Uber has different age rules depending on whether you want to drive or ride
If you want to drive for Uber, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. If you want to ride as a passenger, there is no official minimum age set by Uber itself — but the account holder (the person who books and pays) must be at least 18. A younger passenger can ride if an adult books the trip and is present in the vehicle, though policies vary by location and Uber product.
The rules also depend on which Uber service you use. Uber X (standard rides) has different requirements than Uber Eats (food delivery) or Uber Freight (commercial trucking). This guide covers the age rules for each and what documents you will need to verify your age.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that passes Uber's inspection.
- Riders do not have a minimum age, but the person who creates and pays for the account must be 18 or older.
- Uber Eats delivery workers must be at least 18 in most states, though some states allow 16- and 17-year-olds with parental consent.
- Uber will ask for a government-issued ID during the signup process to confirm your age and identity.
- Age requirements can differ by country and region, so check Uber's local rules for your area before signing up.
Age requirements to become an Uber driver
You must be at least 18 years old to drive for Uber in the United States. Uber will verify your age using a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will upload a photo of this document during the signup process, and Uber's system will check that the ID is valid and matches your name and birthdate.
Beyond age, Uber also requires that you have held your driver's license for at least one year (in some cities, this requirement is longer). Your driving record will be checked for serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents. Insurance requirements vary by state, but you will need proof of active auto insurance that covers rideshare driving.
If you are under 18, you cannot drive for Uber, even if you have a valid driver's license in your state. Some states allow 16- and 17-year-olds to hold a license, but Uber's policy is uniform across the country and does not make exceptions.
Age requirements to ride as a passenger
Uber does not set a minimum age for passengers. However, the person who creates the Uber account and requests the ride must be at least 18 years old. This means a parent or guardian can book a ride for a child, and the child can travel in the vehicle as long as an adult is present.
In practice, many drivers will not accept rides where they suspect an unaccompanied minor is traveling. If you are under 18 and want to use Uber without an adult, you may have difficulty finding a driver willing to complete the trip. Some cities have local laws that prohibit minors from riding alone in rideshare vehicles, so the rules depend on where you live.
If you are a teenager and want your own Uber account, you will need to wait until you turn 18. Until then, ask a parent or guardian to book rides for you.
Uber Eats delivery worker age rules
To deliver food for Uber Eats, you must be at least 18 years old in most states. However, some states allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work as delivery workers if they have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. The rules depend on state labor laws, not just Uber's policy.
If you are 16 or 17 and interested in delivering for Uber Eats, check your state's labor department website to see whether minors can work in delivery roles. States that allow it typically require parental consent and may restrict the hours you can work (for example, no late-night deliveries on school nights). Uber will ask for proof of parental consent during signup if your state permits it.
Delivering for Uber Eats also requires you to have a valid form of transportation — a bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, or car — and proof of insurance if you use a motor vehicle. Age verification happens the same way as for drivers: Uber will ask for a government-issued ID.
How Uber verifies your age during signup
When you create an Uber account, you will be asked to enter your birthdate. Uber does not stop you from entering a false date at this stage — the real verification happens when you upload your ID. You will take a photo of the front and back of a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and submit it through the app.
Uber uses automated systems to read the ID and extract your birthdate, name, and ID number. The system checks that the ID is valid and has not expired. If the photo is blurry, cut off, or does not match your account information, Uber will ask you to resubmit. This process usually takes a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours if Uber needs to review your documents manually.
If Uber suspects you have submitted a fake ID or falsified your age, your account will be suspended or permanently closed. Lying about your age can also result in legal consequences depending on your location and the service you were trying to use.
Age rules for Uber in other countries
Age requirements for Uber vary by country and are set by local laws as well as Uber's own policies. In the United Kingdom, for example, drivers must be at least 21 years old. In Canada, the minimum age is 18, the same as the United States. In Australia, drivers must be at least 21.
If you plan to drive or use Uber while traveling internationally, check the local requirements for that country before signing up. You can find this information on Uber's website by selecting your country or region. Some countries also have different rules for different Uber services — for instance, Uber Eats delivery may have a lower minimum age than Uber X driving.
What happens if you lie about your age on Uber
If you submit a false ID or falsify your birthdate, Uber will detect it during the verification process. Automated ID-reading systems are designed to catch mismatches between the ID and your account information. If the system flags a discrepancy, Uber will ask you to resubmit your documents or will close your account.
Repeated attempts to use a fake ID can result in a permanent ban from Uber. You will not be able to create a new account using the same phone number, email, or payment method. In some cases, submitting fraudulent documents to a company can have legal consequences beyond account closure, depending on your location and local laws.
If you are under 18 and want to use Uber, the legitimate option is to have a parent or guardian create an account and book rides for you. This is legal and does not violate Uber's terms of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 16-year-old drive for Uber?
No. Uber requires all drivers to be at least 18 years old, regardless of whether your state allows 16-year-olds to hold a driver's license. This is a company-wide policy with no exceptions.
Can my 14-year-old ride Uber alone?
Not officially. The account holder must be 18, and many drivers will refuse to transport unaccompanied minors. Your best option is to have a parent or guardian book the ride and travel with your child, or to book the ride yourself once you turn 18.
Do I need to show my ID every time I ride Uber?
No. You only verify your ID once during account setup. Drivers do not routinely ask to see ID from passengers. However, a driver may ask to confirm your identity if something seems suspicious about the booking.
What if my state allows 16-year-olds to deliver for Uber Eats?
If your state permits it, you can deliver for Uber Eats at 16 with written parental consent. You will need to provide proof of consent during signup, and your state's labor laws may restrict your working hours. Check your state labor department's website to confirm the rules in your area.
Can I use someone else's ID to verify my Uber account?
No. Uber's terms of service require that the ID you submit matches the name and birthdate on your account. Using someone else's ID is fraud and will result in account closure and a permanent ban.