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!
Jorge says
I have a 2015 Chevy Cruze. I just bought it a couple of weeks ago. I’m sure this will qualify for Uber , won’t it?
DougH says
Congratulations on the new car. Your Cruze qualifies for UberX.
Peter G. says
I have minor damage to my rear bumper; just a few small dents. Will my car pass the inspection?
DougH says
It depends on how visible it is and how much of a stickler your inspector is. Usually minor body damage is ok.
Melissa says
My 2014 Chevy Sonic passed the inspection, but the form looks different from what you show here. Same stuff, but in color. The Uber system keeps rejecting it, saying it’s the wrong form. I’ve uploaded in on the site — twice– and through the app — twice. I contacted the Help desk, and have emailed the form — twice. So, 6 times trying to prove my car passed inspection, uploading the form given after the inspection, And the system keeps rejecting it.
That inspection form is the only thing holding me back. What am I supposed to do? There are no numbers to talk to a live person and no email to connect with someone above customer service.
How do I fix this?
DougH says
Hi Melissa. Are you sure you’re using the form that they provided to you in the Uber partner site? The form I have here is just an example to show what type of things Uber looks at in the inspection. I know it’s frustrating, but the only thing you can do is to continue emailing until you get an answer. If your area has a local office, go in for a visit. If you get an email reply that doesn’t answer your question, ask to ‘escalate’ to issue and you might get someone who will take a little more time to solve your problem.
Kevin says
Doug H:
Great web site. My question is: at what point will a 2000 model year BMW age out for Uber in Los Angeles?
I know that Uber accepts vehicles up to 15 years old in LA, but when does the age out period begin? At the end of 2016? When the new models come out in the fall? Has a 2000 year model already aged out, as the 2016 models are out now, making a 2000 model actually 16 years old now?
Thx in advance for your help!
DougH says
Hi Kevin. 2000 has already aged out for Los Angeles. Currently the oldest vehicle model you can use in LA is 2001. Hope that helps.
Alan says
I have 96 Chevy suburban with 3 rows in pristine condition both interior & exterior. Mechanically sound. Is that too old? I’m in the San Francisco Bay Area
DougH says
Hi Alan. Uber is not accepting cars in the Bay Area that are older than 2001. Hope you keep your Suburban pristine!
Ken Layman says
Lyft says I must get a TNC Inspection that costs between $40 TO $70 because in the Dallas /Ft worth area it is required. Can’ have any scratches longer than a business card or any paint peeling. I have a few scratches that came with the car when I bought it used, and some paint is peeling off the plastic rear bumper, so I am going to get some touch up paint to fix this. Can I deduct these expenses, inspection, paint, etc and will Lyft reimburse me for it?
DougH says
Lyft will not reimburse you for any of that, but you could deduct it from your taxes.
Steve says
Hi,
I am interested in becoming an Uber plus driver here in Orange County.
I drive beautiful dark blue metallic Audi A6 fully loaded leather interior very low miles.
On title the car is a 2006, again the car look like new and this model is the same from 2006 till about 2011. Will Uber let me use this car for Uber plus or will they be firm on their (I think 2007 or newer requirement?)
DougH says
Hi Steve. Uber will stay firm on that requirement. I double checked and OC requires 2008 or newer. You could still drive for UberX with your car though.