Ridesharing Driver

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Delivery
  • About
Home » Lyft » Driving For Uber in the Military: Are There Requirement Exceptions?

Driving For Uber in the Military: Are There Requirement Exceptions?

Updated July 16, 2019 By Doug H8 Comments

One of the facts of life in the US military is that enlisted members regularly move around the country and the world for training, deployments, and other obligations. Driving for Uber is a flexible job that is appealing for military member because it could potentially allow them to work only a few days a month, on their own schedule.

But military members run into a problem during the Uber application process: There are several Uber driver and vehicle requirements that are challenging for military members to meet. Uber requires drivers to have a valid in-state drivers license and in-state auto insurance, which isn’t possible for military members who move regularly.

Will Uber make exceptions for military members? The short answer is no. Uber does not make any exceptions on the requirements for in-state documents, even for military members.

Does the US military allow active members to drive for Uber?

Generally yes, but you should ask your commanding officer before you apply to see if there are any restrictions or special paperwork that you need to be aware of. Based on my research, military members are not prohibited from driving for Uber unless currently enrolled in Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

Uber driver requirements that are hard to meet if you’re in the military

The Uber driver requirements state that:

  • Drivers must have an in-state driver’s license. Certain border cities are exempt
  • Drivers must have in-state auto insurance
  • Read the full list of Uber driver requirements and vehicle requirements

Going through the paperwork and financial expense of getting a new driver’s license and new auto insurance isn’t feasible or even possible for military members who regularly move around the country, so it’s very likely that as a military member on the move you don’t qualify for Uber.

Military members are used to certain perks and benefits of being enlisted, so it’s understandable that members wonder whether Uber will give them some leeway as long as they have a valid license, insurance, and a good driving record in another state.

Uber does NOT make exceptions on document requirements if you’re in the military

Uber will not make exceptions on the in-state licensing and insurance requirements. I asked Uber about this issue and got a reply. Here’s what they said, in full:

My question: “Drivers need in-state license and in-state insurance in most states. Does Uber make an exception for US military members?”

Uber’s answer: “Unfortunately, these documents are needed even if you are a military member. However, those who are military veterans or active duty (or their spouses) are able to toggle a feature that shows their riders their military affiliation.“

Does Lyft allow out-of-state documents for military members?

Lyft may allow some exceptions for military members, depending on the state you’re in. On the driver requirements page for California, they state, “Active duty military applicants and their dependents can have an out-of-state driver’s license and vehicle documents. Visit your local Lyft Hub and a Lyft representative will help set up your driver account.”

Contact Lyft to see if they allow military members to use out-of-state documents.

Other on-demand app jobs while you’re in the military

If you’re in the military and you can’t meet Uber’s in-state requirements, there are other similar on-demand jobs involving your car that you may be able to do.

  • DoorDash – A food delivery app that doesn’t require an in-state driver’s license
  • Amazon Flex – Deliver packages for Amazon

Even though Uber and Lyft don’t make exceptions for military members, there are other on-demand job opportunities you should look into.

91 shares

Originally Published December 5, 2017
Filed Under: Lyft, Ridesharing, Uber

About Doug H

Gig economy driver, writer, and expert since 2013. I created Ridesharing Driver to help drivers navigate all of the challenges we face in the on-demand world!

Comments

  1. Fred says

    September 3, 2019 at 6:07 pm

    This whole issue is moot. Here at Fort Benning, Uber drivers get visitor passes under false pretexts to work post even though they are forbidden to operate here. They rob post military Uber drivers by flagging fairs just like taxis, even though the ride share insurance does not cover them for these off-app trips.

    Reply
  2. ChrisP says

    May 24, 2018 at 9:38 am

    It’d be easier if UBER just updated their policy to allow waviers. Just produce a set of orders like all the other businesses. We need a veteran on that board!

    Reply
    • Eric Tiffany says

      February 28, 2019 at 4:27 pm

      Im a US Navy veteran and i think uber and lift should offer a program to help veterans get started with driving careers.

      Reply
  3. Bob Paulino says

    April 19, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    Actually states authorize military members to operate vehicles with licenses from thier state of domicile. Same with registration. It’s actually protected under service members civil relief act.

    Reply
    • DougH says

      April 20, 2018 at 11:32 am

      That is true. But from my research, Uber doesn’t extend those same exceptions to drivers.

      Reply
      • Raphael Neal says

        January 10, 2019 at 9:26 am

        So UBER refuses to follow the ACT? Interesting, UBER being an American based company and all.

        Reply
  4. Bill Tobey says

    March 2, 2018 at 8:12 pm

    Doug- I’m willing to bet that the State of California already requires Uber & Lyft drivers to have in state licenses & insurance like taxi drivers.

    It would be very simple for the state to pass a law allowing military personnel to drive in California without in state license or insurance.

    Reply
    • DougH says

      March 8, 2018 at 3:25 pm

      That’s an interesting point. So far, I haven’t heard of any cities or states passing special exemptions for military members. But it’s certainly possible.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Deliver with Uber Eats

Recent Posts

  • What to expect when you schedule a ride on Lyft
  • Customer changed the delivery address? What DoorDash and Uber Eats drivers can do
  • Tip baiting on Spark: Drivers are upset about removed & reduced tips
  • Changes to surge on Uber: Sticky surge and dollar amounts are gone!
  • A guide to every bonus and incentive for Spark drivers!

Recent Posts

  • What to expect when you schedule a ride on Lyft
  • Customer changed the delivery address? What DoorDash and Uber Eats drivers can do
  • Tip baiting on Spark: Drivers are upset about removed & reduced tips
  • Changes to surge on Uber: Sticky surge and dollar amounts are gone!
  • A guide to every bonus and incentive for Spark drivers!

Follow Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Quora

Affiliate Disclosure

RidesharingDriver.com is an affiliate for various products and services. That means that we may be compensated when we refer you to the products and services of our partners.

Our affiliates include, but are not limited to: Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, Shipt, Amazon, HyreCar.

Important Links

  • About Us
  • Resources for Drivers
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Service

Copyright 2023 RidesharingDriver · Terms of Service & Privacy Policy