The documents and personal details Uber requires before you can drive

Before Uber will let you drive, you must provide a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance, and vehicle registration. Uber also runs a background check that looks at your driving record and criminal history. The specific documents vary slightly by state and city — some places require additional permits or inspections — but these four items are the foundation everywhere.

You will upload these documents through the Uber Driver app during the sign-up process. Uber reviews them and either approves you or asks for corrections. The review usually takes a few days, though it can take longer if documents are unclear or if your background check needs additional investigation.

This section covers what Uber actually requires you to have before you start. It does not cover insurance details, vehicle standards, or background check thresholds — those are separate sections below.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid driver's license, current auto insurance, vehicle registration, and a vehicle that meets Uber's age and condition standards before you can drive.
  • Uber runs a background check on your driving record and criminal history; the specific offenses or violations that disqualify you vary by city and state.
  • You upload documents through the Uber Driver app, and Uber reviews them within a few days — if anything is unclear or expired, they will ask you to resubmit.
  • Some cities require additional permits, vehicle inspections, or business licenses before Uber will set up your account, so check your local rules before you start the process.

Your driver's license and background check

Your driver's license must be valid and issued by a U.S. state. Uber checks that it is not suspended or revoked. You must also have held a license for at least one year — some cities require two years. If you have a learner's permit or a license that is about to expire, you will not be approved until you renew it.

Uber's background check looks at your driving record for the past seven years. Violations like speeding tickets, minor accidents, and parking citations usually do not disqualify you, but serious violations do. Reckless driving, driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and driving with a suspended license are common reasons for rejection. Uber also checks your criminal history, though the specific crimes that disqualify you vary by city — some places reject applicants with any felony conviction, while others look at the type of crime and how long ago it occurred.

You cannot see Uber's exact scoring system, but you can request your background check report from the third-party company that runs it (usually Checkr or Clarity). If you are rejected, Uber will tell you the reason in general terms, and you can contact Uber support to ask for more detail.

Vehicle insurance and registration

Your auto insurance must be active and in your name or your spouse's name. The policy must cover commercial use — standard personal auto insurance often does not. Many drivers buy a separate commercial rideshare policy, which is cheaper than full commercial coverage but more expensive than personal insurance. Uber also offers insurance that covers you while you are driving passengers, but it only kicks in after your personal policy's limits are exhausted.

Your vehicle registration must match your state and be current. If your registration is expired or about to expire within 60 days, Uber will ask you to renew it before approving you. The registration must be in your name or your spouse's name — if the vehicle belongs to someone else, you will need to provide a notarized letter from the owner giving you permission to use it for rideshare.

Both documents must be uploaded as clear photos or PDFs. If the expiration date is hard to read or the document is cut off at the edges, Uber will reject it and ask you to resubmit.

Vehicle age, condition, and inspection requirements

Your vehicle must be at least 2010 model year in most cities, though some cities allow older vehicles and others require 2015 or newer. The vehicle must have four doors and five seats. It cannot be a convertible, and it cannot have significant damage — a cracked windshield, missing bumper, or dents that affect safety will disqualify you.

Uber requires a photo inspection of your vehicle. You take photos of the front, back, both sides, the interior, and the odometer, then upload them through the app. Uber reviews these photos to confirm the vehicle matches the registration and meets condition standards. If the photos are blurry, taken in poor light, or show damage, Uber will ask you to resubmit.

Some cities also require a separate vehicle inspection from a state-approved mechanic or inspection station. This is separate from Uber's photo inspection. You will need to pay for this inspection yourself — the cost varies by state and mechanic, usually between $50 and $150. Uber will tell you during sign-up whether your city requires it.

Local permits and business licenses

Several cities require a separate permit or business license before you can drive for Uber. New York City requires a Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) license, which involves a background check, a driving test, and a fee. San Francisco requires a Department of Police Permit. Chicago requires a business license from the city. Other cities have no additional requirement beyond what Uber itself requires.

Uber's sign-up process will tell you whether your city requires a local permit. If it does, you will need to obtain it before Uber will set up your account. The process and timeline vary widely — some permits take a few weeks, others take several months. You should check your city's website or call your local transportation or business licensing office before you start the Uber sign-up process.

How the approval process works and what to do if you are rejected

After you upload all documents, Uber sends them to a review team. Most approvals take three to five business days. If Uber needs clarification on any document — for example, if a photo is blurry or a date is unclear — they will send you a message through the app asking you to resubmit. You have a limited time to respond, usually 30 days.

If you are rejected, Uber will tell you the reason. Common reasons include a document that is expired, a vehicle that is too old, a background check issue, or a local permit that is missing. If the reason is a background check issue, you can request your full report from the background check company and dispute any errors. If the reason is a document issue, you can resubmit a clearer version.

If you are rejected and want to reapply, you can do so after the issue is resolved — for example, after you renew your registration or get a local permit. There is no waiting period, but Uber will run the background check again, so if the issue was a recent violation, you may need to wait for it to age off your record.

What happens after you are approved

Once Uber approves you, you can turn on the driver app and start accepting rides. Your documents remain on file with Uber. You must keep them current — if your license, insurance, or registration expires, Uber will deactivate your account until you upload a renewed version. Uber usually sends you a reminder email 30 days before expiration.

Uber also periodically re-checks your driving record and criminal history. If a new violation or conviction appears, Uber may deactivate you. You will receive a notification if this happens, and you can contact Uber support to understand the reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber with a suspended or revoked license?

No. Uber will not approve you if your license is suspended or revoked, and if your license is suspended after you are approved, Uber will deactivate your account. You must wait until your license is reinstated and then reapply.

What if I have an accident or traffic ticket after I am approved?

Minor violations like speeding tickets or small accidents usually do not result in deactivation. Serious violations like reckless driving or driving under the influence will trigger a review, and Uber may deactivate you. You will receive a notification if this happens.

Do I need commercial insurance, or does Uber's insurance cover me?

You must have your own insurance that covers rideshare use. Uber's insurance covers you while you are actively driving passengers, but only after your personal policy's limits are exhausted. Most personal auto policies do not cover rideshare, so you will likely need to buy a separate rideshare policy or upgrade to commercial coverage.

Can someone else's vehicle be registered to me for Uber?

No. The vehicle registration must be in your name or your spouse's name. If the vehicle belongs to someone else, you will need a notarized letter from the owner giving you permission to use it for rideshare, and Uber may still reject you depending on your city's rules.

How long does the approval process take?

Most approvals take three to five business days. If Uber needs you to resubmit documents, the process can take longer. Background checks sometimes take additional time if there are questions about your history. You will receive updates through the Uber Driver app.