Driving with Uber is a great way to earn a flexible income on your own schedule.
But if you visit Uber.com to learn how to get started, you won’t find much detailed information about all the requirements to sign up.
This guide has the full details about every requirement to drive with Uber so you can get through the application process without any confusion or delays.
What you need to know
- Meet the minimum age to drive in your city
- An in-state license is required
- Have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the US (3 years if under 25 years old)
- Use an eligible 4-door vehicle
Want to drive with Uber? Click here to sign up!
Article Contents
- Driver Requirements: Complete List
- The Steps to Become a Driver
- Age and Driver’s License Requirements
- Background Check and Driving Record Check
- Vehicle Requirements
- Vehicle Inspection
- Insurance & Registration Requirements
The Current Requirements to Drive with Uber
- Age requirement: You must meet the minimum age to drive in your city
- Licensed to drive in the US for at least one year or three years if you’re under age 23
- Use an eligible 4-door vehicle
- Visit this page to see eligible vehicles in your city
- Auto insurance with your name on the policy
- Valid driver’s license
- License plates with current registration
- Pass a background check and a driving record check
- Must provide social security number (SSN)
- Sign up to drive here!
Want to rent a car for Uber?
Steps to becoming a driver: The process from beginning to end
- Sing up in the Uber driver app or at Uber.com
- Upload all requested documents: Driver’s license, vehicle info
- Consent to background screening and wait for Uber’s decision – Takes up to 10 days
- Uber will notify you when your driver account is activated
- Once activated, you will be able to enable driver mode in the Uber Driver app
- Contact Uber support if you get stuck or have questions
You can check the status of your application by signing into the Uber driver app. During the application process, you will see a checklist of requirements and steps you need to take to complete your application.
If more than 10 days have gone by since you began the background screening process, contact support to ask for an update.
Check the Uber driver app to track your application status
More about age requirements and driver’s license history to drive with Uber
You must be 21 years old or older to be eligible for Uber, and you must have at least one full year of driver’s license history in the United States.
Drivers must have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the US, or 3 years if you are under 25 years old.
Uber does not count international driving experience. Even if you’ve driven internationally for many years, Uber still requires a US license for at least one full year.
You might need to submit proof of licensing history if your license was recently issued. Uber or Checkr may ask you to send additional documents if they need more info about your licensing history.
You can submit a previous driver’s license, previous driver’s license number, or a motor vehicle report (MVR) issued by the DMV.
More about the Uber background check and driving record check
Each applicant must undergo background screening that looks at your criminal history and driving record.
The background check screens for criminal activity. Uber mentions felony convictions, violent crimes, and sexual offenses as examples of criminal background issues that will disqualify you from driving.
For your driving record, Uber is looking for no major driving violations (driving with a suspended license, DUI), and no more than 3 minor violations (speeding tickets, minor moving violations) in the past several years.
How long does the background check take? Typically 3–10 days. Watch for updates and contact support if more than 10 days have passed.
Does Uber drug test drivers? No, Uber does not require drivers to take a drug test.
Does Uber do a credit history check? No, Uber does not perform a credit check.
- Will you pass the Uber background check?
- Can you drive with Uber if you’re not a US citizen?
- Rejected by Uber? How to reapply
Vehicle requirements: You can drive with Uber with these cars
Uber generally accepts vehicles that are 15 years old or newer, but local regulations in some cities may require a newer vehicle.
The vehicle must have 4 doors and at least 5 seatbelts to accommodate at least 4 passengers.
You can use a 2-door vehicle for Uber Eats deliveries, but you must use a 4-door vehicle to drive passengers.
You can drive with Uber with any car, truck, SUV, minivan, or vehicle that meets the requirements. The only vehicle types that aren’t allowed are full-size vans and vehicles with commercial markings.
Search our full list of model year requirements to see the oldest vehicle you can use in your area.
Uber will not accept vehicles with a salvage title or ‘restored’ title.
And for those with older cars: Uber never accepts vehicles older than the model year requirement, even if the vehicle is in excellent condition.
More vehicle details here: Uber vehicle requirements: Does your car qualify?
Use Uber’s vehicle search tool to see the vehicle requirements in your city
The vehicle search tool at Uber.com will show you which vehicles are eligible in your city.
You can see a complete list of vehicles, the oldest model year allowed, and the Uber ride types each vehicle qualifies for.
Uber finally created an easily searchable list of vehicles
How to sign up without a car
If you don’t currently have access to a vehicle that qualifies for Uber, you can sign up to drive first and get a car later.
When you sing up, select the “I need a car” option. That way, you can go through the background screening process, and if you’re approved to drive, you can figure out how to access a car.
Select “I need a car” to sign up without a car
The vehicle inspection
Your vehicle will have to undergo an inspection to ensure that your vehicle is safe for passengers.
Note: Not every city requires a vehicle inspection before you start driving.
You can do the inspection at an Uber inspection location or a state-licensed auto repair facility.
After you sign up, Uber will link you to any Uber inspection facilities in your area or give you further instructions on how to get an inspection from an independent shop.
The inspection may be free or low cost at some inspection locations or around $30 if you have it done at a local auto repair shop.
The inspection covers the condition of your tires, brakes, lights, seat belts, and other safety features.
- How to pass the vehicle inspection, and how to find an activation center
- The inspection form (PDF) – See what the inspection covers
Follow instructions from Uber during the application process to find out when you need to have your vehicle inspected.
Vehicle insurance & registration requirements
Uber will ask you to upload photos or PDF copies of your auto insurance card and the vehicle’s license plate or registration card.
The vehicle that you use to drive for Uber does not need to be registered in your name, but you must be a named driver on the insurance card or insurance policy declaration.
- Insurance documents: You must provide copies of your vehicle’s insurance card and/or insurance declaration page with your name listed on the document
- Registration documents: You must provide a photo of the vehicle’s license plates or registration card. Your name does not need to be on the registration card
Can you use temporary registration (paper plates)?
Uber accepts temporary registration documents in most cities, but you may have problems getting them approved by Uber support.
Personal auto insurance requirements: Must meet the state minimum
When you sign up to drive, Uber will ask you to upload proof of personal auto insurance coverage that meets your state minimum requirements.
Uber does not require that you have a rideshare-friendly auto insurance policy, but many personal policies won’t cover you if they find out that you are driving for Uber.
We recommend shopping for a rideshare-friendly policy to protect yourself from any gaps in your coverage.
You may find rideshare policies are available as add-ons for an extra charge of only ~$25 per month.
Uber provides auto insurance coverage for drivers
Uber provides auto insurance that covers drivers, but the level of coverage depends on different driving scenarios at the time of an accident.
- The driver app is turned off: Uber provides no insurance. Your personal policy covers you
- The driver app is on and you aren’t matched with a passenger: Uber provides limited liability insurance
- Matched with a passenger and up until drop off: Uber offers a $1 million liability policy and contingent collision coverage
What is the collision insurance deductible for Uber?
Uber offers contingent collision coverage with a deductible of $2,500.
Continent coverage means you will only receive collision coverage if you also maintain collision coverage on your personal policy.
Uber’s contingent collision coverage policy is applied when you are matched with a passenger until you drop them off.
Uber’s Terms of Service and other policies
Uber will send you the Terms of Service and other Policy documents that you need to read and agree to before you can be activated as a driver.
The documents you have to sign may be different depending on the state you’re in, so keep an eye on your driver app to see if there are any documents you need to sign.
The TOS outlines your legal relationship with Uber, the deactivation policy, and any other state-specific policies that you will be subject to.
Other local requirements
Some cities require all for-hire drivers to comply with special regulations and requirements.
Local requirements could be a business license, a special placard for your car, or a different vehicle inspection process.
Uber will let you know about special local requirements during the application process.
Nevada drivers have to get a business license
How to send documents to Uber
The best way to share documents with Uber is to take a picture of the document with your smartphone and upload it using the Uber driver app.
Make sure the image is clear, with strong lighting and all text in focus.
You can also upload a PDF version of the document, which may be useful if you have a PDF copy of your insurance card or registration.
How to sign up at an in-person Hub
In many cities, Uber has in-person offices and support hubs where drivers can sign up to drive or get help with issues.
If you’re having trouble signing up online or prefer to sign up in person, learn how to find an in-person Uber office.
How do you start giving rides?
Once your driver account is active, you can log into the Uber Driver app and turn on driver mode.
Uber has instructional videos in the app and on Youtube that will show you how to accept a ride request, how to navigate to the passenger, and how to correctly perform a ride.
Ride requests will appear on the screen, and you can accept or reject them.
In many cities, the ride request will tell you upfront how much the ride will pay and the passenger’s destination.
After you accept a request, navigate to your passenger’s location. Pick them up, then follow the navigation to their drop-off location.
tamera says
Hi
my husband is currently an uber driver in Canada and we are planning on relocating to arizona at the end of August for my education, would he be aloud to continue working for uber in arizona we would be changing our drivers licence plates and insurance upon the move. But since he is already an approved driver will he have to wait a year for the drivers licence in that state etc.
DougH says
Hi Tamera. This is definitely a unique situation — an approved Uber driver who moves to a new country. I think that Uber might initially reject him for not having a US license for one full year, but if you try to escalate the issue higher up the decision chain you might be able to convince them to drive. I would start by emailing Uber now because this could take weeks to sort out.
Daniela Manzo says
Hi, I have a work permit that I have to renew every year as well as my drivers license. You think I can apply even though my license expires in October 2016? I’m going to renew but it’s a problem that it’s expiring soon?
DougH says
I’ve never heard of Uber looking at work permits, so as long as you’re up to date with it you should be OK. But if you need to have the work permit because of your background, Uber will see your background and possibly not hire you because of it.
Zain G says
How many trips do you have to complete before you get the bonus of $100-$500?
DougH says
It depends on the promotion in your area. Typically it’s 20 – 30 rides. Hope that helps! If you started driving, email Uber and ask them for more details about the terms of your new-driver bonus.
Bart says
Hi,
I’m interested in driving for uber however my visa status is tied to a single company hence cannot work for any other company. Can I have my girlfriend register since she doesn’t not have any restrictions and i’ll use my car to do that so in that way the income will be reflected in her name? Thanks
DougH says
Hi Bart. If your girlfriend registers, the account will be in her name, Uber will look at her insurance, and you’d essentially have to impersonate her when you’re driving. It’s not a great idea. It’s definitely more risky than it’s worth, especially because you could compromise your residency status by doing it.
Fred Soares says
hi DougH,
my vehicle has passed the inspection and i also have uploaded all my documents. But my account is still not active. Do you know how long does it take?
DougH says
It sounds like the background check is still happening. That usually takes around 7-10 days. If you’re still not active, try emailing Uber until you get an answer.
David says
I was arrested for driving under the influence, but I was never charged with a crime and I was therefore never convicted. Otherwise, I have a clean driving record.
Will I be able to pass a background check with Uber? Thanks in advance.
DougH says
Hi David. You know, I’m not 100% certain about the ‘arrested for a DUI but not convicted’ scenario. I’m going to ask Uber and update the article with the answer.
Cameron McCaslin says
I just had ankle surgery and am off work from my normal job for 3 months. I’m am cleared to drive by my doctor. Can I drive for Uber ? I would like to make some money instead of sitting around for 3 months doing nothing.
DougH says
If you can drive, if you’ve got the right car, and if you can pass the background check, sure, you can definitely drive.
Paul says
I got arrested a year ago for driving on a suspended license. My license had just gotten suspended on that same day and it became suspended because I had previously gotten a ticket for no proof of insurance which I did have insurance I just didn’t have the paper in my car and I set a court date to fight it and missed it. The whole case got dropped and and they cleared me from every fine the officer gave me. Other than that never gotten arrested. I’m not a sex offender no felonies no dui etc. will I be denied ?
DougH says
Driving on a suspended license usually stops people from getting hired, but if you’ve done everything you can to clear that up all you can do is apply and hope for the best.