What you need before you start

Uber requires you to meet several conditions before you can drive. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, own or have regular access to a may have access to vehicle, and have proof of car insurance. You also need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number where Uber can reach you. Some of these requirements vary by location — a few cities have higher age minimums, and insurance requirements differ between states.

Your vehicle must be registered in your name or in the name of someone who lives with you. The car needs to pass a vehicle inspection that checks for safety issues, mechanical problems, and outstanding recalls. Uber's inspection requirements change based on your state and local regulations, so the specific standards depend on where you plan to drive.

You will also need to pass a background check. Uber runs a check through a third-party company that looks at your driving record and criminal history. The exact standards Uber uses are not public, but they typically disqualify drivers with recent serious violations, DUI convictions, or felonies. You can request your own background report before you explore to see what Uber will see.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, own a may have access to vehicle, and carry car insurance before you can start the process.
  • The process process happens entirely online through the Uber Driver app, and you upload documents directly rather than visiting an office.
  • Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection, which can be done at certain service stations or through Uber's partner inspection network depending on your location.
  • Background checks and document verification can take one to two weeks, and Uber will contact you by email if additional information is needed.
  • Once approved, you can turn on the driver app and begin accepting rides, though some cities require additional permits or licenses that you obtain separately.

Creating your Uber driver account

read the Uber Driver app on your phone — this is different from the regular Uber app that passengers use. Open the app and tap "Sign up to drive." You will enter your email address and create a password, or you can sign up using your Google or Apple account. Uber will send a verification code to your email; enter that code to confirm your email address is real.

Next, you enter your phone number and verify it the same way — Uber texts you a code. Then you provide your first and last name, date of birth, and address. This information must match your driver's license exactly. If your name on your license is different from what you normally go by, use the name on the license.

You will also enter your Social Security number at this stage. Uber uses this to run your background check and to report your income to the IRS. Do not skip this step or use a different number — Uber will not process your process without it.

Uploading documents and passing the background check

After you create your account, the app will ask you to upload several documents. You need a photo of the front and back of your driver's license, a photo of your vehicle's registration, and proof of insurance. Take these photos in good lighting so all text is readable. The app will guide you through each upload and tell you if the image is too blurry or cut off.

You also need to upload a profile photo of yourself — a clear headshot taken against a plain background. Uber uses this to verify your identity matches your license photo. Wear normal clothing and look directly at the camera. Do not use a photo with sunglasses, a hat, or heavy filters.

Once you upload these documents, Uber sends them to a verification company that checks they are real and match your information. This process usually takes a few days. Uber will email you if any document is rejected or unclear and ask you to resubmit it. If you do not hear back within a week, check your spam folder or log into the app to see if there is a message asking for more information.

Your background check runs at the same time. Uber uses a company called Checkr to pull your driving record and criminal history. The check takes about one to two weeks. You will receive an email when it is complete. If Uber approves you, you move to the next step. If you are denied, the email will explain the reason — usually a serious traffic violation, DUI, or felony conviction.

Getting your vehicle inspected

Before you can drive, your car must pass a safety inspection. Uber partners with inspection stations in most areas — you can find the nearest one in the driver app by going to your vehicle information and selecting "Schedule inspection." The app shows you available times and locations.

At the inspection, a technician checks that your car has working brakes, lights, wipers, seat belts, and airbags. They look for rust, dents, or damage that affects safety. They also run a check on your vehicle identification number (VIN) to make sure there are no open recalls. The inspection usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs between $20 and $50 depending on your location.

Some states allow you to use a regular mechanic or inspection station instead of Uber's partners. Check the app to see what your location accepts. If you use an independent inspector, you will need to upload a photo of the inspection report to the app.

If your car fails inspection, the report will tell you what needs to be fixed. You can have the repairs done and schedule another inspection. There is usually no additional fee for a recheck.

Completing city-specific requirements

Some cities require Uber drivers to obtain a local permit or license before they can drive. This is separate from Uber's approval and happens outside the app. You will need to check your city's transportation department or taxi and limousine commission website to see if your area has this requirement.

Cities that require permits usually ask you to submit an process, pay a fee (which varies widely), and sometimes pass a local background check or knowledge test. The process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Uber's app will tell you if your city has this requirement, and you can usually find a link to the local agency's website.

A few cities also require you to carry commercial insurance instead of regular personal auto insurance. Your insurance company can add a commercial rider to your policy, or you can switch to a commercial policy. This is different from Uber's own insurance, which covers you while you are driving with a passenger but not while you are waiting for rides.

Turning on the driver app and your first ride

Once Uber approves your background check, vehicle inspection, and any local requirements, you will receive an email saying you are ready to drive. Log into the driver app and go to your profile. You should see a button that says "Go Online" or "Start Driving." Tap it to turn on the app.

When the app is on, it shows your location on Uber's map and you begin receiving ride requests from nearby passengers. You can see the passenger's pickup location, destination, and estimated fare before you accept. You choose which rides to accept and which to decline — there is no penalty for declining.

After you pick up a passenger, the app gives you turn-by-turn directions to their destination. When you arrive, the passenger pays through the app (you cannot ask for cash unless your local laws allow it). The fare is automatically deposited into your bank account, usually within one to three business days.

You can turn the app off anytime by tapping "Go Offline." You will not receive new ride requests, but any ride you have already accepted will complete normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the whole process take from start to approval?

The timeline depends on how quickly you upload documents and schedule your vehicle inspection. Background checks and document verification typically take one to two weeks. Vehicle inspections can usually be scheduled within a few days. If your city requires a local permit, add another one to four weeks. Most drivers are approved within two to four weeks total, but it can be faster or slower depending on your location and how quickly you complete each step.

What if I do not own a car — can I use someone else's?

Yes, but the vehicle must be registered in your name or in the name of someone who lives with you. If you use a family member's car, they can add you as a registered owner or co-owner on the registration. You will need to show proof of this on the registration document. The insurance must also cover you as a driver.

Can I drive for Uber if I have a bad driving record?

It depends on what is on your record. Uber typically disqualifies drivers with recent serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents within the last three to five years. Minor speeding tickets or one accident usually do not disqualify you. You can request your own background report from Checkr's website before you explore to see what Uber will see.

What happens if my vehicle fails inspection?

The inspection report will list what needs to be fixed. Common failures include broken lights, worn brakes, or expired registration. You can have a mechanic make the repairs and schedule another inspection. There is typically no additional fee for a recheck, and you can usually get back on the road within a week or two.

Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Uber?

Most states allow you to use personal auto insurance while driving for Uber, though Uber's own insurance covers you while you have a passenger in the car. A few cities require commercial insurance instead. Check your city's requirements or contact your insurance company to ask if your policy covers rideshare driving. Some personal policies do not, and you may need to add a rideshare endorsement or switch to a commercial policy.