Your car must meet Uber's age, condition, and registration standards before you can start driving

Uber requires your vehicle to pass a vehicle inspection before you drive passengers. The inspection checks that your car is safe, runs properly, and meets local rules. You'll need to submit photos of your car's exterior and interior, proof of insurance, and your vehicle registration. Uber also runs a background check on the vehicle's title to make sure there are no liens or salvage history that would disqualify it.

The exact rules vary by city and state because local transportation laws differ. Some cities have stricter emissions standards or age limits. Before you start the inspection process, check Uber's requirements for your specific location — you can do this in the Uber Driver app under the "Vehicle" section.

Key Takeaways

  • Your car must be at least four model years old (sometimes newer, depending on your city) and pass a vehicle inspection that checks brakes, tires, lights, and overall safety.
  • You need a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and proof of insurance that covers rideshare driving before Uber will inspect your car.
  • The inspection process requires photos of your car's front, back, sides, interior, and odometer, plus documentation uploaded through the Uber Driver app.
  • Some vehicles are permanently ineligible — those with salvage titles, flood damage history, or major accidents on record cannot be used for Uber.
  • After your car passes inspection, you must renew it annually or whenever you change vehicles.

Age and mileage limits for your vehicle

Most Uber cities require your car to be no older than 15 model years. Some cities are stricter and require cars to be 10 years old or newer. You can find your car's model year on your registration or by looking at the year printed on your dashboard. Uber counts model year, not how old the car actually is — so a 2010 model registered in 2024 is 14 model years old, even if it was sitting in a garage.

Mileage limits also vary by location. Some cities cap mileage at 200,000 miles; others at 150,000 miles. Check your odometer reading before you start the inspection process. If your car is close to the limit, you may only have a few months before you need to replace it.

Safety and mechanical inspection requirements

Uber's inspection checks that your car is roadworthy and safe for passengers. An inspector (or you, depending on your city) will verify that your brakes work, your tires have adequate tread, all lights function, your windshield has no major cracks, and your seatbelts are intact. The car must also have a working horn, functioning wipers, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

Your car cannot have any of these issues: frame damage, flood damage, fire damage, or evidence of a major accident. If your car has been in a serious accident and repaired, Uber's background check on the title will usually catch it. Salvage titles — titles issued after an insurance company declares a car a total loss — automatically disqualify your vehicle, even if it has been repaired and is mechanically sound.

Insurance and registration documents you need

Before you submit your car for inspection, you must have three documents ready: a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Your insurance policy must cover rideshare driving — standard personal auto insurance often excludes commercial use. Many insurance companies offer a rideshare endorsement that costs $10 to $25 per month and covers you while you are logged into the Uber app and carrying passengers.

When you upload these documents to the Uber Driver app, make sure the names on all three match exactly. If your registration is under a business name or a co-owner's name, you may need to provide additional paperwork. Uber will reject documents that are expired, blurry, or partially cut off in the photo.

The vehicle inspection process and what to photograph

The inspection process differs by city. In some places, you schedule an appointment at a third-party inspection center and a technician inspects your car in person. In others, you photograph your car yourself and upload the images through the Uber Driver app. If you are doing a self-inspection, you will need clear photos of your car's front, rear, both sides, interior dashboard, interior seats, and your odometer reading.

Photos must be taken in daylight or good lighting so that details are visible. Uber's system checks that the photos match the vehicle description you provided — the color, body style, and license plate must all be consistent. If a photo is too dark, blurry, or doesn't show the required angle, Uber will ask you to resubmit. The process usually takes 24 to 48 hours after you submit photos, though it can take longer if Uber needs clarification.

What happens if your car fails inspection

If your car fails inspection, Uber will tell you which items need to be fixed. Common failures include worn tires, cracked windshields, non-functioning lights, or low tire tread. You have a set number of days (usually 14 to 30, depending on your city) to fix the issues and resubmit for inspection. You can either fix the problems yourself and take new photos, or schedule a new in-person inspection appointment.

If your car has structural damage, a salvage title, or flood history, it cannot be resubmitted — these are permanent disqualifications. If you are unsure whether a repair will pass, contact Uber support through the Driver app before spending money on fixes.

Renewing your vehicle inspection annually

Once your car passes inspection, you must renew the inspection every 12 months. Uber will send you a notification through the Driver app when your inspection is about to expire. The renewal process is the same as the initial inspection — you either take new photos or schedule an appointment at an inspection center. If you don't renew before the expiration date, you won't be able to accept rides until the inspection is current.

If you change vehicles, you must remove the old car from your account and submit the new vehicle for a full inspection. You cannot use multiple cars on the same account unless Uber's system in your city supports vehicle switching — check the Driver app to see if this option is available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a car with a salvage title?

No. Salvage titles permanently disqualify a vehicle, even if the car has been fully repaired and is mechanically safe. Uber's background check on the vehicle title will catch this during the inspection process.

What if my insurance doesn't cover rideshare driving?

You need to contact your insurance company and add a rideshare endorsement to your policy, or switch to an insurance company that covers rideshare. Standard personal auto insurance excludes commercial use, and Uber will reject your process if your policy doesn't explicitly cover rideshare driving.

How long does the inspection process take?

If you submit photos yourself, Uber usually reviews them within 24 to 48 hours. If you schedule an in-person inspection appointment, the appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, and approval usually comes within a few days. The total time from start to approval is typically one to two weeks.

Can I drive for Uber while my inspection is being reviewed?

No. You cannot accept rides until your vehicle inspection is approved and your status shows as "Active" in the Uber Driver app. Once approved, you can start accepting rides when ready.

What if my car is close to the mileage limit?

You can still drive until you reach the mileage cap for your city. Once you hit that limit, you will no longer be able to use that vehicle. Plan ahead if your mileage is approaching the limit, because you won't be able to accept new rides once the threshold is crossed.