What you need to do to become an Uber driver

To drive for Uber, you submit your information through the Uber Driver app, pass a background check, and get your vehicle approved. Uber then sends you a debit card and set up materials. The whole process typically takes one to two weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly your background check clears and whether Uber needs more information from you.

You do not need to own your car outright or have perfect credit. You do need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets Uber's age and condition requirements. The specific requirements vary by city — some markets allow older cars than others, and a few require commercial insurance instead of personal insurance.

Uber does not hire you as an employee. You are an independent contractor, which means you set your own hours, keep the money you earn (minus Uber's commission), and are responsible for your own taxes, maintenance, and gas. This is different from a traditional job where an employer withholds taxes and provides benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, a vehicle that meets Uber's standards, and a smartphone to use the driver app.
  • Uber runs a background check on your driving record and criminal history before you can start; the results usually come back within a few days to a week.
  • You are an independent contractor, not an employee, so you pay your own taxes, gas, and maintenance costs from the money you earn.
  • Uber takes a percentage of each fare (the amount varies by city and ride type), and you keep the rest plus tips paid through the app.
  • You can turn the app on and off whenever you want and drive as much or as little as you choose.

Documents and information Uber will ask for

When you open the Uber Driver app and start the sign-up process, you will need to provide your name, phone number, email address, and date of birth. You will also upload a photo of yourself and photos of your driver's license (front and back). Uber uses these to verify your identity.

Next, you upload proof of insurance. This must be a current policy document that shows your name, your vehicle's license plate, and the policy dates. Personal auto insurance is fine for most cities; a few markets require commercial rideshare insurance. Check Uber's requirements for your city before you buy a policy.

You will also need to provide your vehicle's registration and proof of ownership or a lease agreement. If you are financing the car, a loan document works. Uber also asks for your Social Security number to run the background check and for tax reporting purposes.

Finally, you provide your bank account information so Uber can deposit your earnings. You can set up direct deposit to your personal bank account, or Uber will send you a debit card that you can use to withdraw money.

How the background check works

Uber uses a third-party company to run a background check on your driving record and criminal history. The check looks at your driving record for the past seven years and your criminal record. Uber's standards vary by city, but generally they reject drivers with serious moving violations, DUIs, or felonies within the past seven years.

The background check usually takes three to five business days. You can check the status in the Uber Driver app. If Uber needs more information — for example, if your name has changed or if there is a discrepancy in your records — they will send you a message in the app asking you to clarify.

If your background check is denied, Uber will tell you why and may give you the option to dispute the result. You can contact the background check company directly to correct errors in your record.

Vehicle requirements and inspection

Your car must be at least four years old (in most cities) and in good condition with no major damage. Uber inspects your vehicle through photos you upload in the app — you take pictures of the front, back, sides, interior, and odometer. The inspection is usually approved or rejected within 24 hours.

Your car must have four doors, a working seatbelt for each passenger, and a clean interior. Uber will reject your vehicle if there are large dents, broken windows, stains, or strong odors. If your inspection is rejected, you can retake the photos and resubmit.

Some cities have stricter requirements. For example, certain markets require that your car be no older than a specific year, or that it meet certain emissions standards. Check Uber's vehicle requirements for your city before you sign up.

How much Uber takes and what you keep

Uber takes a commission from each ride you complete. The commission varies by city and by ride type — UberX (the standard service) typically has a lower commission than UberEats or Uber Comfort. In most cities, Uber's commission ranges from 20 to 30 percent of the fare, though some cities are higher or lower.

You keep the rest of the fare plus 100 percent of tips paid through the app. Tips paid in cash are yours to keep as well. You are responsible for paying for gas, maintenance, insurance, and vehicle registration out of your earnings. You also owe self-employment taxes on your net income.

Uber shows you the estimated fare before you accept a ride, so you know roughly how much you will earn. After you complete the ride, the app shows you the exact breakdown: the base fare, any surge pricing, distance charges, and the tip.

Setting up your bank account and payment method

During sign-up, you provide your bank account information so Uber can deposit your earnings. You can use any U.S. bank account. Uber deposits your money daily, usually by the next business day, though it can take up to two business days depending on your bank.

Alternatively, Uber will send you a debit card in the mail. You can use this card to withdraw your earnings from ATMs or spend the money directly. The card arrives within one to two weeks of your account being approved.

You can switch between direct deposit and the debit card anytime in the app settings. Some drivers use both — direct deposit for most earnings and the card for quick access to cash on days they need it.

What happens after you are approved

Once your background check clears and your vehicle is approved, Uber sends you an set up email. You can then turn on the driver app and start accepting rides. Your first ride can happen within hours of approval.

Before your first ride, make sure you have the Uber Driver app downloaded and logged in, your phone is charged, and you know how to use the app's navigation and messaging features. Uber provides in-app tutorials, but it is worth spending 10 minutes learning the basics.

You can drive whenever you want. There is no minimum number of hours or rides you must complete. Some drivers work full-time; others drive a few hours a week. The app lets you turn on and off whenever you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?

No. A standard driver's license is fine in most places. A few cities require commercial insurance, but not a commercial license. Check your local requirements before you sign up.

What if I have an accident or get a ticket while driving for Uber?

You are responsible for reporting accidents to your insurance company and to Uber through the app. Uber has insurance that covers you while you are actively on a ride, but your personal insurance is your primary coverage. Tickets and accidents are your responsibility; they do not affect your ability to drive for Uber unless they result in a license suspension.

Can I drive for Uber and other services at the same time?

Yes. Many drivers use multiple apps like Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart. You can have the Uber app and other apps running at the same time, though you can only accept one ride at a time.

How do I know how much I will earn before I start?

Earnings vary widely by city, time of day, and demand. Uber shows you the estimated fare before you accept each ride. You can also check Uber's website for your city to see average hourly earnings, though actual earnings depend on how many rides you complete and how much time you spend waiting between rides.

What if I want to stop driving for Uber?

You can deactivate your account anytime through the app settings. There is no penalty or notice required. If you want to reactivate later, you may need to pass another background check depending on how long you have been inactive.