What You Need Before You Start

Uber requires you to submit documents and information before you can drive. The process takes place entirely through the Uber app or website — there is no paper process or in-person office visit. You will need a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID. Uber also runs a background check, which means you will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current address.

Your vehicle must meet Uber's requirements: it must be at least four doors, registered in your name or with written permission from the registered owner, and pass a vehicle inspection. The inspection happens at a third-party location, not at Uber. You will pay a fee for the inspection, which varies by location but typically ranges from $20 to $50.

Before you begin, check whether you meet Uber's basic requirements: you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license for at least one year, and have no serious driving violations or criminal convictions on your record. Uber's background check looks back seven years for most offenses.

Key Takeaways

  • You submit your process through the Uber app or website, and the entire process is digital except for the vehicle inspection.
  • You will need a driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID before you start.
  • Your vehicle must be inspected at a third-party location, and you pay the inspection fee yourself.
  • Uber runs a background check that looks back seven years, and you will not be able to drive if you have serious violations or felony convictions.
  • The time from submission to approval typically takes one to two weeks, but can take longer if documents are missing or the background check is delayed.

Step-by-Step process Process

Start by downloading the Uber Driver app or visiting the Uber website and selecting the option to become a driver. You will create an account with your email address and phone number. Uber will send you a verification code to confirm your phone number — you must enter this code to proceed.

Next, you will enter your personal information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number or tax ID, and current address. This information is used for the background check and tax reporting. Make sure the name and date of birth match your driver's license exactly, or the background check may fail.

You will then upload photos of your documents. Take clear photos of both sides of your driver's license, both sides of your vehicle registration, and your proof of insurance. The photos must show all text clearly — blurry or cut-off images will be rejected and you will have to resubmit. Insurance must be active and cover commercial driving (standard personal auto insurance may not cover Uber).

After you submit your documents, Uber reviews them. If anything is missing or unclear, you will receive an email asking you to resubmit. Once documents are approved, you will receive an invitation to schedule your vehicle inspection at a nearby inspection center. You choose the date and time through the app.

Vehicle Inspection and Requirements

Your vehicle must pass an inspection at a third-party inspection center. The inspection checks that your car matches the registration documents you submitted, that it has no major damage, and that all lights, wipers, and safety features work. The inspector will take photos of the exterior and interior.

Your vehicle must be at least four doors. Uber does not accept two-door cars, convertibles, or vehicles with missing doors. The car must be registered in your name, or you must provide a notarized letter from the registered owner giving you permission to use it for Uber. Some states require additional paperwork if the vehicle is not in your name.

The vehicle cannot have more than a certain number of miles, which varies by model year and location. In most markets, vehicles must be 15 model years old or newer, though some cities allow older cars. Check Uber's requirements for your specific city before you schedule the inspection, because if your car does not meet the age or mileage requirement, the inspection will fail and you will not be refunded the inspection fee.

Background Check and Approval Timeline

Uber uses a third-party background check company to review your driving history and criminal record. The check looks back seven years for most violations and ten years for some serious offenses. You cannot see the results of the background check yourself — Uber will tell you whether you passed or failed.

The background check typically takes three to five business days, but can take longer if there are delays with the court system or if your name is common and the company needs to verify which record is yours. During this time, you can still use the app, but you will not be able to go online and accept rides.

Once your documents are approved, your vehicle passes inspection, and your background check clears, Uber will send you a notification that you are approved to drive. This usually happens one to two weeks after you submit your process, though it can take longer if any step is delayed. You will then be able to go online in the app and start accepting rides.

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Rejected

The most common reason for delay is unclear or missing documents. If your driver's license photo is blurry, your insurance document does not show your name clearly, or your vehicle registration is cut off in the photo, Uber will ask you to resubmit. Take photos in good lighting and make sure all four corners of the document are visible.

Insurance issues also cause delays. Your insurance must explicitly cover commercial driving or rideshare. If your policy says "personal use only," Uber will reject it. Contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rideshare driving, or whether you need to add a rideshare endorsement. Some insurance companies offer this for a small additional fee.

Vehicle problems can cause rejection at inspection. If your car has a check engine light, a broken taillight, or damage to the frame, it will fail inspection. If the vehicle is older than Uber allows in your city, or if it has too many miles, you will not be able to proceed. Make sure your vehicle meets the age and mileage requirements before you schedule the inspection.

Background check issues are less common but more serious. If you have a felony conviction, a DUI within the past seven years, or multiple traffic violations, you may be rejected. Uber's standards vary slightly by city, so rejection in one city does not mean you cannot drive in another, but most cities follow similar rules.

What Happens After You Are Approved

Once you are approved, you can open the Uber Driver app and go online to start accepting rides. Your first ride may take a few minutes to come through, or it may take longer depending on demand in your area. You set your own schedule — you can go online whenever you want and go offline whenever you want.

Uber will send you a debit card in the mail, which you can use to withdraw your earnings. You can also transfer money to your bank account directly through the app. Earnings are available for withdrawal the day after you complete a ride, though some banks take one to three business days to process the transfer.

You are responsible for your own taxes. Uber will send you a 1099 form at the end of the year if you earned more than $600. You will need to report this income on your tax return and pay self-employment tax. Many drivers set aside 25 to 30 percent of their earnings for taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's car if they give me permission?

Yes, but you will need a notarized letter from the registered owner giving you permission to use the vehicle for Uber. Some states also require additional paperwork. The car must still be registered in their name, and they may need to add you to their insurance policy. Check your state's requirements before you submit your process.

What if my background check comes back with an error?

Contact Uber support through the app and explain the error. You may be able to provide documents that clear up the mistake, such as court records showing a charge was dismissed. Uber will review the additional information, but the process can take several weeks. You can also dispute the background check directly with the background check company if you believe the information is incorrect.

How long does the entire process process take?

Most applications are approved within one to two weeks, but this depends on how quickly you submit documents, whether they need to be resubmitted, and how long the background check takes. If everything is submitted correctly the first time and there are no delays, you could be approved in as little as five to seven days.

Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?

No, a standard driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial license, a taxi medallion, or any special permit. Your regular auto insurance must cover rideshare driving, but you do not need commercial auto insurance.

What if my vehicle fails inspection?

You will receive a report explaining why it failed. Common failures are mechanical issues like broken lights or a check engine light, or the vehicle being too old or having too many miles. You can fix the mechanical issues and reschedule the inspection, but if the vehicle does not meet the age or mileage requirement, you will need to use a different car.