You need a regular driver's license, but Uber has additional requirements beyond that
To drive for Uber, you must hold a valid driver's license issued by your state — the same license you need to drive any car legally. However, Uber does not accept all driver's licenses. Your license must be current and not suspended or revoked. You also cannot have certain violations on your driving record, and Uber will run a background check that looks at your entire driving history, not just whether your license is valid today.
The license itself is not special or different from a regular driver's license. You do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL), a taxi medallion, or any Uber-specific permit. What matters is that your state-issued license is clean enough to pass Uber's screening process, which is stricter than the minimum legal requirement to drive.
Key Takeaways
- Your state driver's license must be valid, current, and not suspended or revoked when you submit it to Uber and every day you drive.
- Uber checks your entire driving history, not just your current license status, and will reject you for accidents, violations, or insurance lapses within the past three to seven years depending on the violation type.
- You do not need a commercial license, taxi permit, or any special Uber-issued credential to drive for the platform.
- Some cities require a separate for-hire vehicle permit or rideshare license from the local government, which is different from your driver's license and is issued by your city or county, not the state.
What Uber checks on your driving record
Uber uses a third-party background check company to review your driving history. They look for accidents, traffic violations, and insurance lapses. The exact lookback period varies — minor violations typically go back three years, while serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or at-fault accidents may disqualify you for seven years or longer.
Uber will reject you if your record shows more than a certain number of violations within the lookback period. The exact thresholds are not published, but common disqualifiers include any DUI or felony conviction, more than one at-fault accident in the past three years, more than three moving violations in the past three years, or a suspended or revoked license at any point during the review period.
You can request your own driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you submit to Uber. This costs a small fee (usually $5 to $15) and takes a few days. Knowing what is on your record before Uber sees it gives you a chance to decide whether to proceed.
Local permits and rideshare licenses in your city
Some cities and counties require a separate for-hire vehicle permit or rideshare license on top of your state driver's license. This is a local requirement, not a state one, and it varies widely. Cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles have their own rideshare licensing systems. Other cities have no additional requirement beyond your driver's license.
If your city requires a local permit, you will need to obtain it before Uber will let you drive. The process usually involves submitting an process to your city's transportation department or taxi and limousine commission, paying a fee, and passing a separate background check. Some cities also require a vehicle inspection or proof of commercial insurance.
You can find out whether your city requires a rideshare license by contacting your local transportation department or checking your city's official website. Uber's driver support page also lists cities with additional requirements, though you should verify directly with your city rather than relying on Uber's list alone.
Insurance requirements and what your personal policy covers
Your personal auto insurance policy almost certainly does not cover you while you are driving for Uber. Most personal policies exclude commercial use. If you have an accident while logged into the Uber app and carrying passengers, your insurance company may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages.
Uber provides insurance coverage while you have a passenger in the car, but this coverage has gaps. When you are logged into the app but have not yet accepted a ride, or when you are driving to pick up a passenger, Uber's coverage is limited. You are responsible for obtaining your own commercial or rideshare insurance to cover these gaps.
Rideshare insurance is cheaper than full commercial coverage but more expensive than personal insurance. Costs vary by state and insurer, but you should budget $10 to $30 per week. Some insurers offer rideshare endorsements that you add to your personal policy; others sell standalone rideshare policies. You will need to show proof of this insurance to Uber before you can start driving.
How to submit your license to Uber
Once you have confirmed your license is valid and your driving record meets Uber's standards, you submit a photo of your license through the Uber Driver app. You will also upload photos of your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance. Uber's system reads the information from your license photo and cross-checks it against the background check results.
The upload process is straightforward: take clear photos of the front and back of your license, make sure all text is readable, and submit them through the app. Blurry photos or photos taken at an angle often get rejected and you will have to resubmit. Uber typically processes these documents within a few days, though it can take longer if the photos are unclear or if there are issues with your background check.
If Uber rejects your license submission, the app will tell you why — usually because the photo is unreadable, the license is expired, or your background check revealed a disqualifying violation. If the reason is a photo quality issue, you can resubmit. If it is a disqualifying violation, you will need to wait until that violation ages off your record or contact Uber support to discuss your specific situation.
License renewal and keeping your account active
Your driver's license must remain valid and current at all times while you drive for Uber. If your license expires, you must renew it with your state's DMV and upload a new photo to Uber before you can drive again. Uber monitors license status and will deactivate your account if your license lapses, even for a day.
When you renew your license, do not wait until the last minute. Renew it before it expires, then upload the new photo to Uber as soon as you receive it. If your license expires while you are in the middle of a trip, Uber will not let you accept new rides, though you can usually finish the current ride.
If your license is suspended or revoked for any reason — unpaid traffic fines, too many points, a DUI conviction, or a court order — Uber will deactivate your account when ready. You cannot drive for Uber during a suspension. Once your license is reinstated, you can reapply to Uber, but you will go through the background check process again.
What happens if your license status changes
If you receive a traffic ticket, get into an accident, or have any other incident that affects your driving record, you should report it to Uber through the app or contact driver support. Uber will eventually find out through its periodic background checks, and it is better to disclose it yourself than to have Uber discover it and question why you did not mention it.
Depending on the violation, Uber may deactivate your account when ready, place you under review, or take no action. A single minor speeding ticket usually does not trigger deactivation, but an at-fault accident or a second violation within a short time may. Uber does not publish the exact thresholds, so the safest approach is to drive carefully and report anything that might show up on your record.
If your account is deactivated due to a driving record issue, you can request a review through Uber support. Some deactivations are temporary; others are permanent. The outcome depends on the severity of the violation and whether it falls within Uber's stated disqualifying criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?
No. A regular state driver's license is all you need. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required only for vehicles over a certain weight or for transporting hazardous materials — neither applies to Uber driving. Your personal driver's license is sufficient as long as it is valid and your driving record meets Uber's standards.
Can I drive for Uber if I have a suspended license?
No. Uber will not let you drive if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. You must have a valid, current license at all times. If your license is suspended, you must wait until it is reinstated by your state before you can drive for Uber again.
How far back does Uber check my driving history?
Uber typically looks back three to seven years depending on the type of violation. Minor violations like speeding usually go back three years, while serious violations like DUIs or reckless driving may be reviewed for seven years or longer. Some violations, like felony convictions, may have no time limit.
What if my city requires a rideshare license and I do not have one yet?
You must obtain your city's rideshare license before Uber will let you drive. Contact your local transportation department or taxi and limousine commission to find out the requirements, fees, and process process. This is separate from your state driver's license and is required by your city, not by Uber.
Can I use my personal auto insurance while driving for Uber?
No. Most personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial use and will not cover you while you are driving for Uber. You must obtain rideshare or commercial insurance before you start. Uber provides some coverage while you have a passenger, but it does not cover gaps like driving to pick up a passenger.