Uber runs a third-party background check on every driver before you can start accepting rides

Uber does not do the background screening itself. Instead, the company contracts with Checkr, a background check company, to pull records on all driver applicants. Checkr searches criminal history, driving records, and sex offender registries. The screening happens after you submit your process but before Uber approves you to drive. You cannot see the full report Checkr generates, but Uber tells you whether you passed or failed, and if you failed, what category of issue caused the rejection.

The background check is free to you — Uber pays Checkr. You do have the right to dispute information in the report if you believe it is wrong, and Uber has a process for that. The entire screening usually takes between three and five business days, though it can take longer if Checkr needs to contact courts or agencies directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Checkr, not Uber, runs the background check, and it covers criminal history, driving violations, and sex offender registry status.
  • You will see only Uber's pass or fail decision and the reason for rejection, not the full Checkr report.
  • If information in the report is wrong, you can dispute it through Checkr's process, which Uber will guide you through.
  • The screening takes three to five business days in most cases, and you cannot drive until it clears.
  • Uber's standards vary slightly by state and city because some jurisdictions have their own rules about who can drive for hire.

What the background check actually searches

Checkr pulls data from multiple sources. It searches the National Criminal Database, which aggregates records from courts across the country. It also requests your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, which shows traffic violations, suspensions, and accidents. Checkr checks the National Sex Offender Public Website and state-level sex offender registries. For some applicants, Checkr may also contact local courts directly if records are incomplete or unclear.

The check does not include credit history, medical records, or employment history. Uber is not looking at your financial situation or your past jobs. It is focused on criminal conduct, driving safety, and whether you appear on a sex offender registry.

Reasons Uber denies drivers based on the background check

Uber publishes general categories of disqualifying offenses, though the exact rules vary by state and city. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, and drug trafficking convictions almost always result in rejection. DUI or reckless driving convictions within the past seven years typically disqualify you. Some jurisdictions have their own rules — for example, a city may require that any felony conviction be older than ten years, or that a misdemeanor be older than five years.

You can be rejected for reasons other than criminal history. If your driving record shows multiple at-fault accidents, serious traffic violations, or a suspended license, Uber may deny you. If you are on a sex offender registry, you will be rejected. If your name appears in the National Criminal Database but the record is incomplete or unclear, Checkr may request more information before Uber makes a final decision.

Uber does not publish a single master list of disqualifying offenses because the rules change by location. Your best source is the Uber driver process itself, which shows the rules for your specific city or state before you submit your information.

How to dispute information in your background check

If Uber rejects you and tells you the reason, you have the right to challenge the information. Checkr is required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act to give you a chance to dispute any inaccuracy. When Uber denies you, the rejection notice includes a link to Checkr's dispute process and a copy of the report summary.

To dispute, you contact Checkr directly through the link in your rejection notice. You explain which information is wrong — for example, a conviction that was expunged, a case that was dismissed, or a traffic ticket that does not belong to you. Checkr then investigates by contacting the court or agency that originally reported the record. This process typically takes two to four weeks. Once Checkr updates the report, Uber will review it again and make a new decision.

If the dispute is about a criminal record, you may need to provide court documents proving the conviction was overturned, expunged, or sealed. If it is about a driving record error, you may need a letter from your state's DMV. Checkr will tell you what documents they need.

What happens if you pass the background check

Once Checkr clears you, Uber sends you an approval notice. You can then set up your driver account and begin accepting ride requests. You do not need to do anything else — the background check is a one-time requirement before you start driving. Uber does not run a new background check every time you drive or every year, though the company reserves the right to run additional checks at any time if it suspects a problem.

After you are approved, Uber may still deactivate your account if you are arrested or convicted of a crime while driving for the platform. Uber monitors news reports and court records for drivers, so a new offense can result in when ready suspension or permanent removal.

Timeline and what to expect while waiting

The background check process starts the moment you submit your driver process. Checkr typically completes the search within three to five business days. You will see a status update in your Uber driver app showing whether the check is pending, under review, or complete. Uber will notify you by email and in-app once the decision is made.

If Checkr needs additional information — for example, because a court record is unclear or a name variation appears in the database — the process can take longer. Checkr will contact you directly if they need you to clarify something. Respond as quickly as you can, because delays on your end extend the timeline.

You cannot drive for Uber until the background check is fully cleared. If you are in a hurry to start driving, there is no way to speed up the process, but responding quickly to any requests from Checkr helps.

State and local variations in background check standards

Some states and cities impose their own rules on ride-share drivers that go beyond Uber's standard screening. For example, some jurisdictions require fingerprinting in addition to the Checkr database search. Others have stricter rules about how old a conviction can be and still disqualify you. A few cities require that Uber drivers pass a local background check through the city's police department or taxi commission.

When you explore to drive in a specific city, Uber shows you the rules that explore there. If your city requires additional screening beyond Checkr's database check, Uber will tell you during the process process and may direct you to a local agency. You should always check the rules for your specific location before assuming you will be rejected or approved based on another person's experience in a different city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber if I have a felony conviction?

It depends on the type of felony and how long ago it happened. Violent felonies and sexual offenses almost always disqualify you. Other felonies may be acceptable if they are old enough — many cities allow felonies that are more than seven to ten years old. Check the rules for your specific city during the process process, or contact Uber support to ask about your particular situation.

What if my background check is taking longer than five days?

Check your Uber driver app for status updates. If it shows "under review," Checkr may be waiting for information from a court or agency. If Checkr needs something from you, they will email you directly. If more than a week has passed with no update, contact Uber support through the app to ask about the delay.

Does Uber re-run the background check every year?

No. The background check is a one-time requirement before you start driving. Uber does not automatically re-screen drivers on an annual basis. However, Uber reserves the right to run additional checks at any time, and the company monitors public records for arrests or convictions of active drivers.

Can I see the full background report that Checkr created?

You can see a summary of what Checkr found, but not the complete report. When Uber denies you, the rejection notice includes a summary of the findings. If you want more detail, you can contact Checkr directly and request your full consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

What if the background check has information about someone else with my name?

This is a common problem with name matches. Use Checkr's dispute process to challenge the record. Provide identification and any documents showing the conviction or record belongs to someone else. Checkr will investigate and correct the report if the information does not match your identity.