What you need to do to drive for Uber
Uber requires you to submit information through their driver portal, pass a background check, and provide documents that prove your identity, driving history, and vehicle registration. You do not send these to Uber directly — instead, you upload them to the Uber app or website, and a third-party company reviews them. The whole process typically takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if documents are unclear or if the background check raises questions.
The steps happen in order: you create an account, you submit your documents, the background check runs, and then Uber either approves you or asks for more information. You cannot skip ahead or submit everything at once and expect faster results. Each stage has to clear before the next one starts.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and own or have regular access to a vehicle that meets Uber's age and condition standards.
- Uber requires a background check through a third-party company, which looks at your driving record and criminal history — the specific standards vary by state and city.
- You upload documents (license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and sometimes proof of address) through the Uber app, not by mail or in person.
- The review process takes one to two weeks on average, but delays happen if photos are blurry, documents expire soon, or if the background check needs clarification.
- Some cities require additional steps like a local vehicle inspection or a separate city permit before Uber will set up your account.
Documents Uber asks for at signup
You will need to upload a photo of your driver's license (front and back), proof of vehicle insurance, and your vehicle registration. Uber also asks for your Social Security number and date of birth during account creation. If you do not have a permanent address or your address on your license is outdated, you may need to provide a recent utility bill or lease agreement as proof of where you live.
The photos of your documents matter more than you might think. If the image is blurry, cut off at the edges, or taken at an angle where text is hard to read, Uber will reject it and ask you to resubmit. Use good lighting, take the photo straight-on, and make sure all four corners of the document are visible. If your documents are close to expiring, Uber may ask you to renew them before approval goes through.
The background check and what it covers
Uber uses a third-party background check company (the company varies by region) to review your driving record and criminal history. The check looks at traffic violations, accidents, and any criminal convictions. What disqualifies you depends on your state and city — some places have strict rules about certain types of convictions or multiple traffic violations within a set time period, while others are more flexible.
You do not see the full background check report yourself. Uber tells you whether you passed or did not pass, and if you did not pass, they usually tell you why in general terms (for example, "a conviction on your record" or "too many traffic violations in the past three years"). If you believe the information is wrong, you can dispute it, but you will need to contact the background check company directly, not Uber.
Vehicle requirements and inspection
Your vehicle must be at least four doors, in good working condition, and meet your city's age requirements. Most cities require the car to be no more than 10 to 15 years old, though this varies. Uber checks the vehicle registration you upload to confirm the car is registered in your name or that you have permission to use it.
Some cities require an additional step: a local vehicle inspection through a third party or at a specific inspection station. If your city requires this, Uber will tell you during signup. You schedule and pay for the inspection yourself (cost varies, typically $20 to $50), and then upload the inspection certificate to your Uber account. Without this certificate, Uber will not set up your account, even if everything else is approved.
Timeline: what happens after you submit
After you upload your documents, Uber sends them to the background check company. This usually takes a few days. While the background check is running, Uber's system checks your documents for completeness — making sure nothing is blurry, expired, or missing. If something is wrong, you get a notification in the app asking you to resubmit.
Once the background check comes back clear and your documents pass the photo review, Uber approves your account. You then get access to the driver app and can start accepting rides. If your city requires a vehicle inspection, you will not see the final approval until that certificate is uploaded and verified.
If the background check takes longer than expected, it is usually because the company needs clarification on something — a traffic violation that shows up with incomplete information, or a name variation on a document. Uber will notify you if this happens. You can also check your status by opening the Uber app and looking at your account settings.
What to do if Uber denies your account
If Uber rejects your account, they send a message explaining the reason in general terms. Common reasons include a disqualifying conviction, too many traffic violations within a certain time frame, or a vehicle that does not meet requirements. You cannot reapply when ready — you have to wait a set period (usually 30 days) before trying again.
If you believe the decision was based on incorrect information, contact the background check company to dispute the record. Get documentation of the dispute in writing, then reapply after the waiting period. If the issue was your vehicle (too old, wrong number of doors), you can reapply once you have a different vehicle that meets the requirements.
City-specific requirements that affect your timeline
Some cities require additional steps beyond what Uber asks for. New York City, for example, requires a separate Uber license from the Taxi and Limousine Commission before you can drive. San Francisco requires proof of local residency. Other cities require you to register with the city or get a local business permit. Uber will tell you during signup if your city has extra requirements, but it is worth checking your city's website or calling the local transportation department to confirm.
These city requirements can add weeks to your timeline because they happen outside the Uber system. You have to complete them separately, then upload proof to Uber. If you skip this step, Uber will eventually deactivate your account once they discover you are driving without the required local permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
One to two weeks is typical if everything is clear and your background check has no issues. If documents need to be resubmitted, if your city requires a vehicle inspection, or if the background check needs clarification, it can take three to four weeks or longer. City-specific requirements can add another week or more.
Can I drive while my account is being reviewed?
No. You cannot accept rides until Uber sends you final approval. If you drive before approval, Uber will deactivate your account. Wait for the notification in the app that says your account is active.
What if my driver's license is expired or expires soon?
Uber will not approve an expired license. If your license expires within the next few months, renew it before you upload it. Some cities also require your license to be valid for the entire period you are driving, so check your local rules.
Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Uber?
Uber requires you to have active auto insurance, and your policy must cover rideshare driving. Personal auto insurance often does not cover this. You will need to contact your insurance company and add rideshare coverage, or switch to a policy that includes it. Uber asks for proof of insurance during signup.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket after I am approved?
Uber does not check your driving record continuously after approval. However, if you get a serious violation or multiple tickets, Uber may deactivate your account if they find out during a periodic review. Some violations (like a DUI) can lead to when ready deactivation.