Uber's baseline requirements for drivers
To drive for Uber, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver's license, have proof of vehicle insurance, and own or have regular access to a car that meets Uber's vehicle standards. Uber also runs a background check on every applicant — this is not optional and happens before you can accept rides. The background check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status across the past seven years.
Your vehicle must be registered in your name or in the name of someone who lives with you. The car cannot be salvage-titled, and it must pass a vehicle inspection. Uber inspects the car's exterior, interior, and mechanical condition — they want to see no major damage, working lights and wipers, and a functioning air conditioning or heating system. The inspection happens at a location Uber directs you to, and you pay for it yourself.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in your name or a household member's name before Uber will even start your background check.
- Your car must pass a physical inspection that covers exterior damage, interior cleanliness, lights, wipers, and climate control — Uber will reject vehicles with major damage or safety issues.
- Uber runs a seven-year background check on driving records and criminal history; certain convictions and driving violations will disqualify you.
- You must provide your Social Security number, tax identification, and banking information so Uber can verify your identity and send you earnings.
- The entire onboarding process typically takes one to two weeks after you submit documents, though it can take longer if Uber needs to verify information with third parties.
Documents you need to submit
Uber requires you to upload copies of your driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and proof of vehicle inspection. You also need to provide your Social Security number so Uber can run the background check and verify your identity with the Social Security Administration. This is not optional — Uber cannot process your process without it.
You will need to set up direct deposit by providing your bank account and routing number. Uber pays drivers weekly to the bank account you register. You also need to provide your tax identification number — either your Social Security number or an Employer Identification Number if you operate as a business. Uber uses this to file tax forms with the IRS at the end of the year.
Vehicle requirements and inspection
Your car must be four doors or more, and it cannot be older than a certain year — this varies by city, but generally ranges from 10 to 15 model years old. Uber publishes a list of approved vehicle makes and models for each city; if your car is not on the list, you cannot drive for Uber in that location, even if it meets the age and condition standards.
The vehicle inspection covers both safety and cleanliness. Uber inspectors check that all lights work, wipers function, tires have adequate tread, and the interior is free of major stains or odors. They also verify that the vehicle identification number on the registration matches the car itself. If your car fails inspection, Uber will tell you what needs to be fixed; you can resubmit for inspection once you have made the repairs.
Background check and driving record standards
Uber's background check covers seven years of history. Certain convictions will disqualify you permanently — these include felonies, violent crimes, sexual offenses, and drug trafficking. Other convictions may disqualify you depending on how recent they are and what the offense was. Uber also looks at your driving record for serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents.
If you have a DUI or DWI on your record, Uber's policy varies by state and how long ago it occurred. Some states allow drivers with a single DUI if it was more than five to seven years ago; others do not. You can contact Uber's support team to ask about your specific situation before you submit your full process, though they cannot give you a final answer until they run the official background check.
How long the onboarding process takes
After you submit all required documents, Uber typically completes the background check and vehicle inspection within one to two weeks. However, the timeline depends on how quickly you submit documents, whether your documents are clear and readable, and whether Uber needs to verify information with third parties like your insurance company or the DMV.
If Uber cannot read a document clearly — for example, if a photo of your license is blurry or cut off — they will ask you to resubmit it. This adds time to the process. Once Uber approves you, you can log into the driver app and start accepting rides when ready. You do not need to wait for anything else to arrive in the mail.
What happens if you do not meet the requirements
If your background check reveals disqualifying information, Uber will send you a notice explaining why you were not approved. You cannot appeal this decision or reapply for a set period — usually one to two years, depending on the reason for rejection. If the rejection was based on incorrect information, you can contact Uber to dispute it, but you will need documentation from the relevant agency (like the court or DMV) to prove the information is wrong.
If your vehicle fails inspection, you have the option to fix the issues and resubmit. There is no limit to how many times you can resubmit for inspection, so you can keep trying until your car passes. If your vehicle is too old or not on Uber's approved list for your city, you cannot drive for Uber unless you get a different car.
Differences between Uber and Uber Eats driver requirements
Uber Eats drivers have slightly different requirements than Uber ride-share drivers. Uber Eats drivers do not need a vehicle at all — they can deliver by bicycle, scooter, or on foot in many cities. If they do use a car, the vehicle requirements are the same as for ride-share drivers. Background checks for Uber Eats are also seven years, but the specific disqualifying offenses may differ slightly.
Uber Eats drivers still need to provide identity verification and pass a background check, but they do not need proof of passenger insurance. If you are delivering by car, you still need vehicle insurance, but it does not have to be commercial insurance in most states — personal auto insurance is usually sufficient. Check your insurance policy or contact your provider to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber if I have a suspended license or points on my record?
No — your license must be valid and in good standing. A suspended license disqualifies you. Multiple traffic violations or points on your record may also disqualify you, depending on how many and how recent they are. Uber does not publish exact thresholds, so contact their support team with details about your specific record.
What if I do not own the car I want to drive — can someone else's car work?
The vehicle must be registered in your name or in the name of someone who lives with you. If the car is registered to someone else who does not live with you, Uber will not approve it. You will need to either register the car in your name or have the registered owner add you to the registration.
How much does the vehicle inspection cost?
Uber does not charge a fee for the inspection itself, but you pay for any repairs needed to pass inspection. The inspection is performed at a location Uber directs you to, and you are responsible for the cost of getting there and for any maintenance or repairs your vehicle needs.
Can I start driving while my background check is still pending?
No — you cannot accept rides until Uber has completed the background check and approved your vehicle. Once both are done, you can log in and start when ready. You do not need to wait for any physical documents or cards to arrive.
What if Uber's background check finds information that is wrong or outdated?
Contact Uber's support team with details about the error and provide documentation from the relevant agency — for example, a court document showing a conviction was expunged or a letter from the DMV correcting your driving record. Uber will review the documentation and may update their records, but the process can take several weeks.