driver, and tracks the ride in real time. The child receives a PIN code to give the driver so the driver can confirm they have the right passenger.

To set up an Uber Kids account, open your existing Uber app, tap your profile icon, and select "Add a dependent." You will enter your child's name, birthdate, and emergency contact information. Once created, you can request rides for that child just as you would for yourself — the ride will show up in your app, and you will receive notifications when the driver arrives and when the ride ends.

The account works only in cities where Uber Kids is available. Availability varies by region and changes over time. You can check whether it is available in your area by opening your Uber app and looking for the "Add a dependent" option in your profile menu. If you do not see it, the service is not yet available where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Kids is managed entirely through the parent's app — the child does not need a phone or separate account.
  • The parent chooses the driver, pays for the ride, and can watch the trip in real time on their phone.
  • The child receives a PIN code to show the driver so the driver can confirm they have the correct passenger.
  • Uber Kids is not available in all cities; check your Uber app to see if it is offered in your area.
  • You can add multiple children to one parent account, each with their own profile and PIN code.

Who can use Uber Kids and age requirements

Uber Kids is intended for children ages 13 to 17. There is no strict enforcement of the age limit within the app itself — the system relies on the parent to enter the child's correct birthdate. Uber's terms of service state that the account holder (the parent or guardian) is responsible for ensuring the child meets the age requirement and is mature enough to use the service safely.

You must be at least 18 years old and have an active Uber account to create an Uber Kids profile for a child. The child does not need to be your biological child — guardians, grandparents, and other legal caregivers can set up the account as long as they are the primary account holder on the Uber app.

If your child is younger than 13 or older than 17, Uber Kids is not the right tool. For younger children, you would need to ride along or arrange a different form of transportation. For older teens, they can open their own standard Uber account once they turn 18.

How payment and billing work

All rides booked through an Uber Kids account are charged to the parent's payment method on file. The child does not pay, does not enter payment information, and does not see the cost of the ride. The parent receives the receipt and the charge appears on their Uber account and credit card or bank account statement.

You can set spending limits or monitor ride costs through your Uber account settings, though the level of control varies depending on your region and the version of the app you are using. Some parents use this feature to track how often their child is requesting rides or to set a monthly budget. Check your app's settings under "Add a dependent" to see what spending controls are available to you.

Surge pricing applies to Uber Kids rides the same way it applies to regular Uber rides. If you request a ride during peak demand, the fare will be higher. You will see the estimated fare before you confirm the ride, so you can decide whether to proceed or wait for demand to drop.

Safety features and what the parent can see

The parent's app shows the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and real-time location throughout the ride. You can share the trip details with another trusted adult if you want a second person monitoring the ride. The app also sends notifications when the driver arrives, when the ride begins, and when it ends.

The child receives a PIN code unique to that specific ride. The driver must ask for the PIN before the child gets in the car. This step confirms that the driver has picked up the correct passenger and that the ride was actually requested by the parent, not by someone else posing as the child.

Uber Kids rides are matched with drivers who have a high rating and a clean background check history. Uber does not publicly state whether Uber Kids drivers undergo additional screening beyond what standard Uber drivers receive, so if this matters to you, contact Uber support directly to ask about their driver vetting process for Kids accounts.

The child cannot change the destination, cancel the ride, or contact a different driver once the ride is underway. Only the parent can make those changes from their app. This design is meant to prevent a child from altering plans without the parent's knowledge.

When Uber Kids makes sense versus other options

Uber Kids works best for regular, predictable trips — a child getting to school, to an after-school activity, or to a friend's house when the parent cannot drive. It is most practical in cities where Uber has good coverage and short wait times. If you live in a rural area or a place where Uber rarely operates, you will need a different solution.

Compared to a school bus, Uber Kids offers more flexibility and door-to-door service, but costs significantly more per trip. Compared to asking a neighbor or family member to drive, Uber Kids removes the need to coordinate schedules and favors, but introduces a stranger into the equation. Compared to letting a teen use their own Uber account, Uber Kids gives the parent visibility and control, but requires the parent to request each ride.

If your child is old enough to have their own phone and you want them to have independence, a standard Uber account (available at 18) might be more practical. If your child is too young for Uber Kids but needs transportation, carpool arrangements, school transportation, or a trusted adult driving remain the standard options.

Troubleshooting common issues

If the "Add a dependent" option does not appear in your Uber app, Uber Kids is not available in your area yet. Availability is rolling out gradually and varies by city. You can check Uber's website or contact Uber support to ask when it might come to your region.

If a ride request fails or the driver cancels, you will see a notification in your app. You can immediately request another ride. If you are having trouble with the PIN code system — for example, the driver says they did not receive the PIN or the child forgot it — contact Uber support through the app. They can help troubleshoot or cancel and rebook the ride.

If you want to remove a child from your account, go to your profile settings, find the dependent's profile, and select the option to delete or remove them. This action is permanent and will prevent any future rides from being booked for that child under your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child request a ride on their own, or do I have to request it for them?

You must request the ride from your app. The child cannot open the Uber app and order a ride themselves. You choose the driver, confirm the pickup and dropoff locations, and pay. The child's only role is to show the PIN code to the driver when they arrive.

What happens if my child gets in the wrong car or the driver picks up the wrong passenger?

The PIN code system is designed to prevent this. The driver must ask for the PIN before the child enters the vehicle. If the PIN does not match, the driver should not let the child in. If something goes wrong, contact Uber support immediately through the app and provide them with the trip details.

Can I set a limit on how much my child can spend on Uber Kids rides?

Some regions allow parents to set spending limits or receive alerts when rides exceed a certain cost. Check your account settings under "Add a dependent" to see what controls are available in your area. If you do not see spending limit options, contact Uber support to ask whether they are available to you.

Is Uber Kids available everywhere Uber operates?

No. Uber Kids is rolling out gradually and is not yet available in all cities where Uber operates. Check your app to see if the feature is available in your area. If it is not, Uber support can tell you whether it is planned for your region in the future.

What if my child loses the PIN code or forgets it before the driver arrives?

The PIN code is generated for each individual ride and appears in your app. You can always read it to your child over the phone or show them a screenshot. If the ride is already underway and the PIN is lost, contact Uber support through the app to report the issue.