What You Need Before You Can Drive for Uber

Uber requires you to meet five baseline conditions before you can drive: you must be at least 21 years old (or 18 in some cities), hold a valid driver's license, have proof of vehicle insurance, own a vehicle that meets Uber's standards, and pass a background check. You also need a Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number where Uber can reach you. The background check looks at your driving record for the past seven years and your criminal history; Uber will reject you if you have major violations like DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or certain felonies.

Your vehicle must be at least 15 years old (the year cutoff changes annually), pass a vehicle inspection, and have valid registration and current insurance. Uber accepts most sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks, but not trucks or vehicles with open beds. If you drive for UberX (the standard service), your car needs four doors and five seats. If you want to drive UberXL, your vehicle must have six or seven seats. Check Uber's vehicle requirements page for your city, because some markets have stricter rules about emissions or age.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 21 or older, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle at least 15 years old that passes inspection.
  • Uber runs a background check covering seven years of driving history and criminal records; major violations like DUIs will disqualify you.
  • The signup process takes place entirely on your phone or computer and usually takes one to three days, though background checks can take longer.
  • Your first ride typically comes within days of approval, and you set your own hours — you can drive whenever you want.
  • Uber takes a percentage of each fare (usually 25 to 30 percent) plus a booking fee, and you are responsible for gas, maintenance, and vehicle insurance.

How to Sign Up: The Step-by-Step Process

read the Uber Driver app on your phone or go to uber.com/drive on a computer. Tap "Sign up" and enter your email address, phone number, and password. Uber will send you a verification code to your phone; enter it to confirm your number. Then provide your first and last name, date of birth, and the city where you want to drive.

Next, you upload your driver's license photo and the front and back of your license. Uber's system reads the license automatically, so make sure the image is clear and all text is visible. You then upload proof of insurance — a photo of your insurance card or a PDF of your policy. The insurance must be active and cover the vehicle you plan to drive. After that, you add your vehicle information: the year, make, model, and license plate number. You will also upload a photo of your vehicle's registration and a clear photo of the car itself from the front.

Uber then runs your background check, which typically takes 24 to 72 hours but can take longer if the system needs to verify information. You will receive an email when the check is complete. If you pass, your account moves to "vehicle inspection" status. You must schedule an in-person inspection at a local Uber inspection center or with a third-party partner (Uber shows you the nearest locations). Bring your vehicle, driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. The inspection checks that your car matches the photos you uploaded, has no major damage, and meets safety standards. It takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing.

What Happens After Your Account Is Approved

Once your background check passes and your vehicle inspection is complete, Uber activates your driver account. You can then open the Uber Driver app and go "online" to start receiving ride requests. You do not have to wait for a specific start date or schedule — you control when you drive. You can go online for one hour or ten hours a day, any day of the week.

When you go online, the app shows you ride requests in your area. You see the pickup location, the passenger's rating, and the estimated fare before you accept. You can decline rides without penalty. Once you accept, the app gives you turn-by-turn directions to the passenger's location. After you pick them up, the app shows you the destination and continues to guide you. The passenger can rate you after the ride ends, and you can rate them. Your rating appears on your driver profile and affects whether passengers request you.

Uber deposits your earnings into your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. You can also cash out when ready using Uber's "when ready Pay" feature, though there is a small fee (usually $0.50 to $2.00 per transfer). Uber sends you a weekly summary showing total rides, total earnings, and the breakdown of fares and tips.

How Uber Pays You and What Costs Come Out

Your earnings come from three sources: the base fare (set by Uber and varies by city), surge pricing (higher rates during busy times), and tips from passengers. Uber takes a commission from the base fare and the surge portion, usually 25 to 30 percent, though the exact percentage varies by city and can change. You keep 100 percent of tips. Uber also charges a booking fee per ride, which it deducts before paying you.

You are responsible for all vehicle costs: gas, oil changes, tire replacement, repairs, and maintenance. You must also carry your own vehicle insurance; most personal auto policies do not cover rideshare driving, so you need a rideshare insurance policy or a commercial policy. Uber provides limited liability coverage while you have a passenger in the car, but it does not cover your vehicle damage or medical costs. You are also responsible for paying self-employment taxes on your earnings; Uber does not withhold taxes, so you will owe them at tax time.

At the end of each tax year, Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form showing your total earnings. You report this on your tax return and pay self-employment tax (currently 15.3 percent of net earnings). Many drivers set aside 25 to 30 percent of their earnings to cover taxes and vehicle costs.

Maintaining Your Account and Staying Active

Uber monitors your driver rating, which is based on passenger feedback. Your rating appears on your profile and affects your access to the platform. If your rating drops below 4.6 stars (the threshold varies slightly by city), Uber may deactivate your account or require you to take a course on customer service. You can improve your rating by arriving on time, keeping your car clean, being polite, and following traffic laws.

You must also maintain a clean driving record. If you receive a traffic ticket, a moving violation, or an accident report during your time as an Uber driver, Uber may review your account. Major violations can result in deactivation. Uber also requires you to renew your background check periodically — usually every year or every two years, depending on your location. You will receive a notification when it is time to renew.

If you take a break from driving for more than a few months, Uber may require you to reactivate your account. You can usually do this through the app by going online again, though Uber may ask you to update your documents or pass another inspection if your vehicle information has changed.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

If your background check is denied, Uber will tell you why. Common reasons include a DUI or reckless driving conviction within the past seven years, a felony conviction, or a suspended license. You cannot appeal a denial based on criminal history, but you can reapply once the disqualifying event falls outside the seven-year window. If the denial is based on a mistake (for example, a record that belongs to someone else), you can contact Uber support and provide documentation to correct it.

If your vehicle fails inspection, the inspector will tell you what needs to be fixed. Common failures include cracked windshields, worn tires, broken lights, or excessive mileage. You must fix the issue and schedule a new inspection. If your vehicle is too old or does not meet Uber's standards, you will need to use a different car.

If your account is deactivated for low ratings or a driving violation, you can contact Uber support to understand why. Some deactivations are permanent, but others allow you to reactivate after a waiting period or after taking corrective action. Uber's support team can explain your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?

No. A standard passenger driver's license is sufficient. You do not need a commercial license, a taxi medallion, or any special permit. However, you do need rideshare insurance or a commercial auto policy, because personal auto insurance typically excludes rideshare driving.

What if I do not own a car but want to drive for Uber?

Uber offers a vehicle rental program called Uber Eats or Uber's rental partners in some cities. You can rent a car through these programs and use it to drive for Uber. The rental cost is deducted from your earnings. Alternatively, you can lease or finance a vehicle through a traditional lender and use it for Uber driving.

Can I drive for both Uber and Lyft at the same time?

Yes. Both companies allow you to drive for multiple platforms simultaneously. You can have both apps open and accept rides from whichever platform offers you a request first. However, you must pass both companies' background checks and vehicle inspections, and your vehicle must meet both companies' standards.

How much money can I make driving for Uber?

Earnings vary widely based on your city, the time of day you drive, how many hours you work, and local demand. Some drivers earn $15 to $20 per hour after expenses; others earn $25 to $35 per hour. Your actual take-home depends on gas costs, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and taxes. Tracking your mileage and expenses carefully helps you understand your true profit.

What happens if a passenger leaves something in my car?

Open the Uber Driver app, find the completed trip, and tap "Report Lost Item." Uber will contact the passenger and ask them to confirm what they lost. If they confirm, Uber will provide you with their contact information so you can arrange to return the item. Some passengers offer a reward for returned items, but you are not required to accept one.