What license you need to drive for Uber
You need a regular driver's license to drive for Uber — the same one you use to drive yourself around. Uber does not require a separate commercial license in most places. However, some cities and states have added their own rules on top of Uber's requirements, so what you need depends on where you live and work.
Your regular driver's license must be valid and current. Uber will check it during the sign-up process and again periodically while you drive. If your license expires, you cannot continue driving for Uber until you renew it.
The confusion often comes from the fact that Uber requires many other things beyond just a license — a background check, vehicle inspection, proof of insurance, and sometimes local permits or registrations. Those are separate from your driver's license itself, but they are all part of what Uber needs before you can start.
Key Takeaways
- A standard driver's license is all you need; Uber does not require a commercial license in most states.
- Some cities require an Uber-specific permit or business license in addition to your regular driver's license.
- Your license must be valid and current, and Uber checks it during sign-up and periodically afterward.
- Uber also requires a vehicle inspection, insurance proof, and a background check, but these are separate from your license.
- Requirements vary by location, so check your city or county rules before you start the sign-up process.
Where local rules add extra requirements
Several major cities have passed their own rules that go beyond Uber's national requirements. New York City requires Uber drivers to obtain a For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) license from the Taxi and Limousine Commission. San Francisco requires a local permit. Chicago requires drivers to register with the city. These are separate from your regular driver's license and are issued by the city or county, not the state.
If you live in one of these places, you will need to get the local permit or license before Uber will set up your account. The process usually involves filling out a form, paying a fee, and sometimes passing a local knowledge test or background check specific to that city. Uber's website will tell you during sign-up whether your city has these extra requirements.
Smaller cities and rural areas typically do not have their own Uber-specific rules, so a regular driver's license is usually enough. However, this changes over time as more cities pass regulations, so it is worth checking your local government's website or calling your city clerk's office if you are unsure.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive for Uber. Uber runs periodic checks on driver records, and if your license status changes, Uber will deactivate your account. You will not be able to accept rides until your license is valid again.
A suspension is usually temporary — it lasts for a set period and then your license is automatically restored once you meet any conditions (like paying a fine or completing a course). A revocation is more serious and typically requires you to reapply for a license through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you are facing a suspension or revocation, contact your state's DMV to understand the timeline and what you need to do to restore your license. Once it is restored, you can contact Uber support to ask them to reactivate your account.
Commercial license requirements in specific states
A few states have debated whether Uber drivers should need a commercial license, but most have decided against it. The reasoning is that Uber drivers are independent contractors, not employees of a taxi company, so the traditional commercial license rules do not explore.
However, some states do require commercial insurance even though they do not require a commercial license. This is different — your insurance must cover you while you are driving passengers for money, not just personal use. Uber provides some coverage, but you may need a commercial or rideshare endorsement on your personal policy depending on your state. Check with your insurance company about what you need.
A few states have explored requiring a commercial license or a special endorsement, but as of now, no state universally requires one. If your state does pass such a rule in the future, Uber will notify you and explain what you need to do.
How to check your specific city or state rules
The fastest way to find out what you need is to start the Uber driver sign-up process on the Uber website or app. During sign-up, Uber will ask for your location and will tell you exactly what documents and licenses are required in your area. If Uber says you need a local permit, it will usually provide a link to where you can get one.
You can also contact your city or county clerk's office directly and ask whether there are any Uber-specific or rideshare-specific licensing requirements. Many cities have a business licensing department that handles this. Alternatively, search your city's website for "rideshare" or "transportation network company" — that is the official term for services like Uber.
If you are in a major city like New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, search for that city's name plus "Uber license" or "FHV license" to find the specific agency and process. These cities have dedicated pages explaining the requirements and how the process works.
What Uber checks about your license during sign-up
When you provide your driver's license information during sign-up, Uber verifies that the license is real, that it is currently valid, and that it has not been suspended or revoked. Uber uses a third-party verification service to check this information against state DMV records.
Uber also checks whether you have any disqualifying violations on your driving record — things like multiple DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or at-fault accidents within a certain time period. The exact rules vary by state and by Uber's own policies, but the general idea is that Uber wants drivers with clean records.
If there is a problem with your license or record, Uber will tell you during sign-up and will not let you proceed. If you think there is an error, you can contact Uber support, but you may also need to contact your state's DMV to correct the record on their end first.
Renewing your license while driving for Uber
If your driver's license is about to expire, renew it before it actually expires. Most states let you renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. Once you have your new license, you will need to update your information in the Uber app.
To update your license in Uber, go to your account settings, find the section for documents or driver information, and upload a photo of your new license. Uber will verify the new license information, and you should be able to continue driving once the verification is complete. This usually takes a few hours to a few days.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew it. If your license expires and Uber notices, your account will be deactivated, and you will not be able to accept rides until you provide proof of a valid license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?
No. A regular driver's license is sufficient in all states. Uber does not require a commercial license because drivers are independent contractors, not employees. However, some cities require an additional local permit or business license on top of your regular license.
What if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?
You cannot drive for Uber with a learner's permit. Uber requires a full, valid driver's license. A learner's permit is not sufficient because it comes with restrictions on who can be in the car and when you can drive.
Can I drive for Uber if my license is from another state?
Yes, as long as it is valid and current. You do not have to have a license from the state where you are driving. However, if you move to a new state and plan to drive there long-term, you should get a license from that state. Some states have rules about how long you can drive on an out-of-state license before you must get a local one.
What if I have a suspended license but Uber has not deactivated me yet?
Uber will eventually find out and deactivate your account. Uber runs periodic checks on driver records, so it is only a matter of time. Driving for Uber with a suspended license is also illegal, so you should not do it. Wait until your license is valid again before driving.
Do I need to tell Uber if my license information changes?
Yes. If you renew your license, change your name, or move to a new address, update your information in the Uber app as soon as possible. Uber needs your current information to verify your identity and to may support you are still meeting the requirements to drive.