What you need before you explore to drive for Uber
Uber requires you to meet several conditions before you can start driving. 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 insurance that covers commercial rideshare driving. You also need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a bank account for deposits.
The vehicle requirements depend on where you live. Most cities require a car that is at least 2010 or newer, though some markets accept older vehicles. Your car must pass a vehicle inspection, which Uber arranges through a third-party inspector. The inspection checks that your car is safe, has no major damage, and meets local regulations. You cannot use a vehicle with more than a certain number of miles — this varies by city, but typically ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
Insurance is critical. Your personal auto insurance almost certainly does not cover rideshare work. You will need commercial rideshare insurance, which you can purchase through Uber's insurance partners or your own insurance company. Some drivers purchase this before explore; others wait until after approval. Either way, you cannot drive passengers without it.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license, a may have access to vehicle from 2010 or newer, and proof of commercial rideshare insurance before you can drive.
- The process process includes a background check, vehicle inspection, and document verification, which typically takes one to two weeks.
- You will need to upload your driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and proof of address during the process.
- Your vehicle must pass an inspection through Uber's third-party inspectors, which you can schedule after your initial documents are approved.
- Once approved, you set up the Uber Driver app, set your availability, and can begin accepting rides when ready.
The process process and what documents you need
Start by going to Uber's driver sign-up page on their website or downloading the Uber Driver app. You will enter your email address, phone number, and create a password. Uber will send you a verification code to confirm your phone number.
Next, you upload documents. Uber requires a photo of your driver's license (front and back), your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and proof of your address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Make sure all documents are clear, fully visible, and not expired. Blurry or partially cut-off photos will be rejected and you will have to resubmit.
Uber also runs a background check during this stage. The company uses a third-party screening service to review your driving history and criminal record. You will be asked to consent to this check as part of the process. The background check typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if there are issues that need clarification.
The vehicle inspection: what happens and how to schedule it
After your documents are approved, Uber will notify you that you can schedule a vehicle inspection. This is a required step and you cannot drive without passing it. The inspection is performed by a third-party company that Uber contracts with, not by Uber itself.
During the inspection, the inspector checks that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. They look at the exterior for major damage, dents, or rust that affects safety. They inspect the interior for cleanliness and damage. They test the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn. They verify that your vehicle identification number (VIN) matches your registration. The entire inspection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
You schedule the inspection through the Uber Driver app once you receive the notification. Uber shows you available inspection locations and times in your area. You drive your vehicle to the location and the inspector meets you there. You must bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. If your vehicle fails inspection, Uber will tell you what needs to be fixed and you can reschedule after repairs are complete.
Background check details and what can disqualify you
Uber's background check looks at your driving record and criminal history. The company has specific rules about what will disqualify you. You cannot drive if you have a DUI or DWI conviction within the past seven years, a reckless driving conviction within the past three years, or more than three moving violations in the past three years. You also cannot drive if you have a felony conviction within the past seven years, with some exceptions for certain types of felonies depending on your state.
Uber also checks for sex offender registry status and will disqualify you if you appear on any state or national sex offender registry. The company reviews your entire driving history, not just recent violations. If you have questions about whether something in your background will disqualify you, you can contact Uber's support team before explore, though they cannot make a final information until they run the full check.
If your background check comes back with issues, Uber will send you a notice explaining why you were not approved. You have the right to dispute the information if you believe it is inaccurate. Uber provides instructions for how to request a review or correction through the background check company.
Setting up your payment account and insurance
Once you pass the background check and vehicle inspection, Uber will ask you to set up your payment account. You provide your bank account information so Uber can deposit your earnings. Uber transfers money to your account weekly, typically on Monday or Tuesday, depending on your location. You can also cash out your earnings daily through the app, though there is usually a small fee for this service.
At this stage, you also confirm your insurance. If you have not already purchased commercial rideshare insurance, you need to do so before you can turn on the app and accept rides. Uber's insurance partners include companies like Allstate, Geico, and State Farm, though availability varies by state. You can also purchase insurance through your existing insurance company if they offer rideshare coverage. Keep your insurance documents handy — you may need to upload proof again or provide it to Uber if requested.
Activating your driver account and taking your first ride
After all approvals are complete, you will receive a notification that your account is active. Open the Uber Driver app and log in with your email and password. The app will show you a map of your area with a toggle to go online or offline. When you turn the toggle on, you become available to receive ride requests from passengers in your area.
Before you go online for the first time, familiarize yourself with the app. The app shows you incoming ride requests with the passenger's pickup location and destination. You can accept or decline each request. Once you accept, the app gives you turn-by-turn directions to the pickup location. You drive to the passenger, they get in your car, and the app tracks the route and calculates the fare. When you reach the destination, the passenger exits and the ride ends in the app.
You set your own hours. You can go online whenever you want and offline whenever you want. There is no minimum number of hours you must work. However, Uber does track your acceptance rate — the percentage of ride requests you accept versus decline. If your acceptance rate drops too low, Uber may deactivate your account, though the exact threshold varies by city.
Common issues that slow down approval
The most frequent reason for delays is unclear or incomplete documents. If your photo of your driver's license is blurry, cut off at the edges, or shows glare from a camera flash, Uber will reject it and ask you to resubmit. The same applies to insurance documents and vehicle registration. Take photos in good lighting, make sure all four corners of the document are visible, and avoid shadows or reflections.
Background check delays usually happen when there is a discrepancy between the name on your driver's license and the name on your Social Security record, or when your address has recently changed. Uber may ask you to provide additional documentation to verify your identity. Respond to these requests as quickly as possible — the longer you wait, the longer your approval takes.
Vehicle inspection failures most often occur because of minor issues like a broken taillight, worn wiper blades, or a check engine light that is on. These are usually quick and inexpensive to fix. Schedule your repair, get it done, and reschedule the inspection. Some drivers also fail inspection because their vehicle is too dirty inside. A thorough cleaning can resolve this.
What to expect for earnings and next steps
Your earnings depend on how many rides you accept, how long each ride is, and the demand in your area. Uber calculates fares based on distance and time, then takes a percentage as commission. The commission rate varies by city and can range from 20 to 30 percent. You keep the rest, plus tips that passengers add through the app or in cash.
Uber does not may provide a minimum hourly rate or a minimum number of rides. Your income is variable and depends entirely on how much you drive and local demand. During peak hours — typically early morning, evening rush hour, and late night — fares are higher because demand is higher. During slow periods, fares are lower.
After your first few rides, you will develop a sense of when and where to drive to maximize earnings. Many drivers use the app's heat map feature, which shows areas with high demand in real time. You can also read driver forums and local driver groups to learn which times and locations are most profitable in your city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire approval process take?
Most drivers are approved within one to two weeks from the time they submit their process. This includes the background check, document review, and vehicle inspection. However, if there are issues with your documents or background check, approval can take longer. Some drivers wait three to four weeks if they need to resubmit documents or fix vehicle inspection failures.
Can I drive for Uber while my process is being reviewed?
No. You cannot turn on the driver app or accept rides until your account is fully approved. This includes passing the background check and vehicle inspection. Uber will notify you by email and through the app when you are approved and can start driving.
What if I do not own a car — can I still drive for Uber?
Yes. Uber has a program called Uber Car Rental that allows you to rent a vehicle through Uber's partners. The rental cost is deducted from your earnings weekly. However, you must still meet all other requirements, including passing the background check and vehicle inspection. Rental rates and availability vary by city.
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?
No. A regular personal driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial driver's license, taxi license, or any other special license to drive for Uber in most states. However, some cities have local regulations that may require additional permits or licenses — check with your city or county before you explore.
What happens if I get into an accident while driving for Uber?
Report the accident to Uber through the app when ready. Uber has insurance that covers accidents that occur while you are actively on a ride or driving to pick up a passenger. You should also report the accident to your personal insurance company and file a police report if there are injuries or significant damage. Uber will guide you through the claims process.