What you need before you sign up

To create an Uber account, you need a smartphone with either iOS or Android, a valid email address or phone number, and a payment method. Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some cities, digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You must be at least 18 years old. If you plan to request rides, you also need to provide your real name and a valid address — Uber verifies both before your first ride.

read the Uber app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app is free. Once installed, you can start the account creation process directly in the app, though you can also sign up on Uber's website if you prefer to use a computer first.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a smartphone, valid email or phone number, and a payment method to create an account.
  • Uber verifies your name and address before you can request your first ride, which usually takes a few minutes.
  • You can add a profile photo, emergency contact, and multiple payment methods after your account is active.
  • If you have trouble verifying your identity, Uber's support team can walk you through the process or ask for additional documents.

Step-by-step account creation

Open the Uber app and tap "Sign Up." You will see two options: sign up with your email address or with your phone number. Choose whichever you use most often — you will need to verify it by entering a code Uber sends you. If you use email, Uber will text you a code. If you use your phone number, Uber will text or call you a code.

Enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your ID. Uber compares this to your payment method and address during verification. Enter your date of birth and select your country. Then enter your home address — this is where Uber expects you to request rides from initially, though you can request from anywhere once your account is active.

Create a password that is at least 6 characters long. Tap "Next" and Uber will send you a verification code. Enter it in the app. Your account is now created, but you cannot request a ride yet — you must add a payment method first.

Adding payment and completing verification

Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the app, then tap "Wallet" or "Payment Methods." Tap "Add Payment Method" and enter your credit or debit card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. Uber will charge a small amount to your card — usually $1 to $2 — to verify the card works. This charge will be refunded within a few days, or credited toward your first ride.

Uber will now verify your identity. This usually happens automatically within a few minutes. You may see a screen asking you to confirm your name and address — just review what you entered and tap "Confirm." In some cases, Uber will ask you to take a photo of your ID. If this happens, use good lighting, make sure all four corners of your ID are visible, and take the photo straight-on, not at an angle.

Once verification is complete, you will see a green checkmark next to your name in the app. You can now request your first ride. If verification takes longer than expected or you see an error message, check your email — Uber may have sent you instructions on what to do next.

Setting up your profile and preferences

After your account is verified, you can add optional information that makes your rides smoother. Tap the menu icon, then tap your name at the top. You can add a profile photo by tapping the camera icon. This photo appears to drivers so they know who they are picking up.

Scroll down to "Emergency Contact" and add the name and phone number of someone Uber can reach if something goes wrong during a ride. You can also add a nickname or preferred name if you do not want to use your legal name on your profile.

In the "Payment Methods" section, you can add multiple cards or wallets. This is useful if you want to separate personal rides from work rides, or if one card is about to expire. You can choose which payment method to use for each ride before you request it.

Requesting your first ride

Open the Uber app and allow it to access your location. The app will show you a map with your current location and nearby available drivers. At the bottom of the screen, you will see a text box that says "Where to?" Tap it and enter your destination address or the name of a place — a restaurant, office building, or street intersection all work.

The app will show you the estimated fare and the time until a driver arrives. You will see different ride options: UberX (standard cars), Uber Comfort (newer cars with more space), or Uber XL (larger vehicles for groups). Select the option you want. Tap "Request" and Uber will send your ride request to nearby drivers.

Once a driver accepts, you will see their name, photo, car make and model, and license plate. You can watch their location on the map as they drive toward you. When they arrive, look for the car and license plate, then get in. The driver will confirm your destination, and the ride begins.

What happens if verification fails or takes too long

If Uber cannot verify your identity automatically, you will see a message in the app explaining what went wrong. Common reasons include a mismatch between your name on your ID and your name in the app, an address that does not match your payment method, or a photo of your ID that is blurry or incomplete.

If you see an error, check that your name, date of birth, and address are spelled exactly as they appear on your ID and your payment method. If they match and the problem persists, tap "Help" in the app and select "Account and Profile." Uber's support team can review your information and tell you what to fix. In some cases, they may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or a utility bill to confirm your address.

While you wait for verification, you cannot request rides, but your account is still active. You can update your profile, add payment methods, and contact support. Verification usually completes within 24 hours, though it can take longer if Uber needs additional documents from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Uber without a smartphone?

No, Uber requires a smartphone app to request rides. You cannot hail an Uber from a computer or by phone. However, you can create your account on Uber's website using a computer, then read the app to your phone to start requesting rides.

What if I do not have a credit card?

Uber accepts debit cards as well as credit cards. In some cities, you can also pay with digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal. Check the "Payment Methods" section of your app to see which options are available in your area.

Do I have to use my real name on my Uber account?

Yes, Uber verifies your legal name against your ID and payment method. However, you can add a nickname or preferred name to your profile that drivers will see instead. Your legal name stays in your account for verification purposes.

How long does it take to get verified?

Most accounts are verified within a few minutes to a few hours. In some cases, verification can take up to 24 hours if Uber needs to review your documents manually. You will receive an email or notification in the app when verification is complete.

What if I forget my password?

Tap "Log In" on the Uber app, then tap "Trouble logging in?" Enter your email address or phone number, and Uber will send you a link to reset your password. Follow the link and create a new password. You can then log back into your account.