What Uber checks when you explore to drive

Uber runs a background check on every person who applies to drive for them. The check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and whether you're on any sex offender registries. Uber uses a third-party company called Checkr to pull this information from public records, court documents, and motor vehicle databases.

The background check is not optional — you cannot start driving without passing it. Uber will tell you whether you passed or failed, usually within a few days of your process. If you fail, Uber will explain which issue caused the rejection and may give you a chance to dispute the finding if you believe it's wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber's background check examines your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status through a company called Checkr.
  • You must pass the background check before you can drive; it is not optional and typically takes a few days to complete.
  • Certain convictions, serious traffic violations, and active warrants will disqualify you from driving for Uber.
  • If you are rejected, you can dispute the results with Checkr if you believe the information is inaccurate.
  • The specific rules about which offenses disqualify you vary slightly by city and state.

What shows up on your driving record

Uber looks at your motor vehicle record for the past seven years. This includes traffic violations like speeding tickets, reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI), and at-fault accidents. Uber is stricter about some violations than others — a single speeding ticket usually will not disqualify you, but multiple violations or a DUI will.

Uber also checks whether your driver's license is currently valid and whether it has been suspended or revoked. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive for Uber, even if the suspension is temporary. You must have a clean, active license to pass this part of the check.

Criminal history and what Uber will reject

Uber will reject you if you have certain felony convictions on your record. The company maintains a list of crimes that automatically disqualify drivers, including violent felonies, sexual offenses, drug trafficking, and crimes involving dishonesty (like theft or fraud). Most of these rejections are permanent — Uber will not reconsider you even years later.

Misdemeanors are handled differently depending on the offense and how long ago it happened. A single misdemeanor from ten years ago may not disqualify you, but multiple recent misdemeanors or a misdemeanor involving violence or drugs will. Uber does not publish exact timelines, so the decision can vary from case to case.

Uber also checks whether you have any active warrants or are on a sex offender registry. Either of these will result in when ready rejection.

How the background check process works

When you submit your process to drive for Uber, you provide your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and Social Security number. Uber sends this information to Checkr, which pulls records from the Department of Motor Vehicles, county courts, and national criminal databases. Checkr then compiles a report and sends it back to Uber.

The entire process usually takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if Checkr needs to request records from a court or if there are delays in the system. You can check the status of your background check in the Uber app under your account settings. Uber will notify you by email or in the app once the check is complete.

What to do if you fail the background check

If Uber rejects you, the company will send you a notice explaining the reason. The notice will tell you which issue caused the rejection — for example, "felony conviction" or "suspended driver's license." You have the right to dispute the result if you believe the information is wrong.

To dispute a result, you contact Checkr directly, not Uber. Checkr will give you instructions on how to submit evidence that corrects the record — for example, a court document showing that a conviction was expunged, or a letter from the DMV showing that your license suspension has been lifted. Checkr reviews your evidence and updates the report if the information was incorrect.

Once Checkr corrects the report, Uber will review it again. If the corrected information shows you now pass, Uber will clear you to drive. This process can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you need to dispute something.

Differences by city and state

Uber's background check requirements are the same nationwide, but some cities and states have their own rules about who can drive for a rideshare company. For example, some cities require additional local background checks or fingerprinting. A few states have specific rules about how long ago a conviction must have occurred before you can drive.

Before you explore, check whether your city or state has any local requirements beyond Uber's standard check. You can find this information on your city's transportation department website or by contacting Uber's support team. Meeting Uber's requirements does not may provide you will pass local requirements, and vice versa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber if I have a DUI on my record?

A DUI will likely disqualify you, especially if it is recent. Uber's policy is strict on impaired driving because it involves passenger safety. If your DUI is more than five to seven years old and you have no other violations, you may be able to drive, but this varies by location. Contact Uber support to ask about your specific situation.

What if my background check shows information that is not mine?

Contact Checkr when ready with proof of your identity and evidence that the information belongs to someone else. Checkr will investigate and correct the report if the information is wrong. This can take several weeks, so provide as much documentation as you can upfront.

How long does the background check take?

Most background checks take three to five business days. If Checkr needs to request records from courts or if there are delays, it can take longer. You can check the status in the Uber app.

Can I reapply if I fail the background check?

If you fail because of a disqualifying offense, you cannot reapply until that offense is removed from your record (usually through expungement). If you fail for another reason, like a suspended license, you can reapply once the issue is resolved.

Does Uber check your background again after you start driving?

Yes, Uber runs periodic background checks on active drivers, usually once a year. If new information appears on your record, Uber may deactivate your account. You will be notified if this happens.