Did you know that in most states, all vehicles on the Uber app must pass an inspection before the driver can begin taking rides?
So if you’re thinking about driving with Uber, be ready to get your car inspected!
You can get an inspection at an Uber location, an independent mechanic, or do a video chat inspection.
What you need to know
- Uber requires a vehicle inspection in many states
- The inspection typically costs $20–$40
- View and download the inspection form (PDF)
- The Uber driver app has a list of inspection locations
- You can also do the inspection at any state-certified mechanic
Find vehicle inspection options in the Uber driver app: Tap Menu > Account > Documents > Vehicle Inspection > Find an inspection center.
Want to drive with Uber? Apply here!
Read on to learn what to expect from a vehicle inspection and how to look for free & cheap options.
Article contents
- Basics of the Uber vehicle inspection
- How to find a free inspection
- Get a video chat inspection
- Find & download the inspection form
- Inspection points: What the inspection looks for
- How to get one inspection for Uber & Lyft
Uber vehicle inspection basics
In most cities, Uber requires a yearly vehicle inspection at a state-certified auto repair facility or an Uber inspection location.
The Uber vehicle inspection looks at the condition of safety features like tires, brakes, lights, seatbelts, glass, and others. View the inspection form to see what the inspection covers.
Uber does not require a vehicle inspection for Uber Eats.
The top 4 ways to get an inspection
- Visit an Uber Greenlight Hub (~$20)
- Get a video chat inspection with RMI ($15)
- Go to an independent mechanic (~$30)
- In states that require a yearly inspection, upload the state inspection form or sticker
How to find vehicle inspection locations
In the Uber driver app, tap Menu > Account > Documents > Vehicle Inspection > Find an inspection center.
Go to Documents > Vehicle inspections to find local options
Not all cities require a vehicle inspection
You may find that your city doesn’t require a vehicle inspection. If that’s the case, continue driving and only get an inspection if Uber asks you to get one.
Some cities require a vehicle inspection in your first 30 days as an active driver, so it’s also possible that you’ll be able to get on the road before you get an inspection.
If your state requires a yearly inspection, Uber may accept a valid inspection sticker or form
Many US states require a yearly or periodic inspection for all vehicles. If you are in a state that requires inspections, you may be able to use the inspection sticker or inspection form to satisfy Uber’s inspection requirement.
Watch out for emails and app messages from Uber for more information about the exact requirements in your state.
How to get an Uber inspection at Uber Greenlight Hubs & participating locations
In many larger cities, Uber provides discounted inspections at ‘Greenlight Hubs‘ and local auto shop chains.
How to find a free vehicle inspection
In the Uber driver app, tap Menu > Account > Documents > Vehicle Inspection > Find an inspection center.
You will find a list of official Uber locations and independent auto shops. Uber locations usually offer a low-cost option that is generally around $20.
Scroll through the independent mechanics to find nearby inspection locations. You might get lucky and find a shop offering free promotional inspections.
In my case, I found a free inspection at a local Pep Boys. Your experience may vary.
You might find a free option in the list of local mechanics
Video inspection options with RMI
RMI video chat inspections are cheap and convenient
In some locations, Uber offers video chat inspections through RMI. RMI inspections cost around $15.
After you schedule an inspection, an RMI associate will call you via video chat and lead you through an inspection. They will ask you to walk around the car to show them the condition of your vehicle.
If your vehicle passes, RMI will email you a photo of the completed inspection form. Upload the photo to your documents portal and wait for approval.
Video inspections are a convenient way to get an inspection wherever you want, without traveling to a mechanic or printing out any forms.
The only potential drawback of an RMI inspection is that it may only qualify for Uber. Lyft may not accept the form.
How to download the Uber inspection form
If you choose to do your inspection with an independent mechanic, you will need to print out the inspection form and bring it to the inspection.
Below is a PDF copy of the inspection form:
Uber can also send you the inspection form inside the driver app.
Request a copy of the inspection form from Uber: While using the “Find an inspection center” feature, tap on any independent mechanic, then tap “Get inspection form” at the bottom of the page.
Uber will email you a copy of your form to the email address associated with your driver account.
Get a form copy by tapping on any independent mechanic, then tap “Get inspection form”
How to upload a completed inspection form
To upload a completed inspection form, go to Account > Documents > Vehicle Inspection > ‘I’ve completed my inspection’
Follow the instructions to take a photo of the form, then upload it. It typically takes Uber only a few hours to approve your form. If it takes longer, contact support.
More reading for Uber drivers
Vehicle inspection points
Here’s what the inspection looks for:
- Headlights, tail lights, stop lights, turn signal indicators
- Tire tread depth
- Brake pad/shoe thickness
- Interior and exterior rear-view mirrors
- Emergency brake/parking brake
- Steering mechanism
- Windshield glass, windshield wipers, window glass
- Seatbelts for driver and passengers
- Doors open/close/lock
- Front seat adjustment
- Horn & speedometer
- Condition of bumpers
Can you pass the inspection if your car has body & paint damage?
Uber doesn’t accept vehicles with major body damage, panels with mismatched paint, or missing pieces.
A good rule of thumb is anything bigger than a baseball-sized dent could disqualify your car.
But if you read closely, the inspection forms do not leave clear guidelines specifying exactly how much damage is acceptable.
Most inspectors are concerned with mechanical safety features and will overlook body damage unless there is significant damage to safety features like bumpers and exterior mirrors.
So you may be able to pass an inspection with body damage, but passengers might give you bad ratings or complain to Uber.
Your car can pass an inspection with damage, but passenger reports can put your account on hold
After a while, driving with a damaged car is likely to lead to deactivation.
How to get one vehicle inspection for both Uber and Lyft
If you are active on both Uber and Lyft, you’ll need to keep inspections up to date for both apps.
You can try to use an Uber inspection for Lyft or a Lyft inspection for Uber, but there’s no guarantee that either company will accept an inspection form from the other.
Going to two inspections and paying twice is a hassle, but there is a way to get one inspection that works for both Uber and Lyft.
Go to an independent mechanic to get both forms filled out at the same time
You can have an independent mechanic fill out the Uber & Lyft forms at the same time.
The inspections are nearly identical, so most mechanics are happy to fill out both forms for you at little or no extra charge.
If you go to an Uber inspection location, there’s a chance that the inspector will use a phone or tablet to complete the inspection and won’t provide a paper form. Without the paper form, you’ll have to get a separate inspection for Lyft.
Can you fill out your own forms? Faking the inspection
Some drivers go the dishonest route by filling out their own inspection form without actually getting an inspection.
Many say that they get away with it, but it’s considered fraudulent behavior and you risk deactivation if Uber finds out.
Many drivers have been deactivated for uploading fraudulent documents. Faking your forms isn’t worth it if you rely on the money you earn from Uber.
What to do if your car doesn’t pass an inspection
If your car doesn’t pass the inspection, correct the issue and go back to redo the inspection.
The inspection only covers the most basic roadworthiness of a car, so if your car fails, it’s probably not safe to drive anyways!
Kashana says
I have tint on my windows. I pass the Lyft inspection with a mentor but now I have to get the Dallas for vehicle hire permit. Will my 15% tint be a problem?
Joe says
I have an exhaust system that is straight pipe. (No muffler) Is that ok?
DougH says
You might slip through the inspection but passengers might complain.
Justin says
I have an issue with my airbag sensor and my airbag light is on. It doesn’t affect their ability to function, but is very expensive to fix. Would this fail me?
DougH says
Since it’s expensive to fix, do the inspection first and hope you pass. If you don’t, you can fix the problem and do the inspection again.
Concerned User Chris says
I have the same problem. Any update on how the inspection went?
Brandi says
I backed into a plastic trashcan and it just scraped up my bumper, it didn’t dent the bumper but it did leave a lot of scratches on the paint and the scratches are white (the car is black). Would this disqualify my car?
DougH says
Probably not. Minor scratches are ok.
Mik says
Does my Mini Cooper Clubman, 3-door qualify?
DougH says
No. Cars need to have four full doors.
Cinthya says
My car has one dent in the back bumper and the front right side. It’s noticeable but, it work perfect. Would it pass or fail?
DougH says
If it’s bigger than a baseball, you may fail. It could be worth trying to pop that dent out.
Chris says
you think my car will pass if my headlight and rear back light has a crack in it?
DougH says
Only if the crack is small and unnoticeable.