Minimum age to ride Uber

You must be at least 18 years old to request an Uber ride as a passenger. Uber's terms of service require all account holders to be adults, and the app will not let you complete a ride request if your account shows you are under 18.

If you are under 18, you cannot create your own Uber account or pay for rides yourself. Some riders under 18 use a parent's or guardian's account to request rides, though this is technically against Uber's terms. The safest option is to wait until you turn 18 to open your own account.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old to create an Uber account and request rides as a passenger.
  • Uber drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets Uber's requirements.
  • Some cities have additional age rules for Uber drivers, so check your local regulations before signing up.
  • Riders under 18 cannot legally use Uber on their own account, even if they have a payment method.

Minimum age to drive for Uber

If you want to drive for Uber, you must be at least 21 years old. This is Uber's standard requirement across most of the United States. You will also need a valid driver's license, proof of car insurance, and a vehicle that meets Uber's age and condition standards — typically a car that is 15 years old or newer, though this varies by city.

Some cities and states have set their own rules that are stricter than Uber's baseline. For example, certain jurisdictions may require drivers to be 25 or older, or may have different insurance or vehicle inspection requirements. Before you sign up to drive, check with your city's transportation or taxi regulatory board to see if local rules explore where you live.

What Uber checks when you sign up to drive

Uber runs a background check on anyone who wants to drive for the platform. This check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and insurance status. The company will reject applications from drivers with serious violations, recent accidents, or gaps in insurance coverage.

You will also need to pass a vehicle inspection. Uber requires photos of your car's exterior and interior, and some cities require an in-person inspection at a certified mechanic. Your car must have valid registration and current insurance in your name. If your vehicle is too old, has significant damage, or does not meet safety standards, Uber will not approve it for the platform.

Age verification on your Uber account

When you create an Uber account, you enter your date of birth. Uber uses this information to verify you are old enough to use the service. If you enter a birthdate that shows you are under 18, the app will not let you complete your profile or request a ride.

If you are a driver, Uber will cross-check your birthdate against your driver's license during the background check process. Providing false information about your age can result in your account being permanently banned from the platform.

What happens if you lie about your age

If you create an account with a false birthdate to get around the age requirement, Uber can detect this during verification. The company compares the birthdate on your account to the date on your government ID. If they do not match, your account will be suspended or permanently closed.

For drivers, the consequences are more serious. Lying about your age during the sign-up process is considered fraud. Uber will reject your process, and you may be blocked from reapplying. If you are caught driving for Uber while underage, you could also face legal liability if something goes wrong during a ride.

Uber for minors: alternatives and workarounds

If you are under 18 and need a ride, you have a few options. You can ask a parent or guardian to request the ride using their Uber account and add you as a passenger. Some parents set up accounts specifically to order rides for their children. This is not officially endorsed by Uber, but it is a common practice.

Another option is to use other ride-sharing services that may have different age policies, though most major platforms also require riders to be 18. Traditional taxi services, school transportation, or local transit may be available in your area and do not have the same age restrictions. You can also ask a friend or family member to drive you, or use public transportation if it is available where you live.

Regional differences in age requirements

While Uber's standard age requirement is 18 for riders and 21 for drivers, some regions have set different rules. A few cities have raised the minimum driver age to 25, and some have additional insurance or background check requirements that vary by location.

If you are planning to drive for Uber, contact your city's transportation department or taxi commission to find out what rules explore in your area. Rules can change, and local regulations sometimes differ from Uber's own policies. It is your responsibility to follow both Uber's requirements and any local laws that govern ride-sharing in your city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parents request an Uber ride for me if I am under 18?

Technically, Uber's terms do not allow this, but many parents do request rides using their own accounts for their children. If you do this, make sure the driver knows a minor will be in the vehicle. Uber does not officially support this practice, so there is no may provide of protection if something goes wrong.

Do I need to show ID to the Uber driver?

Drivers cannot see your age on the app, but they can see your name and photo. If a driver suspects you are underage, they may ask to see ID before starting the ride. If you cannot prove you are 18, the driver can cancel the ride.

What if I turn 18 soon — can I create an account now?

No. Uber will not let you create an account until you are actually 18 years old. The app checks your birthdate against the current date, so you have to wait until your birthday to sign up.

Are there any ride-sharing services for people under 18?

Most major ride-sharing platforms require riders to be 18. Some cities have school transportation programs or youth shuttle services that serve minors. Check with your school or local transit authority to see what options are available in your area.

If I drive for Uber at 21, can I drive for UberX or only UberEats?

At 21, you can drive for UberX, which is Uber's standard ride-sharing service. You can also deliver food with UberEats. Some Uber services may have different age requirements, so check the specific service you want to drive for when you sign up.