What you need to drive for Uber
To drive for Uber, you need a valid driver's license, a vehicle that meets Uber's standards, proof of insurance, and a Social Security number or tax ID. Uber will run a background check that looks at your driving record and criminal history — the exact standards vary by state and city, but most programs reject drivers with major violations in the past seven years or certain felony convictions. You also need a smartphone to use the Uber driver app.
Your vehicle must be at least 15 years old (newer in some cities), pass a vehicle inspection, and have valid registration and insurance. Uber does not require you to own the car outright — you can lease or finance it — but you are responsible for all payments and maintenance. The inspection checks that your car runs safely and that the exterior and interior are in decent condition; a dented bumper usually passes, but a cracked windshield does not.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, a vehicle at least 15 years old, proof of insurance, and a smartphone to start the signup process with Uber.
- Uber runs a background check on your driving record and criminal history; the standards vary by location but typically reject major violations from the past seven years.
- The vehicle inspection happens after you submit your documents and usually takes a few days to schedule at an Uber-approved inspection center.
- You are responsible for all vehicle costs including gas, maintenance, insurance, and registration — Uber does not cover these expenses.
- Once approved, you can turn the app on and start accepting rides when ready; there is no minimum number of hours you must work.
The signup process and timeline
Start by going to Uber's driver signup page and entering your phone number. Uber will text you a link to create an account. You will then upload a photo of your driver's license (front and back), a photo of yourself, and your vehicle registration and insurance documents. This step takes about 15 minutes if you have the documents ready.
After you submit these documents, Uber reviews them — this usually takes one to three business days. Once approved, you will get an email with instructions to schedule a vehicle inspection at an Uber-approved inspection center in your area. The inspection itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs nothing. You drive to the center, a technician checks your car's lights, brakes, tires, and interior condition, and you get a pass or fail on the spot. If you fail, you have 30 days to fix the issues and return for a recheck.
After the inspection passes, Uber activates your driver account. You can open the app and start accepting rides the same day. The entire process from signup to your first ride typically takes one to two weeks, though it can be faster if you schedule the inspection quickly.
Background check and driving record requirements
Uber uses a third-party background check company to review your history. The check looks at your driving record for the past seven years and your criminal history. You will be rejected if you have a DUI or DWI conviction, a reckless driving conviction, a hit-and-run, or more than three moving violations in the past seven years. Uber also rejects drivers with certain felony convictions, though the exact list varies by state.
If you have a minor traffic ticket or a single accident on your record, you can still be approved. Uber's standards are stricter in some cities than others — a conviction that disqualifies you in one city might not in another. If you are unsure whether your record will pass, you can contact Uber support before you start the signup process and ask them to review your specific situation.
The background check takes three to five business days after you submit your documents. Uber will notify you by email whether you passed or were rejected. If rejected, Uber usually explains which item on your record caused the rejection, and you can appeal the decision if you believe the information is wrong.
Insurance and vehicle ownership
You must have active auto insurance before you can drive for Uber. Your personal insurance policy may not cover you while you are driving for a rideshare company — many policies exclude commercial use. Contact your insurance company and tell them you plan to drive for Uber. They will either add a rideshare endorsement to your policy (usually $10 to $25 per month) or tell you that you need a separate commercial policy.
Uber provides contingent liability coverage while you are actively driving (the app is on and you have a passenger), but this coverage only kicks in if your personal insurance denies the claim. It does not cover your own vehicle damage or medical bills. You are responsible for collision and comprehensive coverage on your own car.
You do not have to own your vehicle outright. Many Uber drivers lease or finance their cars. However, you are responsible for all payments, maintenance, repairs, and fuel. If you lease, check your lease agreement — some leasing companies restrict commercial use, and violating the lease can result in early termination. If you finance, the lender does not care that you use the car for Uber, but you still need to maintain the insurance and keep the car in good condition.
Costs and what Uber takes from your earnings
Uber takes a percentage of each fare you complete — this is called the "service fee" and ranges from 20 to 30 percent depending on your city and the type of ride (UberX, Uber Eats, etc.). The rest goes to you. You see the breakdown of each fare in the app before you accept it, so you know exactly what you will earn.
Beyond Uber's cut, you pay for gas, maintenance, insurance, registration, and vehicle repairs out of your own pocket. The IRS allows you to deduct mileage at a set rate (this changes yearly) or track actual expenses like oil changes and tires. Many drivers find that tracking actual expenses gives a larger deduction, but you have to keep receipts. You are also responsible for paying self-employment tax, which is about 15 percent of your net income — Uber does not withhold taxes from your earnings.
Uber does not provide paid time off, sick leave, or benefits. If you do not work, you do not earn. Some drivers use this flexibility to work part-time around another job; others drive full-time. The amount you earn depends on how many hours you work, your city's demand and fares, and how efficiently you accept rides.
Getting paid and managing your account
Uber deposits your earnings into your bank account once per week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. You set up direct deposit during signup by providing your routing number and account number. The deposit includes all fares from the previous week minus Uber's service fee. You can see your earnings broken down by ride in the app at any time.
You can pause or stop driving whenever you want by turning off the app. There is no minimum number of hours you must work per week or per month. Some drivers work only weekends; others work every day. Uber will deactivate your account if you do not accept any rides for 30 days, but you can reactivate it by turning the app back on.
If you have a problem with a fare — a passenger disputed a charge, or you think Uber calculated the payment wrong — you can contact Uber support through the app. Uber reviews the trip details and usually resolves disputes within a few days. If a passenger reports that you were rude or unsafe, Uber may investigate and could deactivate your account if the complaint is substantiated.
Maintaining your approval and staying active
Once you are approved, Uber periodically checks your driving record and background. If you get a DUI, a reckless driving conviction, or multiple moving violations, Uber will deactivate your account. You will receive an email explaining the reason. If you believe the information is wrong, you can appeal.
Your vehicle must also pass a new inspection every year. Uber will send you a notification when your inspection is due and a link to schedule it at an approved center. If you do not complete the inspection within 30 days of the due date, Uber will temporarily deactivate your account until you pass. The inspection is the same as the initial one — it checks your lights, brakes, tires, and interior condition.
Maintain your vehicle regularly to pass inspections and avoid breakdowns while driving. Keep your tires properly inflated, get oil changes on schedule, and fix any warning lights that appear on your dashboard. A breakdown while you have a passenger can result in a low rating, which affects how many ride requests you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn driving for Uber?
Earnings vary widely by city, time of day, and how many hours you work. Drivers in major cities typically earn $15 to $25 per hour before expenses; drivers in smaller cities may earn less. After you subtract gas, maintenance, and taxes, your actual take-home is lower. Track your first few weeks to see what your city pays.
Can I drive for Uber and Lyft at the same time?
Yes. Both companies allow you to drive for multiple rideshare services. You can have both apps open and accept rides from whichever company offers the best fare. Many drivers do this to maximize earnings and have more ride requests available.
What happens if I get into an accident while driving for Uber?
Report the accident to Uber through the app when ready. Uber's contingent liability coverage may cover the other driver's injuries and property damage if your personal insurance denies the claim. Your own vehicle damage is covered by your collision insurance. Uber may deactivate your account if you have too many accidents.
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?
No. A regular passenger driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial license unless you drive a large vehicle or carry passengers for hire outside of rideshare apps, which is illegal in most places.
Can I refuse rides or choose which passengers I pick up?
You can decline individual ride requests without penalty, but declining too many requests in a row may lower your acceptance rate, which can reduce the number of ride offers you receive. You cannot see the passenger's name or destination before you accept, so you cannot cherry-pick rides based on location or passenger identity.