What Uber requires before you can drive
Uber requires you to meet baseline standards before you can start driving: you must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver's license, have proof of vehicle registration and insurance, and pass a background check. The specific requirements vary slightly by location and by the type of service you want to offer (UberX, Uber Eats, Uber Black, or others). Some cities and states add their own rules on top of Uber's requirements — for instance, some require a commercial driver's license or a specific type of insurance that Uber does not.
Uber does not own or lease vehicles to drivers. You must own or lease your own car, and it must meet Uber's vehicle standards: generally, the car must be four doors, registered in your name, and pass a vehicle inspection. The age limit for vehicles varies by city and service type — UberX vehicles are typically no more than 10 to 15 years old, while Uber Eats has more flexible vehicle rules since it covers motorcycles and scooters in some places.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, and own or lease a vehicle registered in your name that passes Uber's inspection.
- Background checks are required and can take one to two weeks; Uber will reject you if you have certain criminal convictions or a pattern of traffic violations.
- Your personal auto insurance may not cover commercial driving, so you need to check your policy or purchase commercial coverage before you start.
- Some cities require additional permits, commercial licenses, or proof of local insurance before Uber will activate your account in that area.
- Vehicle requirements differ by service type — UberX has stricter age and condition standards than Uber Eats, which accepts motorcycles and bicycles.
Documents and information Uber will ask for
When you create an Uber driver account, you will need to upload several documents. These include a photo of your driver's license (front and back), a photo of your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a vehicle inspection photo. Uber also requires a Social Security number or tax ID for tax reporting purposes, and a bank account or debit card for payouts.
The vehicle inspection is not a formal inspection at a garage — it is a photo-based check. You photograph your car's exterior from multiple angles, the odometer, and the interior. Uber's system or a local Uber employee reviews these photos to confirm the vehicle matches the registration and meets condition standards. If your photos are unclear or the vehicle appears damaged, Uber may ask you to resubmit or take the car to a partner inspection location, which varies by city.
You will also need to provide your phone number and email address, and set up a driver profile with a photo of yourself. Uber uses this photo to verify your identity during the background check process.
Background check and approval timeline
Uber runs a background check through a third-party screening company. The check includes a review of your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry. The process typically takes one to two weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly your state's records are available and whether Uber needs to request additional information from you.
Uber will reject your application if you have certain convictions — including felonies within the past seven years, violent crimes, sexual offenses, or drug-related convictions. You will also be rejected if you have more than three moving violations in the past three years, a DUI or DWI on your record, or a suspended or revoked license. The exact rules vary slightly by state because criminal records are public at the state level and some states have different record-keeping practices.
If Uber denies your application, you can request to know the reason. If the denial is based on a background check error — for example, a conviction that was expunged or a record that belongs to someone else — you can dispute it by providing documentation to Uber's support team. This process can take several weeks.
Insurance requirements and what your personal policy may not cover
Uber requires you to carry auto insurance that covers commercial use, or at minimum a rideshare endorsement on your personal policy. Many standard personal auto insurance policies explicitly exclude commercial driving, which means your insurer will not pay a claim if you are in an accident while driving for Uber. Before you start, contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rideshare driving or whether you need to add a rideshare endorsement.
If your personal policy does not cover rideshare use, you have two options: purchase a rideshare endorsement (usually $10 to $25 per month) or switch to a commercial auto insurance policy. Uber also provides contingent liability coverage that kicks in when you are driving passengers but your personal insurance does not cover the trip — however, this Uber coverage has limits and does not cover damage to your own vehicle, so it is not a substitute for proper insurance on your end.
Some states and cities require commercial auto insurance specifically, not just a rideshare endorsement. Check your local regulations before you start driving, because operating without the required insurance can result in fines and can void any insurance claim you try to file.
Vehicle inspection and maintenance standards
Your vehicle must pass Uber's inspection before you can start accepting rides. The inspection checks that your car has no major damage, all lights work, the interior is clean, and the vehicle is in safe operating condition. You will need to provide photos of the exterior, interior, odometer, and license plate. If your car does not pass, Uber will tell you what needs to be fixed and give you a window to resubmit photos.
After you start driving, Uber may ask you to pass a reinspection if you have not driven in a while, if your vehicle is approaching the age limit for your service type, or if a passenger reports damage. You can resubmit photos yourself, or in some cities Uber has partner inspection locations where you can take your car in person.
Uber does not require you to use Uber's maintenance services, but you are responsible for keeping your vehicle in safe condition. If your car fails a reinspection or if Uber receives multiple complaints about your vehicle's condition, your account can be deactivated until you fix the issues.
Local permits and regulations that may apply to you
Beyond Uber's requirements, your city or state may require additional permits or licenses to drive for a rideshare company. Some cities require a rideshare driver permit or license, which involves a separate application, background check, and sometimes a fee. Other cities require proof that you have commercial insurance before you can operate. A few cities cap the number of rideshare drivers or require you to work through a specific platform.
Check your city's transportation department or taxi and limousine commission website to find out what local rules apply. If you do not meet local requirements, Uber may not activate your account in that area, or you could face fines if you drive without the required permits. Some cities have changed their rules recently, so even if you drove for Uber before, it is worth checking whether the rules have shifted.
Vehicle type and age limits by service
Different Uber services have different vehicle requirements. UberX, the standard rideshare service, requires a four-door sedan or similar vehicle that is no more than 10 to 15 years old (the exact age limit depends on your city). The vehicle must have a certain number of seats and meet safety standards. Uber Black, the premium service, has stricter requirements — usually a luxury vehicle no more than 5 to 8 years old.
Uber Eats, the food delivery service, is more flexible. You can use a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle, depending on what is available in your city. Age and condition requirements are less strict because the vehicle does not carry passengers. Some cities also offer Uber Connect (package delivery) or other services with their own vehicle rules.
If your vehicle is approaching the age limit or does not meet the requirements for one service type, you may still be able to drive for a different service. Check the requirements for your specific city and service type on Uber's driver website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. Uber requires a valid, unrestricted driver's license. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive for Uber. You must restore your license through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can apply or reactivate your account.
What happens if I fail the background check?
Uber will send you a notice explaining why you were denied. If the denial is based on inaccurate information — for example, a record that was expunged or a conviction that does not belong to you — you can dispute it by submitting documentation to Uber. If the denial is based on a legitimate conviction or driving record, you cannot overturn it, but you may be able to reapply after a certain amount of time has passed.
Do I need commercial insurance if I only drive for Uber Eats?
Yes. Even though Uber Eats does not carry passengers, your personal auto insurance likely excludes commercial use. Contact your insurer to ask whether your policy covers delivery driving or whether you need a rideshare or commercial endorsement. Some insurers treat delivery differently than rideshare, so ask specifically about Uber Eats.
What if my vehicle is older than Uber's age limit?
You cannot drive UberX with a vehicle that exceeds the age limit for your city. However, you may be able to drive Uber Eats or other services that have more flexible vehicle requirements. Check Uber's requirements for each service type in your area to see what options are available to you.
How long does it take to get approved after I submit my documents?
The background check typically takes one to two weeks. Vehicle inspection approval is usually faster — often within a few days if your photos are clear and your car meets standards. If Uber needs additional information or if there are issues with your documents, the process can take longer. You can check your application status in the Uber driver app.