Uber's background check does not automatically reject drivers with violent felony convictions, and reports have documented cases where drivers with such histories were approved

Uber runs a background check on every driver before they can start taking passengers, but the company's screening process does not have a blanket ban on hiring people with violent felony records. In 2022, ProPublica and The New York Times reported that Uber had approved thousands of drivers with prior violent felony convictions, including assault, manslaughter, and sexual abuse. The company's policy at that time allowed drivers with violent felonies if enough time had passed since the conviction — typically seven years or more, depending on the state and the specific offense.

Uber's background check is conducted by a third-party vendor and looks at criminal history, driving records, and sex offender registries. The company has stated that it reviews each case individually rather than using automatic disqualification rules. However, the reports raised questions about whether individual review was thorough enough and whether the time-based approach adequately protected passengers.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber's background check does not automatically reject all drivers with violent felony convictions; the company considers time elapsed since conviction and other factors on a case-by-case basis.
  • ProPublica and The New York Times documented that Uber approved thousands of drivers with violent felony histories between 2015 and 2022.
  • Uber's screening is performed by a third-party background check vendor and includes criminal history, driving records, and sex offender registry checks.
  • Different states have different rules about how far back background checks can look and what convictions can be considered, which affects who Uber can screen out.
  • Uber has made changes to its background check process since the reports, but the exact scope of those changes and their effectiveness remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny.

How Uber's background check process works

When someone applies to drive for Uber, the company orders a background check from a third-party screening company. That vendor searches national criminal databases, state and local court records, sex offender registries, and the applicant's driving history. Uber then reviews the results and decides whether to approve or reject the driver.

The background check looks back a certain number of years depending on the state — typically seven years in most places, though some states allow checks going back further. Uber's policy has historically been to consider convictions within that lookback period but not to automatically reject someone based on the type of crime alone. Instead, the company says it weighs factors like how long ago the conviction occurred, what the offense was, and whether the person has had other run-ins with the law since then.

What the ProPublica and New York Times investigation found

In 2022, ProPublica and The New York Times reviewed Uber's background check practices and found that the company had approved at least 3,000 drivers with violent felony convictions between 2015 and 2022. These included drivers convicted of assault, manslaughter, sexual abuse, and other serious crimes. Some of these drivers had been convicted within the previous five years.

The reporters obtained records through public databases and interviews with drivers and former Uber employees. They found that Uber's case-by-case review process sometimes approved drivers whose convictions seemed recent or serious enough to raise safety concerns. The investigation also noted that Uber's process differed from some competitors — Lyft, for example, had a policy of rejecting drivers with violent felony convictions within the past seven years, which was more restrictive than Uber's approach at that time.

The reports did not claim that drivers with violent felony records were inherently dangerous or that Uber's approval of them had directly caused harm to passengers. Rather, the investigation raised questions about whether Uber's individual review process was rigorous enough and whether the company was prioritizing driver supply over passenger safety.

State laws that limit what background checks can screen for

Uber's background check practices are constrained by state and federal laws that govern what information can be considered when screening job applicants. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets federal rules, and individual states have their own laws that sometimes go further.

Some states have "ban the box" laws that restrict how far back employers can look at criminal history or prohibit asking about convictions at all until later in the hiring process. Other states limit background checks to convictions within a certain number of years — often seven years for most crimes, though serious felonies may be checked further back. A few states have laws that prevent employers from automatically rejecting someone based on a conviction; instead, employers must consider factors like how long ago it happened and whether it relates to the job.

These laws mean that Uber cannot straightforward reject all drivers with violent felony records, even if the company wanted to. In some states, the law would not allow Uber to consider a conviction that is more than seven years old. In others, Uber must consider the nature of the offense and the time elapsed before making a decision. This legal framework explains part of why Uber's policy allows for case-by-case review rather than automatic rejection.

Changes Uber has made since the reports

After the ProPublica and New York Times investigation, Uber stated that it had strengthened its background check process. In 2023, the company announced that it would no longer approve drivers with violent felony convictions within the past seven years, moving closer to Lyft's policy. Uber also said it would conduct more thorough reviews of applicants with criminal histories and would check more databases.

However, the exact details of these changes — which databases are now checked, how thoroughly each case is reviewed, and whether the seven-year rule applies to all violent felonies or only certain ones — have not been fully disclosed by Uber. The company has not released comprehensive data showing how many drivers are now rejected under the new policy or how the new process compares to its previous approach.

What you can do if you have concerns about a driver

If you are uncomfortable with a driver for any reason, you can cancel the ride before it starts. Uber also allows you to report a driver after a trip through the app. You can describe what happened and provide details about the incident. Uber says it reviews reports and can deactivate drivers if they violate the company's community guidelines.

You can also check a driver's rating and number of trips before accepting a ride. Drivers with consistently low ratings or few trips may be newer to the platform. If you want to know more about Uber's background check policy or have questions about a specific driver, you can contact Uber's support team through the app.

How Uber's screening compares to other rideshare companies

Lyft has stated that it does not approve drivers with violent felony convictions within the past seven years. This is more restrictive than Uber's previous policy, though Uber has moved closer to this standard since 2023. Both companies conduct background checks through third-party vendors and check criminal databases, driving records, and sex offender registries.

Traditional taxi services and car services vary widely in their background check practices. Some use similar third-party screening, while others conduct their own checks or rely on local licensing requirements. Regulations for taxi drivers are often set by city or county governments and may be stricter or looser than rideshare company policies depending on the jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber check for all types of criminal convictions?

Uber's background check includes felonies and misdemeanors, but what shows up depends on state law. Most states allow checks going back seven years for most crimes, though serious felonies may be checked further back. Some states have laws that prevent considering convictions older than a certain age, so Uber cannot see those records even if they exist.

Can I learn about my Uber driver has a criminal record?

Uber does not disclose a driver's criminal history to passengers. You can see the driver's rating, number of trips, and vehicle information in the app, but not their background check results. If you have safety concerns about a specific driver, you can report them to Uber after the trip.

What happens if Uber approves a driver who later commits a crime?

Uber can be held legally responsible in some cases if a driver harms a passenger and the company failed to conduct a reasonable background check. However, the company's legal liability depends on the specific circumstances and varies by state. Passengers who are harmed may pursue civil lawsuits against Uber, but this is separate from any criminal charges the driver might face.

How far back does Uber's background check look?

Uber's background check typically looks back seven years in most states, though this varies by state law. Some states allow checks going back further for serious felonies, while others limit checks to a shorter period. Uber follows the rules set by each state where it operates.