Creating Your Uber Account

To create an Uber account, read the Uber app on your phone or visit uber.com on a web browser. Open the app and tap "Sign Up," then choose whether you want to sign up as a rider or driver — this determines what you can do with your account. Enter your phone number or email address, and Uber will send you a verification code to confirm it's really you.

After you verify your phone number or email, create a password that's at least eight characters long. Add your first and last name, then set your location. Uber uses your location to show you nearby rides or delivery options. You don't have to be in a specific city to create an account, but you'll only see available services in places where Uber operates.

Once your account is created, you'll land on the home screen. If you're signing up as a rider, you'll see a map with available drivers. If you're signing up as a driver, you'll see options to go online and start accepting rides. Either way, your account is now active and ready to use.

Key Takeaways

  • You can sign up through the Uber app or website using your phone number or email address, and you'll need to verify it with a code Uber sends you.
  • Your password must be at least eight characters long, and you'll need to provide your real first and last name.
  • You choose during sign-up whether you want a rider account (to request rides) or a driver account (to offer rides).
  • Uber uses your location to show you services available in your area, and you can update this anytime in your account settings.
  • Your account is ready to use when ready after you verify your phone number or email, though you may need to add a payment method before requesting your first ride.

Adding a Payment Method

Before you can request a ride, you need to add a way to pay. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, and select "Wallet" or "Payment Methods." Tap "Add Payment Method" and choose from credit card, debit card, or digital wallet options like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

If you use a credit or debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. Uber will ask for your billing zip code to verify the card. The card doesn't need to be in your name, but the billing address must match what your bank has on file.

You can add multiple payment methods and switch between them before you request a ride. Uber will charge whichever method you select, and you'll see the charge on your statement under "Uber" or "Uber B.V." depending on your bank.

Setting Up Your Profile Information

Your profile holds information Uber uses to match you with drivers (if you're a rider) or to let riders know who's picking them up (if you're a driver). To edit your profile, tap the menu icon and select "Account." From there you can update your name, phone number, email address, and profile photo.

Adding a profile photo is optional but helps drivers recognize you when they arrive. You can use any photo — it doesn't have to be a headshot, and Uber doesn't verify that it's actually you. If you're a driver, riders will see your photo, so choose one that's clear and recent.

You can also add emergency contacts in your Account settings. These are people Uber can notify if something goes wrong during a ride. You're not required to add them, but it's a safety feature worth using.

Understanding Account Types: Rider vs. Driver

When you sign up, you choose one account type, but you can switch later. A rider account lets you request rides and food delivery through Uber Eats. You'll see available drivers on a map, request a ride with one tap, and track the driver's location in real time. Riders pay per trip, and the fare appears before you confirm the request.

A driver account lets you offer rides to other people and earn money. You'll need to pass a background check, provide proof of insurance, and verify your vehicle meets Uber's requirements before you can go online and accept rides. Drivers set their own schedule and go online whenever they want to work.

If you want both a rider and driver account, you'll need to create two separate accounts with different phone numbers or email addresses. You can't use the same login for both.

Verifying Your Identity

Depending on what you're using your account for, Uber may ask you to verify your identity. Riders usually don't need to do this, but if you're signing up as a driver, you'll go through a verification process before you can start accepting rides.

For drivers, Uber uses a third-party service to run a background check using your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. You'll also need to upload a photo of your driver's license and a selfie so Uber can confirm the license photo matches your face. This process typically takes a few days, though it can take longer depending on your state and the volume of applications Uber is processing.

If you're a rider and Uber asks you to verify your identity, you'll usually just need to confirm your phone number or email. This is rare but can happen if Uber detects unusual account activity.

Troubleshooting Common Sign-Up Problems

If you don't receive the verification code, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes it ends up there instead of your inbox. If it's not there, tap "Resend Code" in the app and wait a few minutes. Codes expire after 10 minutes, so you'll need to request a new one if you wait too long.

If you get an error message saying your phone number or email is already registered, it means you've already created an account with that contact information. Use the "Forgot Password" option to reset your password instead of creating a new account. If you can't remember which email or phone number you used, contact Uber support through the app.

If your payment method is rejected, make sure the card number, expiration date, and zip code are entered exactly as they appear on your bank statement. Some banks block Uber charges the first time they see them as a security measure — if that happens, contact your bank to approve the charge, then try adding the card again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to sign up for Uber?

No, you can sign up without a payment method. However, you'll need to add one before you can request your first ride. Uber accepts credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Can I use someone else's payment method on my account?

Yes, the payment method doesn't have to be in your name. However, the billing address must match what your bank has on file for that card. If the address doesn't match, your bank may reject the charge.

What happens if I sign up but don't use my account?

Nothing. Your account will stay active indefinitely. You can request a ride anytime without reactivating anything. If you want to delete your account, you can do that through the Account settings menu.

Can I change my account type from rider to driver after I sign up?

You can't convert an existing account. If you want both a rider and driver account, you'll need to create a second account with a different phone number or email address. Each account is separate and has its own payment methods and history.

Is my personal information safe when I sign up?

Uber encrypts your data and doesn't share your phone number or email with drivers or other riders without your permission. Your payment information is processed by find payment processors, not stored on Uber's servers. You can review Uber's privacy policy in the app settings for details on how your data is used.