Uber requires a vehicle inspection before you can drive, and the form documents that your car meets safety and mechanical standards
Before Uber activates your account to accept rides, you must pass a vehicle inspection. This inspection verifies that your car meets Uber's safety requirements — things like working brakes, valid registration, no major damage, and a clean title. The inspection itself is not done by Uber; you take your vehicle to a third-party inspection partner that Uber has contracted with in your area.
The inspection form is the document that records whether your vehicle passed or failed. If it passes, Uber receives the results and you can begin driving. If it fails, you'll see which items need to be fixed before you can resubmit. The form is specific to your vehicle — it includes your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate, mileage, and the inspector's notes about the condition of each component they checked.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete a vehicle inspection through an Uber-approved inspection partner before your account becomes active for driving.
- The inspection checks mechanical safety, exterior condition, interior cleanliness, and documentation like registration and proof of insurance.
- If your vehicle fails inspection, the form will list the specific items that need repair or replacement before you can resubmit.
- Inspection locations and costs vary by city; Uber's app shows you which inspection partners are available in your area and what they charge.
- You can resubmit for inspection as many times as needed once you've made the required repairs.
What the inspection form checks
The vehicle inspection form documents the condition of your car across several categories. The inspector will verify that your registration is current, your proof of insurance is valid, and your title is clean (meaning no liens or salvage status). They will also check that your vehicle identification number matches your documents.
On the mechanical side, the form records whether your brakes work, your lights function (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals), your windshield wipers operate, and your horn sounds. The inspector will note the condition of your tires — they must have adequate tread and no major damage — and check that your seatbelts are intact and functional.
The form also covers exterior condition: the inspector looks for major dents, rust, broken windows, or missing parts that would make the vehicle unsafe or unfit for passenger service. Inside the car, they check that the interior is clean, the seats are in good condition, and there are no strong odors. Some inspectors will also verify that your vehicle's odometer reading is reasonable and that the car has no outstanding recalls.
How to find an inspection location
Uber does not run the inspections itself. Instead, it contracts with third-party inspection companies in each city. To find an inspection partner near you, open the Uber Driver app, go to the Documents section, and look for the vehicle inspection requirement. The app will show you a list of inspection locations in your area, their addresses, hours, and the cost of the inspection.
Inspection costs vary by location and typically range from $20 to $50, though some cities may charge differently. You pay the inspection partner directly, not Uber. Some inspection partners offer mobile inspections — they come to you — though this option may cost more and may not be available in all areas.
You do not need to book an appointment at all locations; some accept walk-ins during their posted hours. Others require you to schedule ahead. The app will tell you which inspection partners in your area take appointments and which accept walk-ins. If you have questions about what to bring or how long the inspection takes, you can call the inspection location directly.
What to bring to your inspection
Bring your vehicle keys, your driver's license, and your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance. The inspector will need to see these documents and will verify that the names and vehicle information match. You should also bring your vehicle's title or proof of ownership.
Make sure your vehicle is reasonably clean before you arrive — the inspector will check the interior for cleanliness and odor. If your car has obvious mechanical issues (warning lights on the dashboard, strange noises, or visible leaks), get those fixed before the inspection, as they will cause you to fail.
What happens if your vehicle fails inspection
If your vehicle does not pass, the inspection form will list the specific items that failed. Common reasons for failure include worn tires, non-functional lights, cracked windshields, broken seatbelts, or excessive interior damage or odor. The form will describe what needs to be repaired or replaced.
You have the option to fix the issues and resubmit for inspection. There is no limit to how many times you can resubmit, but you will need to pay the inspection fee each time. Once you've made the repairs, schedule another inspection at any Uber-approved inspection partner in your area. When you pass, Uber will receive the results and your account will be activated.
If the repairs are expensive or your vehicle has structural damage, you may decide it's not worth fixing. In that case, you can use a different vehicle instead. You would need to complete a new inspection for the replacement vehicle before you can drive.
Inspection requirements by vehicle type
Uber has different service levels — UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Black — and each has slightly different vehicle requirements. UberX typically accepts older vehicles and has the most lenient standards. Uber Comfort requires newer vehicles in better condition. Uber Black requires luxury vehicles that meet higher standards for cleanliness, mechanical condition, and interior features.
The inspection form you complete depends on which service level you're signing up for. If you're driving UberX, the inspection will check the basic safety and mechanical standards. If you're driving Uber Comfort or Uber Black, the inspection will be more thorough and the vehicle condition standards will be stricter. You can see which service level your vehicle qualifies for before you schedule an inspection by checking the vehicle requirements in the Uber Driver app.
How long the inspection takes and when you'll hear back
The inspection itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the inspection partner and how thorough they need to be. You'll typically receive the results on the same day or within 24 hours. If you pass, Uber will receive the inspection report automatically and your account will be activated. If you fail, you'll see the results in the Uber Driver app and can begin making repairs.
Once you've fixed the issues and completed a new inspection, the second inspection usually takes the same amount of time. There is no waiting period between a failed inspection and a resubmission — you can schedule another inspection as soon as you're ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an inspection from a different service or a personal mechanic?
No. Uber requires that the inspection be completed by one of its contracted third-party inspection partners. A personal mechanic's inspection or an inspection from a different rideshare service will not be accepted. You must use an Uber-approved inspection location in your area.
What if I fail inspection because of something I can't afford to fix?
If the repair cost is too high, you have a few options: you can use a different vehicle that meets Uber's standards, you can wait and save money to make the repairs, or you can decide not to drive for Uber. There is no financial information program from Uber to help cover repair costs.
Do I need a new inspection if I switch from UberX to Uber Comfort?
Yes. Different service levels have different vehicle standards, so you'll need to complete a new inspection for the higher service level. Your previous UberX inspection will not transfer to Uber Comfort. Schedule an inspection at an Uber-approved partner and let them know which service level you're signing up for.
How often do I need to renew my vehicle inspection?
Uber requires a vehicle inspection once when you first sign up. After that, you do not need to repeat the inspection unless Uber asks you to (for example, if you report an accident or if your vehicle is flagged for safety concerns). However, you must keep your registration, insurance, and vehicle title current at all times while you drive.
What if the inspection partner says my vehicle doesn't meet standards but I think it does?
The inspection partner's assessment is final for that location. If you disagree, you can take your vehicle to a different Uber-approved inspection partner in your area and request a new inspection. Different inspectors may have slightly different standards, though all are following Uber's guidelines. If you fail a second inspection, the issues are likely legitimate and will need to be addressed before you can drive.