What you need to drive for Uber

To drive for Uber, you must meet several requirements before you can start accepting rides. Uber checks your background, verifies your identity, and confirms you own or lease a vehicle that meets their standards. The process takes between one and two weeks in most cases, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you submit documents and whether Uber needs to investigate anything in your background.

You do not need prior experience as a professional driver, but you do need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registration. Your car must be at least 15 years old (the year varies slightly by city), pass a vehicle inspection, and have four doors and five seats. Uber also requires that you have had your license for at least one year, though some cities require two years.

Your background check covers driving history, criminal history, and sex offender registries. Uber uses third-party screening companies to run these checks. You will see the results in your driver account once the check is complete. If Uber denies you, they will tell you why and may offer you a chance to dispute the decision.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license held for at least one year, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a vehicle at least 15 years old with four doors and five seats.
  • Uber runs a background check that covers your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registries through a third-party screening company.
  • You must pass a vehicle inspection, which Uber arranges through a partner inspection facility in your area.
  • The entire process from submission to approval typically takes one to two weeks, but can take longer if documents are incomplete or if Uber needs to investigate your background further.
  • Once approved, you can start accepting rides when ready by opening the Uber Driver app and going online.

Documents you must submit

Uber collects documents in stages through the Uber Driver app. Start by creating an account with your email address and phone number. You will then upload a photo of yourself, your driver's license (front and back), and your Social Security number or tax ID. Uber uses your Social Security number to verify your identity and run your background check.

Next, you submit proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Your insurance must cover commercial rideshare driving — personal auto insurance often does not. Many insurance companies offer rideshare coverage as an add-on, or you can purchase it separately. Uber will not approve you without it. Your vehicle registration must show your name as the owner or lessee.

After you submit these documents, Uber schedules a vehicle inspection. You drive to a partner inspection facility (Uber tells you which one serves your area) and a technician checks that your car meets safety standards — working lights, brakes, wipers, horn, and no major damage. The inspection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs between $20 and $50 depending on your location.

Once the inspection passes and your background check clears, Uber sends you a final approval notification. You can then set up your driver account and start accepting rides.

Background check and driving record requirements

Uber's background check looks at your criminal history for the past seven years. Certain convictions will disqualify you — including felonies, violent crimes, sexual offenses, and drug-related convictions. Misdemeanors may or may not disqualify you depending on the offense and how recent it was. Uber reviews each case individually, so having a misdemeanor does not automatically mean you will be rejected.

Your driving record is equally important. Uber looks at moving violations, accidents, and license suspensions. Too many violations in a short period, a suspended or revoked license, or a DUI conviction will likely result in rejection. Uber does not publish exact thresholds, but generally three or more moving violations in three years is a red flag. A DUI or reckless driving conviction within the past seven years is usually disqualifying.

If Uber denies you based on your background or driving record, you have the right to dispute the decision. You can request a copy of the background report and correct any errors. If you believe the decision was wrong, you can contact Uber's support team and ask them to review your case again.

Vehicle requirements and inspection process

Your vehicle must meet specific standards to be approved for Uber. The car must be at least 15 years old (though some cities require newer vehicles — check your local Uber requirements). It must have four doors, five seats, and a working seatbelt for each seat. The vehicle cannot have significant damage — dents, scratches, and worn upholstery are acceptable, but broken windows, missing mirrors, or major body damage will fail inspection.

The inspection covers mechanical safety: brakes, tires, lights, wipers, horn, and steering. The technician also checks that the odometer works and that the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches your registration. You cannot pass inspection if your check engine light is on, your tires are bald, or your brakes are worn.

Inspections happen at partner facilities that Uber contracts with in your area. Common partners include local mechanics, tire shops, and car service centers. Uber tells you which facility to visit when you are ready to schedule. You book an appointment through the Uber Driver app, drive to the facility, and the inspection takes 15 to 30 minutes. You pay the inspection fee at the facility, not through Uber.

How long approval takes and what happens next

From the moment you submit your first documents to the moment you are approved, the process typically takes one to two weeks. This timeline assumes your documents are complete, your background check has no issues, and your vehicle passes inspection on the first try. If any of these steps take longer, approval will be delayed.

Common delays include incomplete documents (Uber will ask you to resubmit), a background check that requires manual review (if something in your history needs investigation), or a failed vehicle inspection (you fix the problem and reschedule). Each of these can add several days or a week to the timeline.

Once Uber approves you, you receive a notification in the Uber Driver app. You can then set up your driver account and start accepting rides when ready. You set your own hours — you can drive whenever you want, as long as the Uber app is open and you are online. There is no minimum number of hours you must work.

Insurance and vehicle ownership options

You must have active insurance that covers rideshare driving before Uber will approve you. Personal auto insurance does not cover commercial activities like ridesharing, so you need to add rideshare coverage to your policy or purchase a separate rideshare insurance policy. Many major insurers offer rideshare add-ons for $10 to $25 per month. Some insurers do not offer rideshare coverage at all, so check with your current provider first.

You can own or lease your vehicle. If you own it, you submit your registration showing your name as the owner. If you lease it, you submit the lease agreement and registration. Some drivers use vehicles financed through car loans — as long as your name is on the registration, Uber will accept it. You cannot drive a vehicle registered to someone else.

Uber also offers a vehicle leasing program in some cities called Uber Eats Vehicle Leasing or Uber's rental partners. If you do not own a vehicle, you can lease one through these programs and use it to drive for Uber. The lease cost is deducted from your earnings. This option is useful if you want to start driving without buying a car, though the lease cost reduces your take-home pay.

What disqualifies you from driving for Uber

Certain factors will result in automatic rejection or removal from the platform. A felony conviction, violent crime, sexual offense, or drug trafficking conviction will disqualify you. A DUI or reckless driving conviction within the past seven years will also likely result in rejection. Multiple moving violations or a suspended or revoked license will disqualify you.

On the vehicle side, a car that is too old (older than the minimum year for your city), has only two or three doors, or fails safety inspection will not be approved. If your vehicle has a salvage title or has been declared a total loss by an insurance company, Uber will not accept it.

If you are approved but later violate Uber's community guidelines — such as receiving too many low ratings, canceling too many rides, or being reported for unsafe driving — Uber can deactivate your account. You can appeal a deactivation, but Uber's decision is final if they determine you pose a safety risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the type of misdemeanor and how long ago it occurred. Uber reviews each case individually. Minor misdemeanors from many years ago are less likely to disqualify you than recent ones. If you have a misdemeanor, submit your process and see what Uber's background check reveals. If you are denied, you can request a copy of the report and dispute any errors.

What if my vehicle fails inspection?

The inspection facility will tell you what failed and what needs to be fixed. Common failures include worn brakes, bald tires, or broken lights. You fix the problem, schedule a new inspection at the same facility, and pay the inspection fee again. Once it passes, Uber will approve your account.

Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?

No. A regular driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial license, taxi license, or any special endorsement. You only need a valid driver's license that you have held for at least one year (two years in some cities).

Can I use someone else's car to drive for Uber?

No. The vehicle registration must show your name as the owner or lessee. Uber verifies this during the approval process. If you do not own a vehicle, you can lease one through Uber's vehicle leasing program in some cities.

How much does it cost to become an Uber driver?

The vehicle inspection costs $20 to $50 depending on your location. You must also have active rideshare insurance, which typically costs $10 to $25 per month. There is no process fee or set up fee charged by Uber. Your main costs are the inspection and insurance.