You must be at least 18 years old to drive for Uber in the United States, but some cities and vehicle types have higher minimums.
Uber's baseline requirement is 18 years old with a valid driver's license. However, the actual age you can start depends on where you live and what you want to drive. Some cities require you to be 21 or older, and Uber Eats (food delivery) has different rules than the main rideshare service. Your state's insurance laws and local regulations often set the real floor, not Uber's policy alone.
The variation matters because you could be old enough under Uber's rules but still blocked by your city or your insurance company. A few states and cities have pushed the minimum to 21 because of insurance risk and accident data on younger drivers. Before you create an account, check what your specific city requires — Uber's app will tell you during signup if you don't meet local rules.
Key Takeaways
- The minimum age to drive for Uber is 18 in most places, but some cities require you to be 21 or older.
- Your state's insurance regulations often set the real age floor, regardless of what Uber's policy says.
- Uber Eats (delivery only) sometimes has lower age requirements than Uber's rideshare service, but this varies by location.
- You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that passes Uber's inspection before you can start accepting rides.
- Insurance companies may charge higher premiums or deny coverage to drivers under 21, even if you meet Uber's age requirement.
Age requirements by location and service type
Most U.S. cities allow drivers aged 18 and up to drive for Uber. However, cities including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have set the minimum at 21. These cities typically cite insurance data and accident rates as the reason for the higher threshold. If you live in or near a major metropolitan area, assume 21 is the requirement until you confirm otherwise with Uber's app or your city's transportation department.
Uber Eats (delivery by car) sometimes has a lower age requirement than rideshare in the same city — occasionally as low as 18 even where rideshare requires 21. This is because delivery-only work involves fewer passenger interactions and different liability exposure. Check the Uber Eats section of the app separately if you are interested in delivery work.
Some states have statewide rules that override city-level policy. California, for example, has specific insurance requirements for rideshare drivers that affect age minimums. Your state's Public Utilities Commission or equivalent body may have published rules on the state website.
Insurance and what it actually costs under 21
Even if you meet Uber's age requirement, your insurance company may not cover you for rideshare work. Standard personal auto insurance policies exclude commercial driving, and rideshare counts as commercial. Uber provides some coverage during active rides, but the gaps — when you are logged in but have not accepted a ride — are your responsibility.
If you are under 21, insurance companies typically charge significantly more for rideshare coverage when they offer it at all. Some insurers will not insure drivers under 21 for any commercial driving. You need to contact your current insurer and ask directly whether they cover rideshare and what the cost is for your age. Do not assume Uber's coverage fills the gap — it does not cover your vehicle's damage in many scenarios.
The cost difference is real. A 19-year-old driver might pay $200 to $400 more per month for rideshare coverage than a 25-year-old in the same city. That cuts into earnings quickly. Factor this into your decision before you spend time on the signup process.
What you need to have ready before you start the signup process
Uber will ask for your driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a vehicle inspection. You will also need a Social Security number, a bank account for deposits, and a phone number. Have all of these ready before you begin — the process stalls if you do not.
Your driver's license must be valid and issued by a U.S. state. It cannot be expired, suspended, or revoked. Uber checks this against state DMV records, so any flag will block your account. Your insurance must list you as a named driver or show you as covered under a household policy. A screenshot of your policy's declarations page usually works, but call your insurer to confirm what proof they require Uber to see.
Your vehicle must pass a vehicle history check and a safety inspection. Uber pulls your vehicle's history from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database to check for major accidents, title issues, or salvage records. The safety inspection is usually done by a third-party vendor Uber contracts with — you drive to a location and a technician checks brakes, lights, tires, and windshield condition. This typically costs $20 to $50 and takes 30 minutes.
How long the approval process takes
From the time you submit your documents to the time you can accept your first ride usually takes 5 to 10 business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you respond to requests for missing information. Uber's system is automated for some checks and manual for others. If anything is unclear — a photo of your license is blurry, your insurance document does not show your name clearly — Uber will ask you to resubmit.
The vehicle inspection is often the slowest step because you have to schedule it at a location Uber designates, and appointment slots fill up. In busy cities, you might wait a week for an inspection appointment. Plan for this when you decide to explore.
Once Uber approves you, you can log into the app and start accepting rides when ready. There is no additional waiting period.
What happens if you are under 18
You cannot drive for Uber at any age under 18 in the United States. Uber's insurance policies and state rideshare regulations all require drivers to be at least 18. This is a hard floor, not a guideline. Some gig economy work — like food delivery by bicycle or scooter — may be available to younger workers, but vehicle-based rideshare is not.
If you are 16 or 17 and want to earn money driving, your options are limited to traditional employment like delivery driving for a pizza restaurant or local courier service, where the employer carries commercial insurance and you are on their policy. These jobs have their own age restrictions, but some hire at 16 with a valid license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber at 18 if I live in a city that requires 21?
No. If your city requires drivers to be 21, Uber will not let you create an account at 18, even if you meet Uber's baseline requirement. The app will tell you during signup whether you meet your local rules. You will have to wait until your 21st birthday.
Does Uber's insurance cover me if I am under 21?
Uber's insurance covers you during active rides (from when you accept a ride to when the passenger exits). The gaps — when you are logged in but waiting for a ride, or driving to pick up a passenger — are your responsibility. You need your own rideshare insurance to cover those periods. Uber's coverage does not replace your personal policy; it supplements it.
What if my insurance company says they do not cover rideshare?
You need to find an insurance company that does. Standard personal auto policies exclude commercial driving. You can add rideshare coverage to your existing policy if your insurer offers it, or switch to an insurer that does. Companies like Geico, State Farm, and Allstate offer rideshare add-ons in most states, though cost and availability vary by age and location.
Can I lie about my age on my Uber process?
No. Uber verifies your age against your driver's license, which it checks against state DMV records. If your stated age does not match your license, your account will be deactivated. Misrepresenting your age also voids Uber's insurance coverage, leaving you personally liable for any accidents or injuries.
Is there a maximum age to drive for Uber?
No. Uber has no upper age limit. You can drive for Uber as long as your license is valid and you pass the background check and vehicle inspection. Some drivers in their 70s and 80s drive for Uber.