What you need before you start
Uber requires you to meet several conditions before you can drive. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, own or have regular access to a may have access to vehicle, and have proof of auto insurance. You also need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number where Uber can reach you. Some of these requirements vary by location — a few cities have higher age minimums, and insurance requirements differ between states.
Your vehicle must pass Uber's standards. The car, truck, or SUV needs to be registered in your name, have fewer than a certain number of miles (this varies), and meet local emissions standards. Uber publishes a list of approved vehicle models on their driver website, organized by city. If your vehicle is older than a specific year — again, this depends on your location — it will not be accepted.
You will also need to pass a background check. Uber runs a check through a third-party company that looks at your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry. The standards for what disqualifies you vary by state and sometimes by city.
Key Takeaways
- You must provide a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration in your name, and pass a background check before Uber will set up your account.
- Your vehicle must be registered in your name, meet age and mileage requirements that vary by city, and pass a vehicle inspection through Uber's partner.
- The background check process takes several days to a few weeks, and Uber will tell you the result by email.
- Once approved, you can turn on the driver app and start receiving ride requests in your area.
- Different cities have different requirements — check Uber's driver requirements page for your specific location before you begin.
Step-by-step: Creating your driver account
Go to Uber's driver signup page and enter your email address. Uber will send you a verification link — click it to confirm your email. Then enter your phone number, and Uber will text you a code to verify that as well.
Next, you will enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Uber uses this to run your background check. You will also create a password for your driver account. After this step, Uber will send you an email saying your account is under review.
Do not close the browser yet. You will now upload documents. Uber will ask for a photo of your driver's license (front and back), a photo of your vehicle registration, and a photo of your proof of insurance. Take these photos in good lighting and make sure all text is readable. Blurry or cut-off photos will be rejected, and you will have to upload again.
Vehicle inspection and registration
After you upload your documents, Uber will assign you to a vehicle inspection appointment. This is done through a partner company, not Uber directly. The inspection is free. You drive to a local inspection center (Uber will show you the nearest one), and an inspector checks that your vehicle matches the registration, has no major damage, and meets safety standards.
The inspection takes about 15 minutes. The inspector will look at your tires, brakes, lights, windshield, and interior. They will take photos of the vehicle from multiple angles. You do not need to clean the car, but it should be in safe, working condition. If the inspection fails, Uber will tell you what needs to be fixed, and you can schedule another inspection once repairs are done.
Some cities allow you to do a self-inspection through the Uber app instead of going to a center. If this option is available in your area, Uber will show you during signup. You take photos of your vehicle yourself following Uber's checklist, and an Uber employee reviews them.
Background check: what happens and how long it takes
Uber uses a company called Checkr to run your background check. Checkr will contact you by email with a link to their portal. You may need to verify information or provide additional documents — for example, if you have moved recently, Checkr might ask for proof of your current address.
The background check typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if Checkr needs to contact you for more information. You will receive an email from Checkr when the check is complete. If you are approved, Uber will send you a separate email saying you have been cleared to drive. If you are not approved, Uber will tell you the reason and may give you the option to appeal.
During this waiting period, you cannot drive. Your account will show "Background check in progress" in the app. Do not book rides or turn on the driver mode until Uber sends you the approval email.
Turning on the driver app and your first ride
Once Uber approves you, open the Uber Driver app on your phone. You will see a toggle that says "Go Online" or "Start Earning." Tap it to turn on driver mode. The app will ask for permission to access your location — you must allow this for the app to work. Uber will then show you a map of your area with ride requests appearing as they come in.
When a ride request appears, you will see the passenger's pickup location, their destination, and the estimated fare. You have a few seconds to accept or decline. If you accept, the app will navigate you to the pickup location using your phone's GPS. The passenger will see your car's location in real time.
Pick up the passenger, confirm their destination in the app, and drive to it. The app will guide you with turn-by-turn directions. When you arrive, end the ride in the app. The passenger can rate you and leave a comment. You will see your earnings when ready, and the money will be deposited into your bank account on your next scheduled payout day (usually weekly, depending on your location).
Documents you will need to have ready
| Document | What Uber needs | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license | Valid, current, front and back photos | Issued by your state's DMV; must not be expired |
| Vehicle registration | Current registration in your name, photo | Issued by your state's DMV; renew before it expires |
| Proof of insurance | Current auto insurance policy, photo | From your insurance company; must cover the vehicle you will drive |
| Vehicle inspection | Passed inspection through Uber's partner or self-inspection | Scheduled by Uber after you upload documents |
| Background check clearance | Approval from Checkr via Uber | Automatic after you provide SSN and personal info |
Common reasons applications are rejected or delayed
The most common reason for rejection is a failed background check. Uber's standards vary by location, but they typically reject applicants with recent serious traffic violations, DUI convictions, or certain criminal convictions. If you are rejected, Uber will tell you the reason. Some decisions can be appealed — Uber will explain the appeal process in the rejection email.
Vehicle-related rejections happen when the car does not meet age, mileage, or model requirements for your city. Check Uber's approved vehicle list before you start — if your car is not on it, you will not be able to drive. Insurance rejections occur when your policy does not cover commercial rideshare driving. Many standard auto insurance policies exclude this, so you may need to add a rideshare endorsement or switch to a policy that covers it.
Document rejections are usually fixable. If your photos are blurry, cut off, or unreadable, Uber will ask you to resubmit. Make sure text is clear, the document is fully visible, and the lighting is good. If your name on your driver's license does not match your vehicle registration exactly, Uber may ask for clarification — legal name changes or married name situations sometimes cause this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take from start to approval?
Most people are approved within one to two weeks. The background check is usually the longest step, taking three to five business days. Document uploads and vehicle inspection can happen in parallel, so the total time depends on how quickly you submit everything and schedule your inspection. Some applicants are approved in a few days; others wait longer if Checkr needs additional information.
Can I drive before my background check is complete?
No. You cannot turn on the driver app or accept rides until Uber sends you an approval email. Your account will show "Background check in progress" until it is finished. Attempting to drive before approval could result in your account being deactivated.
What if my vehicle does not pass inspection?
The inspector will tell you what failed and what needs to be fixed. Common failures are worn tires, broken lights, or windshield damage. Once you fix the issues, you can schedule another inspection. There is no limit to how many times you can try, but you cannot drive until you pass.
Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Uber?
Your personal auto insurance must cover rideshare driving, or you need to add a rideshare endorsement. Many standard policies do not cover commercial use. Contact your insurance company and ask if your policy covers Uber driving. If it does not, you can add coverage or switch to a policy that includes it. Uber will not approve you without proof of coverage.
What happens if I move to a different city?
You can drive in any city where Uber operates, but requirements vary by location. If you move, check Uber's requirements page for your new city — your vehicle might not meet the standards there, or you might need to update your address in the app. You do not need to reapply, but you should update your profile information.