What you need before you can drive for Uber
Uber requires you to meet several conditions before the company will set up your account. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, own or have regular access to a car that meets Uber's standards, and carry auto insurance that covers commercial driving. You also need a Social Security number, a bank account for deposits, and a phone with the Uber Driver app installed.
The car itself has specific requirements. It must be a four-door sedan, SUV, or minivan (not a two-door coupe or convertible). The vehicle cannot be older than a certain year — this varies by city, but typically ranges from 10 to 15 years old depending on your location. Uber checks the vehicle's title and registration to confirm you own it or are authorized to use it, and the car must pass a vehicle inspection at an approved inspection center.
Insurance is non-negotiable. Your personal auto insurance policy almost certainly does not cover commercial driving. You will need either a commercial auto insurance policy or a rideshare insurance endorsement added to your existing policy. Some insurance companies offer rideshare coverage as an add-on; others require a separate policy. Contact your current insurer first to ask what they offer, because switching companies can be cheaper than you expect.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, a four-door vehicle that meets age and condition standards, and commercial auto insurance before Uber will let you drive.
- Uber conducts a background check that includes your driving record and criminal history, and the standards vary slightly by state and city.
- The account setup process takes place entirely through the Uber Driver app and includes uploading documents, scheduling a vehicle inspection, and completing a phone verification call.
- Once your account is active, you can turn the app on and begin accepting ride requests in your city, with earnings deposited to your bank account weekly.
- Uber does not provide vehicle maintenance, fuel, or insurance — those are your responsibility as an independent contractor.
The background check and approval process
Uber runs a background check on every driver applicant. The check includes your driving record (looking for serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents), your criminal history, and your sex offender registry status. The exact standards vary by state and city. Some cities have stricter rules than others, and some violations that disqualify you in one place may not in another.
You will not know the outcome of your background check when ready. Uber typically completes the check within a few days, though it can take longer if there are records to verify. You will receive an email or in-app notification telling you whether you have been cleared to proceed. If you are not cleared, Uber will tell you why and may give you the option to appeal or reapply after a certain period.
During this time, you can also schedule your vehicle inspection. Uber partners with inspection centers in your area — the app will show you which ones are available and their hours. The inspection is a quick visual check to confirm the car is in safe condition, has no major damage, and matches the registration documents you provided. You pay a fee for the inspection, which varies by location but typically ranges from $20 to $50.
Step-by-step account setup in the Uber Driver app
read the Uber Driver app (not the regular Uber app) from your phone's app store. Open it and tap "Sign up to drive." Enter your phone number and create a password. Uber will send you a verification code by text — enter it to confirm your number.
Next, you will enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, email address, and Social Security number. Uber uses the Social Security number to verify your identity and set up tax reporting. You will then add your bank account details for weekly earnings deposits. Uber requires a U.S. bank account in your name.
Upload photos of your driver's license (front and back), vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The photos must be clear and fully visible — blurry or cut-off images will be rejected and you will have to resubmit. You will also upload a photo of yourself taken with your phone's camera. Uber uses facial recognition to verify this matches your driver's license photo.
Once documents are uploaded, you will schedule your vehicle inspection through the app. Choose a location and time that works for you. After you complete the inspection and pass your background check, Uber will send you a final notification that your account is active. This entire process typically takes one to two weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you submit documents and schedule your inspection.
What happens after your account is active
Once Uber confirms your account is ready, you can open the Uber Driver app and toggle it to "online." The app will show you your current location and the number of ride requests nearby. When someone requests a ride, you will see their pickup location, destination, and the fare estimate. You can accept or decline the request — there is no penalty for declining, though accepting most requests helps your rating.
Drive to the pickup location and wait for the passenger. The app shows you turn-by-turn directions and updates the passenger's location in real time. Once the passenger is in the car, the app locks in the route and begins the trip. At the end, the passenger can pay through the app (the default) or with cash. The app calculates your earnings and shows them when ready.
Your earnings are deposited to your bank account once per week, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on your location. Uber deducts its commission (which varies by city and service level, typically 25 to 30 percent) before the deposit hits your account. You are responsible for tracking your mileage, fuel costs, maintenance, and other expenses for tax purposes — Uber does not withhold taxes or provide a W-2 form because you are an independent contractor, not an employee.
Insurance, taxes, and ongoing costs
Your commercial auto insurance is an ongoing expense. Rideshare endorsements typically cost $10 to $30 per month added to your existing policy, while a standalone commercial policy can range from $50 to $150 per month depending on your driving record and location. You must maintain this coverage continuously — if your insurance lapses, Uber will deactivate your account.
You are responsible for all vehicle maintenance: oil changes, tire rotations, repairs, and inspections. Wear and tear from driving accumulates faster than with personal use, so budget for more frequent maintenance. Fuel is also your cost. Some drivers track their mileage and fuel expenses carefully to understand their true hourly earnings after all costs.
At tax time, you will owe self-employment tax on your Uber earnings. Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form in January showing your annual earnings. You will report this on Schedule C of your tax return and pay both income tax and self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare). Many drivers set aside 25 to 30 percent of their earnings to cover taxes, or make quarterly estimated tax payments. A tax professional or tax software can help you understand what you owe.
Ratings, deactivation, and account standing
Uber tracks your rating as a driver based on passenger feedback after each trip. Your rating appears in your driver profile and affects whether passengers will accept your ride requests. Ratings below 4.6 stars can result in reduced ride offers, and ratings below 4.5 may trigger a warning from Uber asking you to improve. Ratings below 4.0 can lead to deactivation.
Uber can also deactivate your account for other reasons: multiple complaints about safety or behavior, driving under the influence, vehicle accidents, insurance lapses, or violations of Uber's community guidelines. If your account is deactivated, you lose access to the app and cannot drive. Some deactivations are permanent; others may allow you to reapply after a waiting period if you address the underlying issue.
You can check your account status and rating anytime in the app. If you receive a warning or notice of concern, Uber will explain what happened and what you need to do. Responding promptly and taking the feedback seriously is the best way to maintain your account in good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved as an Uber driver?
The entire process typically takes one to two weeks from the moment you submit your process. This includes time for Uber to process your background check (usually a few days) and for you to schedule and complete your vehicle inspection. If there are delays in document verification or inspection availability in your area, it can take longer.
Can I drive for Uber with a rental car or a car I don't own?
Yes, but the car must be registered in your name or you must have written permission from the owner. If you use a rental car, the rental company's agreement must allow commercial use for rideshare. Many rental companies prohibit this, so check your rental agreement first. If you borrow a car from a friend or family member, you will need a notarized letter from the owner giving you permission to use it for Uber.
What if I have a minor traffic violation or accident on my driving record?
Minor violations like speeding tickets usually do not disqualify you, though Uber's standards vary by location. More serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents within the past three to five years typically do result in rejection. If you are unsure whether your record will be accepted, contact Uber support through the app before you complete your full process.
Do I have to drive full-time or can I drive whenever I want?
You can drive on your own schedule. There are no minimum hours or shift requirements. You can turn the app on and off whenever you choose. Some drivers use Uber as a side income source and drive a few hours per week; others drive full-time. Your earnings depend entirely on how many hours you drive and how many ride requests you accept.
What happens if I get into an accident while driving for Uber?
Report the accident to your insurance company when ready and to Uber through the app. Your commercial auto insurance should cover the damage and liability. Uber also provides contingent liability coverage in some situations, but your personal insurance is your primary coverage. Do not admit fault at the scene, and get the other driver's information and photos of the damage. Uber may deactivate your account temporarily while the accident is investigated.