What you need before you can drive for Uber
To drive for Uber, you must meet Uber's baseline requirements, then pass a background check and vehicle inspection. The process takes roughly one to two weeks from start to approval, though it varies by location and how quickly you submit documents.
You need to be at least 21 years old (some cities require 23 or older), hold a valid driver's license, have proof of car insurance, and own or have regular access to a vehicle that meets Uber's standards. You also need a Social Security number, a bank account for deposits, and a phone with data service to run the Uber app.
Uber runs a background check through a third-party screening company. The check looks at your driving record and criminal history. Specific disqualifying offenses vary by state and city, but generally include serious felonies, violent crimes, and certain traffic violations within the past seven years. You can contact Uber's support team to ask whether your specific record will disqualify you before you submit documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 21 (sometimes 23), have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that passes Uber's inspection before you can start driving.
- Uber runs a background check through a third-party company and reviews your driving record; disqualifying offenses vary by location but typically include serious felonies and certain traffic violations from the past seven years.
- The approval process usually takes one to two weeks, but you can contact Uber support before submitting documents to ask whether your background will disqualify you.
- Once approved, you set your own schedule and accept rides through the Uber app; Uber takes a percentage of each fare, and you are responsible for gas, maintenance, and vehicle insurance.
Documents and information Uber will ask for
When you start the signup process in the Uber app, you will upload or photograph several documents. Have these ready before you begin: your driver's license, proof of car insurance (a photo of your insurance card or a digital copy from your insurer), vehicle registration, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the past three months).
You will also provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) from your car's registration or dashboard. Uber uses the VIN to check the vehicle's age, title status, and accident history through a third-party database.
If you have moved recently or your insurance or registration is expiring soon, update those documents first. Uber will reject applications with expired insurance or registration, and you will have to resubmit once you renew.
Vehicle requirements and inspection
Your vehicle must be at least four model years old (in some cities, five years old), have four doors, and pass a safety inspection. Uber does not own or inspect the vehicle itself; instead, you take your car to an inspection partner in your area. Uber's app will show you approved inspection locations near you once you reach that step in signup.
The inspection checks that your car has working brakes, lights, wipers, and seat belts, and that there is no major damage to the frame or body. The inspection typically costs between $20 and $50 depending on your location. Some inspection partners offer same-day service; others may take a few days.
If your vehicle fails inspection, the inspection partner will tell you what needs to be fixed. Once you repair the issues, you can schedule another inspection at the same location. You cannot start driving until you pass.
The background check process
Uber contracts with a background screening company (the company varies by state) to run your check. The company will pull your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and search for criminal records in the counties and states where you have lived.
The background check typically takes three to five business days. You will receive an email when it is complete. If you are approved, you will see a notification in the Uber app. If Uber finds something that concerns them, they will contact you to ask for more information before making a final decision.
You have the right to see what the background screening company found about you. If you want to review your report before Uber makes a decision, you can contact the screening company directly (Uber will provide the contact information). This can help you correct errors or provide context for something on your record.
Activating your account and your first ride
Once you pass the background check and vehicle inspection, your account will be activated. You will receive a confirmation in the Uber app, and you can then turn on the driver toggle to start receiving ride requests.
Before you accept your first ride, make sure the Uber app is updated to the latest version and that you have tested the GPS, microphone, and speaker on your phone. You should also have a phone mount or holder so you can see the app while driving safely.
When a ride request comes in, you will see the passenger's pickup location, destination, and estimated fare. You can accept or decline the request. Once you accept, the app shows you turn-by-turn directions to the pickup location. The passenger will see your car's location in real time.
How earnings work and what you pay for
Uber calculates your fare based on distance and time, then takes a percentage (usually between 20 and 30 percent, though this varies by city and promotion). The remainder goes to you. You see the breakdown in the app after each ride: the base fare, distance charge, time charge, any surge pricing, and Uber's cut.
You are responsible for all vehicle costs: gas, maintenance, oil changes, tire replacements, and repairs. You are also responsible for your own car insurance; your personal auto insurance must cover commercial use, or you need to purchase a commercial or rideshare insurance policy. Uber offers optional insurance that covers you while you are driving a passenger, but it does not cover your vehicle's maintenance or fuel.
You can track your earnings in the Uber app. Money is deposited into your bank account once a week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. Uber does not withhold taxes, so you are responsible for setting aside money for federal and self-employment taxes. Many drivers set aside 25 to 30 percent of their earnings for taxes.
Setting your schedule and managing your account
You control when you drive. You can turn the driver toggle on and off in the app whenever you want. There is no minimum number of hours you must work per week, and you can pause or stop driving at any time.
Uber tracks your acceptance rate (the percentage of requests you accept) and your cancellation rate (the percentage you cancel after accepting). If your acceptance rate drops below 80 percent or your cancellation rate rises above 20 percent, Uber may deactivate your account. You can see both rates in the app under your ratings.
You also have a passenger rating based on feedback from riders. If your rating drops below 4.6 stars (the threshold varies slightly by city), Uber may deactivate you. You can improve your rating by keeping your car clean, being friendly, and following traffic laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire signup process take?
From the moment you start the app signup to your first ride usually takes one to two weeks. The background check takes three to five business days, and the vehicle inspection can be scheduled within a few days in most cities. Delays usually happen if documents are missing or if your vehicle fails inspection and needs repairs.
What if I have a traffic ticket or accident on my record?
Minor traffic violations like speeding tickets usually do not disqualify you. Serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents within the past seven years may. Contact Uber support with details about your record before you submit your process; they can tell you whether it will disqualify you.
Can I drive for Uber and another rideshare company at the same time?
Yes. Many drivers work for multiple platforms. You will need to complete signup and background checks for each company separately, and each has its own vehicle and insurance requirements. Make sure your insurance covers commercial use for all platforms you drive for.
What happens if my vehicle fails inspection?
The inspection partner will tell you what needs to be fixed. You then repair those issues and schedule another inspection. You cannot drive until you pass. If repairs are expensive, you may decide it is not worth continuing; you can withdraw your process at any time.
Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Uber?
Your personal auto insurance must cover rideshare use, or you need to purchase a rideshare or commercial policy. Standard personal auto insurance typically does not cover commercial use. Check your policy or contact your insurer before you start driving. Uber offers optional insurance that covers liability while you have a passenger, but it does not cover your vehicle's damage or maintenance.