What You Need to Know About Uber Driver Requirements

What Uber requires from your driver's license

Uber requires you to have a valid driver's license from your state or country, and it must be in your name. The license cannot be expired, suspended, or revoked. Uber will check your license against your state's motor vehicle records during the sign-up process and again periodically while you drive.

Your license must match the name, date of birth, and address you provide to Uber. If any of these details don't match, Uber will ask you to update your information or provide a new document before you can start driving. This verification step protects both you and the passengers you'll carry.

You do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a taxi medallion to drive for Uber in most states. A standard passenger vehicle license is sufficient, though a few states and cities have begun requiring additional rideshare-specific permits or endorsements — check your local rules before you start the sign-up process.

Key Takeaways

Your driver's license must be valid, current, and in your legal name to drive for Uber.
Uber verifies your license against state motor vehicle records during sign-up and on an ongoing basis.
The name, date of birth, and address on your license must match exactly what you provide to Uber.
Most states do not require a commercial license or taxi medallion, but some cities have added rideshare-specific permit requirements.
A suspended, revoked, or expired license will prevent you from driving and may result in your account being deactivated.

How Uber verifies your license

When you sign up, you'll upload a photo of your driver's license to the Uber app. Uber uses automated systems and manual review to check that the license is real, matches your identity, and is currently valid. This process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can take longer if Uber needs additional documents.

Uber also runs your name and license number against your state's Department of Motor Vehicles records. This check happens automatically and confirms that your license has not been suspended or revoked. If there's a mismatch between what you uploaded and what the state records show, Uber will ask you to resubmit or provide additional proof of identity.

After you're approved and driving, Uber periodically re-checks your license status with your state's motor vehicle database. If your license becomes suspended or revoked for any reason — unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, or other violations — Uber will be notified and your account will be deactivated until the issue is resolved.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

If your license expires while you're driving for Uber, you must renew it when ready. Uber will detect the expiration during its regular background checks and will deactivate your account. You cannot drive passengers until you upload proof of a valid, current license.

If your license is suspended or revoked — whether for unpaid fines, a DUI, points violations, or any other reason — you cannot drive for Uber at all. Uber's background check system will flag this status, and your account will be deactivated. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation with your state's DMV before you can reapply or reactivate your account.

The time it takes to restore a suspended license varies by state and the reason for suspension. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period; others require you to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or take other corrective action. Contact your state's DMV directly to find out what steps you need to take.

License requirements if you're new to the state

If you've recently moved to a new state, you'll need to get a driver's license from that state before you can drive for Uber there. Uber will not accept an out-of-state license, even if it's still valid. Most states give you 30 to 60 days after moving to obtain a new license, but Uber's requirement is when ready.

The process for getting a new state license typically involves visiting your local DMV office, passing a vision test, and paying a fee. You'll usually receive a temporary paper license on the spot and a plastic card in the mail within one to three weeks. You can upload the temporary license to Uber while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state and are moving to a new state, you'll need to transfer that as well. The rules for CDL transfers vary by state, so check your new state's DMV website for specific requirements.

International driver's licenses and non-U.S. drivers

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you can still drive for Uber, but you must have a valid U.S. driver's license. Uber does not accept international driver's licenses or permits, even if they're valid in your home country. You'll need to obtain a state driver's license through your state's DMV.

To get a U.S. driver's license as a non-citizen, you'll typically need to provide proof of identity (such as a passport), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number or tax ID. Some states have different rules for undocumented immigrants; check your state's DMV website for details on what documents you can use.

Once you have a valid U.S. driver's license in your name, you can proceed with Uber's sign-up process just like any other driver. The license verification works the same way regardless of your citizenship status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive for Uber with a learner's permit or provisional license?

No. Uber requires a full, unrestricted driver's license. A learner's permit or provisional license does not meet Uber's requirements because these licenses typically come with restrictions on when and where you can drive, and they're not considered valid for commercial ridesharing purposes.

What if my name on my license doesn't match my legal name?

Your Uber account name must match your driver's license exactly. If your legal name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — you'll need to update your driver's license at your state's DMV first. Then upload the updated license to Uber. Mismatches between your license and your Uber profile will cause your account to be flagged.

Do I need to renew my license information with Uber every year?

Uber will periodically ask you to re-verify your license, especially as your license expiration date approaches. You don't need to do anything proactively, but you should check your Uber app regularly for any requests to upload updated documents. If you ignore these requests, your account may be deactivated.

What if Uber rejects my license photo?

Common reasons for rejection include poor lighting, glare on the license, the photo being blurry, or the license being partially cut off. Take a new photo in good natural light, make sure the entire license is visible and readable, and avoid shadows or reflections. If you're still having trouble, contact Uber support through the app for guidance.

Can I drive for Uber if I have points on my license?

It depends on how many points and what violations caused them. Uber's background check looks at your driving history, and minor violations may not disqualify you. However, a pattern of violations or serious infractions like DUIs will likely result in rejection. Check Uber's background standards for your state, or contact Uber support to ask about your specific situation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.