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, hold a valid driver's license from your state, have proof of vehicle insurance, and own or have regular access to a car that meets Uber's standards. Your vehicle must be four doors, registered in your name or with permission from the registered owner, and pass a vehicle inspection.

You will also need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number. Uber will run a background check that includes your driving record and criminal history. The specific requirements for your background check vary by state and local law, but generally Uber looks for serious traffic violations, DUI convictions, and felonies within a set timeframe.

Your car's age matters. Most Uber vehicles must be 2011 or newer, though this varies by city and the type of Uber service you want to offer. Uber X, the basic service, has the most common age requirement. Uber Black and other premium services have stricter vehicle standards.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, a vehicle that meets Uber's age and condition standards, and a clean background check before you can drive.
  • The signup process happens entirely through the Uber Driver app and takes several days to several weeks depending on how quickly you submit documents and pass inspections.
  • Uber will ask for your Social Security number, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and inspection documents — have these ready before you begin.
  • Your vehicle must pass a third-party inspection that checks the condition of the interior, exterior, tires, lights, and safety features.
  • Once approved, you can turn the app on and start receiving ride requests in your area.

read the Uber Driver app and create your account

Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone and search for "Uber Driver." read the official Uber app made for drivers, not the regular Uber passenger app. Open it and tap the option to sign up as a driver.

Enter your email address and create a password. Uber will send you a confirmation link to your email — click it to verify your account. You will then be asked to enter your phone number. Uber sends a code to that number; enter the code to confirm it.

Next, you will enter your legal name, date of birth, and address. Make sure this information matches your driver's license exactly. Uber uses this to run your background check.

Submit your driver's license and vehicle information

The app will ask you to upload a photo of your driver's license — both the front and back. Take clear photos in good lighting. The text must be readable. If your license is expired or will expire soon, you will need to renew it before Uber approves you.

Next, enter your vehicle's information. You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration and on the driver's side of the windshield. You will also enter the year, make, and model. Uber checks this against its database to confirm your car meets the age and type requirements for your area.

If you do not own the car, you can still drive for Uber if the registered owner gives permission. Uber will ask for the owner's name and contact information. Some cities require additional paperwork from the owner.

Provide proof of insurance and registration

Upload a photo of your current auto insurance card. The photo must show your name, the vehicle information, and the policy dates. The insurance must be active on the date you submit it. Uber does not accept screenshots of insurance documents — it needs a photo of the physical card.

You will also upload a photo of your vehicle registration. This must match the vehicle information you entered earlier. If the registration shows a different owner than your name, Uber will ask for written permission from that owner.

Some states and cities require additional documents. Uber will tell you in the app if your location needs anything else, such as a commercial driver's license or a local business permit. Check the requirements for your specific city before you submit anything.

Schedule and pass your vehicle inspection

Once Uber receives your documents, it will direct you to schedule a vehicle inspection. This is done by a third-party inspection service, not by Uber directly. The app will show you inspection locations near you and available times. Book an appointment that works for your schedule.

At the inspection, a technician will check your vehicle's condition inside and out. They look at the tires, brakes, lights, windshield, mirrors, seatbelts, and doors. They check that the interior is clean and free of major damage. The inspection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You must be present with the vehicle.

If your vehicle fails inspection, you will be told what needs to be fixed. Common failures include worn tires, broken lights, or a cracked windshield. Once you fix the issues, you can schedule another inspection. There is usually a fee for each inspection attempt.

Complete your background check

Uber runs your background check using the information you provided during signup. This includes your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and a criminal history check. The process typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer depending on your state.

If Uber finds something on your record that concerns it, the app will notify you. You may be asked to explain a traffic violation or other incident. Respond to any requests from Uber promptly. If Uber denies you, the app will tell you why and whether you can reapply later.

You can check the status of your background check in the app under your account settings. Once it clears, you will receive a notification.

set up your account and start driving

Once your background check clears and your vehicle passes inspection, Uber will notify you that your account is approved. At this point, you can open the Uber Driver app, log in, and toggle the driver status to "online." You will then start receiving ride requests in your area.

Before you accept your first ride, make sure you understand Uber's driver policies. The app has a section on driver expectations, safety rules, and how ratings work. Uber rates drivers based on passenger feedback, so maintaining a high rating is important for staying active on the platform.

You can turn the app on and off whenever you want. You are not required to drive at any particular time. However, Uber's algorithm favors drivers who are online during busy times, so you may receive more requests during peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire signup process take?

The timeline depends on how quickly you submit documents and schedule your inspection. Most drivers complete the process in one to three weeks. Background checks typically take three to five business days. Vehicle inspections can be scheduled within days of approval. Delays usually happen when documents are unclear or when inspection appointments are booked far in advance.

What happens if I fail the background check?

Uber will tell you the reason for the denial in the app. Some disqualifying factors are permanent, while others may allow you to reapply after a certain period. For example, a DUI conviction may disqualify you for several years depending on your state. You can contact Uber support through the app to ask about your specific situation.

Can I use a rental car or a car I borrowed?

You can drive a rental car if the rental agreement allows it and the car meets Uber's standards. You will need to provide proof that you have permission to use the vehicle. A borrowed car works the same way — the owner must give written permission, and their name will appear on the registration documents you submit.

What if my vehicle is slightly older than Uber's requirement?

Vehicle age requirements vary by city and service type. Some cities allow vehicles one or two years older than the standard requirement. Check the requirements for your specific location in the app before you submit your vehicle information. If your car does not meet the requirement, you cannot drive for that service level in your area.

Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Uber?

Uber provides insurance coverage while you are actively on a trip, but your personal auto insurance must be valid and active. Some insurance companies exclude ride-sharing from personal policies. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your policy covers driving for Uber, or ask about adding a ride-sharing endorsement.