Uber's vehicle inspection form checks that your car meets safety and condition standards before you can drive for the platform

Uber requires every driver to pass a vehicle inspection before accepting rides. The inspection verifies that your car is safe, roadworthy, and meets Uber's minimum standards. You complete this through Uber's app or website by uploading photos and answering questions about your vehicle's condition. A third party — either Uber's inspection team or a partner inspection service — reviews your submission. If your car passes, you can start driving. If it fails, you'll see which items need repair before you can resubmit.

The inspection is not a one-time event. Uber may ask you to reinspect your vehicle periodically, and your car must continue meeting standards while you drive for the platform. If Uber receives complaints about your vehicle's condition or you're involved in an accident, a reinspection may be triggered.

Key Takeaways

  • You submit photos and vehicle details through the Uber app, and Uber or a partner service reviews them within a few business days.
  • Your car must have a valid registration, pass a background check through your state's motor vehicle records, and show no major damage or mechanical issues.
  • Common reasons inspections fail include broken windows, worn tires, missing mirrors, interior stains or damage, and expired registration or insurance.
  • If your inspection is rejected, Uber tells you which items failed and you can fix them and resubmit photos without paying a fee.
  • Reinspections may happen without warning if Uber receives safety complaints or if your vehicle ages past a certain point, which varies by market.

What the inspection form asks you to provide

When you open the inspection form in the Uber app, you'll be asked to upload photos of your vehicle from specific angles: the front, back, both sides, the interior (dashboard and seats), and the odometer. Uber's system guides you through each photo so you know what angle and lighting they need. The photos must be clear enough to see the vehicle's condition — blurry or dark images will be rejected and you'll have to resubmit.

You'll also enter your vehicle's registration number, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), mileage, and insurance information. Uber cross-checks this data against your state's motor vehicle records to confirm the registration is current and the vehicle matches your name. If your registration has expired or the VIN doesn't match state records, the inspection will fail and you'll need to renew your registration before resubmitting.

Some markets require you to upload proof of insurance as a separate document. Check your local Uber requirements in the app to see whether this applies to you.

What Uber looks for in the inspection

Uber's inspection checklist covers safety, mechanical condition, and interior cleanliness. The car must have all four wheels with adequate tread (tires cannot be bald or severely worn), working headlights and taillights, intact windshield and windows with no large cracks, functioning wipers, and all mirrors present and unbroken. The doors, trunk, and hood must open and close properly.

Inside the car, the seats must be intact with no large tears or stains, the interior must be clean and free of debris, and the dashboard must not be cracked so severely that it blocks the airbag. The odometer must be readable and match the mileage you report. Uber also checks that your registration and insurance are current — expired documents are an automatic fail.

Cosmetic damage like minor dents, small scratches, or faded paint does not cause a rejection. Uber is checking that the car is safe and roadworthy, not that it looks new. However, damage that affects safety — a cracked windshield that obstructs the driver's view, a missing side mirror, or a broken taillight — will fail the inspection.

How long the inspection process takes

After you submit your photos and vehicle information, Uber or its inspection partner typically reviews your submission within 2 to 5 business days. You'll receive a notification in the app telling you whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you can start accepting rides when ready. If you fail, the notification lists each item that did not meet standards.

If your inspection is rejected, you have no time limit to fix the issues and resubmit. There is no fee to resubmit. However, you cannot drive for Uber until you pass, so delays in fixing your car mean delays in earning. Some drivers choose to use a mechanic or body shop to address failed items, while others handle minor repairs themselves.

Resubmitting after a failed inspection

Once you've fixed the items Uber flagged, open the inspection form again in the app and upload new photos. Take the photos in the same angles and lighting as before — Uber's system will compare them to your previous submission to verify the repairs. Submit the new photos and wait for the review, which again takes 2 to 5 business days.

If you're unsure whether a repair meets Uber's standard, you can submit photos for review before spending money at a shop. Some drivers photograph their repair and ask Uber support through the app whether it will pass. Response times vary, but this can save you from repairing something that Uber will still reject.

If your second submission is rejected, the same process repeats. There is no limit to how many times you can resubmit, but each resubmission means more days without driving income.

Reinspections and ongoing requirements

Uber may ask you to reinspect your vehicle at any time, not just at the initial signup. Common triggers for reinspection include a passenger complaint about your car's condition, an accident report filed through the app, or your vehicle reaching a certain age (typically 15 to 20 years old, depending on your market). Uber sends a notification in the app when a reinspection is required, along with a important date to complete it — usually 7 to 14 days.

If you miss the reinspection important date, Uber will deactivate your account until you complete it. Once you submit new photos and pass, you can drive again. If you fail a reinspection, the same repair-and-resubmit process applies.

Your vehicle must also continue to meet Uber's insurance and registration requirements while you drive. If your registration or insurance expires, Uber will flag this during a background check and may deactivate your account until you provide proof of renewal.

What to do if your inspection is rejected and you disagree

If Uber rejects your inspection and you believe the decision is wrong, you can contact Uber support through the app. Tap the Help icon, search for "vehicle inspection," and select the option to dispute your inspection result. Describe why you think the rejection was incorrect and upload additional photos if you have them.

Uber support will review your dispute, though response times vary. If support agrees that the rejection was an error, they will overturn it and you can start driving. If they uphold the rejection, you'll need to make the repairs Uber listed before resubmitting.

Some drivers have reported that Uber's photo review system is inconsistent — a photo rejected the first time passes on resubmission with no changes. If this happens to you, try resubmitting with photos taken in different lighting or from slightly different angles. may support the photos are as clear and well-lit as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a vehicle that's still being financed or leased?

Yes. Uber does not require you to own the vehicle outright. You'll need to provide the registration in your name or the name of the person who is financing or leasing it, and your insurance must cover you to drive for Uber. Some lease agreements prohibit commercial use, so check your lease terms before signing up.

What if I have an older car — will Uber reject it just because of age?

Uber has a maximum vehicle age requirement that varies by city and vehicle type. In most markets, the car must be 15 to 20 years old or newer, but some cities allow older vehicles. Check Uber's vehicle requirements for your specific city in the app before submitting your inspection. If your car is too old, you will not be able to drive for Uber in that market.

Do I need to get my car inspected by a mechanic before submitting to Uber?

No. You submit photos yourself through the app — there is no mechanic or third-party inspection required. However, if you're unsure whether your car will pass, having a mechanic look it over can help you identify repairs before you submit and potentially fail.

What happens if I get in an accident after passing inspection?

Uber may ask you to reinspect your vehicle after an accident, especially if there is visible damage. You'll receive a notification in the app with a important date. If the damage is minor and does not affect safety, you may pass the reinspection. If the damage is significant, you'll need to repair it before resubmitting.

Can I drive for Uber while waiting for my inspection to be reviewed?

No. You cannot accept rides until your inspection is approved. Once you receive the approval notification, you can start driving when ready.