What you need to do to create an Uber account
To use Uber, you create an account through the mobile app or website using your phone number, email address, and a password. Uber sends a verification code to your phone to confirm you are the account holder. After you verify, you add a payment method — a debit card, credit card, or linked bank account — and you can start ordering rides or food.
The sign-up process takes about five to ten minutes. Uber stores your payment information securely and charges it each time you complete a trip or order. You can update your payment method, phone number, or email address anytime in your account settings.
If you are signing up to drive for Uber rather than to order rides, the process is longer. You will need to provide your driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a Social Security number or tax ID. Uber runs a background check, which typically takes three to five business days. Once approved, you can turn on the driver app and start accepting ride requests.
Key Takeaways
- You need a smartphone, valid phone number, email address, and payment method to create an Uber account for ordering rides or food.
- Account creation takes five to ten minutes and requires you to verify your phone number with a code Uber sends by text.
- If you want to drive for Uber, you must provide a driver's license, insurance, vehicle registration, and pass a background check before you can accept trips.
- Uber charges your payment method after each completed trip or order, and you can change your payment details in your account settings at any time.
Documents you need to sign up as a driver
Uber requires drivers to submit several documents before they can start working. You need a valid driver's license, proof of auto insurance that covers rideshare driving, vehicle registration, and proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some states also require a commercial driver's license or a specific rideshare permit, depending on local regulations.
You must also pass a background check. Uber uses a third-party screening company to review your driving history and criminal record. The background check looks for serious traffic violations, DUIs, and felonies. If you have a disqualifying offense, Uber will deny your application. The background check typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if there are delays in obtaining your records.
Your vehicle must meet Uber's requirements: it must be registered in your name, pass a vehicle inspection, and be no more than a certain age (usually 15 to 20 years old, depending on your city). You will need to upload photos of your car's front, back, and sides, along with proof of registration and insurance.
How to verify your identity and phone number
When you sign up, Uber sends a six-digit verification code to your phone by text message. You enter this code into the app to confirm that you own the phone number. If you do not receive the code within a few minutes, you can request Uber send it again or choose to receive it by voice call instead.
For drivers, identity verification is more thorough. Uber asks you to take a selfie and upload a photo of your driver's license. The app uses facial recognition technology to match your face to your license photo. If the match fails, you will be asked to retake the photo or upload a clearer image of your license. This step usually completes within a few minutes, though manual review can add a day or two.
Payment methods Uber accepts
Uber accepts most major credit cards, debit cards, and linked bank accounts. You can also use digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay if your phone supports them. Some regions allow payment through PayPal or local payment methods. You must add at least one payment method before you can place an order or complete a ride.
You can save multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use for each trip or order. If a payment fails — for example, if your card is declined — Uber will try the next payment method on file. If all methods fail, Uber will pause your account until you update your payment information.
Drivers do not add a payment method to receive earnings. Instead, you link a bank account where Uber deposits your weekly earnings. You provide your bank's routing number and your account number. Uber transfers your money every week, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, though the exact day depends on your bank's processing time.
What happens after you complete sign-up
If you are ordering rides or food, your account is active immediately after you verify your phone number and add a payment method. You can open the app, enter your pickup location, and request a ride or browse restaurants to order from.
If you are signing up as a driver, you will see a status page showing where your application stands. It typically moves through these stages: documents submitted, background check in progress, vehicle inspection pending, and approved. Once all steps are complete and you receive an approval notification, you can turn on the driver app and start accepting ride requests. The entire process usually takes one to two weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you submit documents and how long the background check takes.
After approval, you can log into the driver app anytime to turn on your availability. Uber shows you ride requests in your area, and you choose which ones to accept. You are not required to work any minimum hours — you control when you drive.
Troubleshooting common sign-up problems
If you do not receive the verification code, check that you entered your phone number correctly. Make sure your phone can receive text messages and that you are not blocking messages from unknown numbers. If the problem continues, request the code by voice call instead, or contact Uber support through the app.
If your payment method is declined, check that the card or bank account information is correct and that your card has not expired. Make sure your bank has not blocked the transaction — some banks flag rideshare charges as suspicious. Contact your bank to confirm the charge is authorized, then try adding the payment method again.
If your driver application is denied, Uber sends a notification explaining the reason. Common reasons include a disqualifying item on your background check, a vehicle that does not meet requirements, or documents that are unclear or incomplete. You can reapply after addressing the issue, though some disqualifications are permanent.
If you are stuck on the identity verification step as a driver, make sure your selfie is well-lit, your face is clearly visible, and your driver's license photo is sharp and readable. Remove sunglasses or hats that cover your face. If the app continues to reject your photos, you can request manual review, which takes one to three business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to sign up for Uber?
No. You can use a debit card, a linked bank account, or a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. At least one payment method is required before you can complete a ride or order, but it does not have to be a credit card.
Can I sign up for Uber if I do not have a smartphone?
Uber requires a smartphone to use the app. There is no web-based version for ordering rides. If you do not have a smartphone, you cannot use Uber's rider service. Some cities have phone-based dispatch services, but they are not operated by Uber.
How long does it take to get approved as an Uber driver?
Most driver applications are approved within one to two weeks. The background check typically takes three to five business days. Delays happen if documents are unclear, if your vehicle inspection is pending, or if there are issues obtaining your background check records. You can check your application status in the driver app at any time.
What if I have a criminal record — can I still drive for Uber?
Uber's background check policy varies by location, but generally the company does not hire drivers with felonies, DUIs, or serious traffic violations. Some misdemeanors may disqualify you depending on how recent they are and what type of offense. Contact Uber support before you apply if you have concerns about your background.
Can I use someone else's phone number to sign up?
No. Uber requires the phone number to belong to the person creating the account. The number is used for verification and for Uber to contact you about your trips or orders. Using someone else's number violates Uber's terms of service and can result in account suspension.