What Uber Teen is and who can use it

Uber Teen is an account type that lets riders aged 13 to 17 request rides without a parent or guardian in the car, as long as an adult has set up and paid for the account. The teen uses their own phone to book rides, but the parent controls the account, payment method, and ride settings. The service is available in most US cities where Uber operates, though a few regions have restrictions.

A parent or guardian creates the account and links it to their own payment method — usually a credit or debit card. The teen then gets their own login and can request rides independently. Uber sends notifications to both the teen and the parent each time a ride is booked, so the adult stays informed about where the teen is going and when.

The teen cannot change the payment method, add a different card, or alter core account settings. Those controls stay with the parent. This structure is designed to give teens independence while keeping parents in the loop.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must create and pay for the Uber Teen account using their own payment method; the teen cannot add their own card or change payment details.
  • Teens aged 13 to 17 can request rides alone, and both the teen and parent receive notifications each time a ride is booked.
  • Parents can set restrictions such as ride scheduling limits, destination controls, and preferred driver settings through the parent app.
  • The teen account works only in regions where Uber operates and where the feature is available; availability varies by city and state.
  • Uber Teen rides are charged to the parent's payment method at standard Uber rates, with no separate pricing for teen riders.

How a parent sets up an Uber Teen account

The parent downloads the Uber app and creates a standard account if they don't already have one. Once logged in, they navigate to the Account section and look for the option to add a teen rider. Uber will ask for the teen's name, date of birth, and phone number to verify they fall within the 13 to 17 age range.

The parent then links a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment option. This card will be charged for all rides the teen takes. The parent can also set up a PIN or other security measure to prevent unauthorized changes to the account.

Once the account is created, Uber sends an invitation to the teen's phone number. The teen downloads the Uber app, creates their own login using that phone number, and can begin requesting rides. The parent receives a separate notification each time the teen books a trip.

What controls parents have over teen rides

Parents can set several restrictions through their own Uber app. One common control is scheduled ride limits — the parent can specify times when the teen is or is not allowed to request rides. For example, a parent might disable rides after 10 p.m. on school nights.

Some parents use destination controls to see where the teen is traveling and, in some cases, to restrict rides to certain areas. Uber also allows parents to set preferences for driver ratings or vehicle type, though the teen's actual ride options depend on driver availability in their area.

Parents receive real-time notifications showing the teen's pickup location, the driver's name and vehicle details, and the destination. If a ride seems unusual or concerning, the parent can contact Uber support to report it. Parents can also pause or disable the teen account at any time.

How payment works and what it costs

Uber Teen rides are charged at standard Uber rates — the same price as any other Uber ride in that city. There is no separate teen pricing or discount. The charge goes directly to the parent's payment method on file, and the parent receives an itemized receipt showing the date, time, pickup location, destination, and fare amount.

If the parent has an Uber Pass subscription or other active promotions, those discounts may apply to teen rides as well, depending on the terms of the promotion. Surge pricing (higher fares during busy times) applies to teen rides just as it does to any other Uber ride.

Parents can review all teen ride history in their account and set spending limits or ride frequency rules if they wish. Some parents choose to have the teen reimburse them for rides; others cover the cost as part of their household transportation budget. That decision is entirely up to the parent.

Safety features and what parents should know

Uber includes several safety tools in the Teen account. The parent can see the driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and real-time location during the ride. The teen can also share their trip details with emergency contacts, and Uber's in-app emergency button connects directly to local emergency services if needed.

Parents should remind teens to verify the driver's name and vehicle before getting in the car, to sit in the back seat, and to keep their phone charged. Uber's community guidelines prohibit drivers from asking teens personal questions or making them uncomfortable; if a teen feels unsafe during a ride, they can end the trip and report the driver through the app.

Uber conducts background checks on all drivers, but parents should understand that no screening process is perfect. The best protection is ongoing conversation with the teen about ride safety, what to do if something feels wrong, and when to contact a parent or emergency services.

Availability and regional differences

Uber Teen is available in most major US cities where Uber operates, but not everywhere. Some states or cities have restrictions on unaccompanied minors using ride-share services, or Uber may not have launched the feature in certain regions yet. A parent can check availability by opening the Uber app, going to Account settings, and looking for the option to add a teen rider.

If Uber Teen is not available in your area, the parent can still use a standard Uber account and request rides for the teen, but the teen cannot book independently. Some families in restricted areas use other ride-share services or traditional taxi companies that allow teen riders, though policies vary widely.

Availability can also change over time as Uber expands or adjusts its service in different regions. If the feature is not currently available in your city, checking back periodically or contacting Uber support can provide information about future rollout plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a teen use Uber Teen if they don't have their own phone?

No. The teen needs their own phone number and the Uber app to request rides. The app is how they book trips and receive driver information. If a teen doesn't have a phone, the parent would need to request rides on their behalf using the standard account.

What happens if a teen tries to change the payment method or account settings?

The teen account is restricted so that core settings — including payment method, ride scheduling limits, and account security — cannot be changed by the teen. If a teen tries to modify these settings, the app will not allow it. Only the parent can make those changes through their own account.

Can a parent see exactly where their teen is at all times?

Parents can see the teen's location during an active ride, including pickup and dropoff points. They cannot track the teen's location when they are not in a ride. If continuous location tracking is important to a parent, they may want to use a separate family location app in addition to Uber Teen.

What if the parent's payment method is declined during a ride?

If the card on file is declined, Uber will attempt to charge it again. If payment fails repeatedly, Uber may suspend the account until the payment issue is resolved. The parent should update their payment method as soon as possible to avoid interrupting the teen's ability to request rides.

Can a teen request rides to meet friends, or are there restrictions on destinations?

The teen can request rides to any destination where Uber operates, unless the parent has set specific destination restrictions through the parent app. Parents have the option to limit rides to certain areas or times, but this is a choice the parent makes — there is no automatic restriction on social trips or meeting friends.