You need a valid driver's license, a car that meets Uber's standards, and insurance that covers rideshare work — then you submit documents online and wait for approval, which usually takes a few days to a week
Uber's signup process is straightforward on the surface: create an account, upload documents, pass a background check, and you're cleared to drive. But the real work happens before you hit submit. Your car has to meet specific requirements, your insurance needs to cover commercial use, and your background history matters. Most people can start driving within a week of beginning the process, but some get stuck at the background check or the vehicle inspection stage.
The timeline depends on how quickly you gather documents and whether anything in your history or vehicle raises questions. If you already have a clean driving record and a car that's less than 15 years old, you're looking at the fast track. If you have accidents, violations, or an older vehicle, you may need to wait longer or find out you don't meet the requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Your car must be at least 2015 or newer (varies by city), registered in your name, and pass a vehicle inspection that Uber arranges through a third party.
- You need personal auto insurance that explicitly covers rideshare driving, not just a standard personal policy, because Uber's coverage has gaps when you're waiting for a passenger.
- Uber runs a background check that looks at your driving record for the past seven years and your criminal history, and disqualifies you for certain violations regardless of how long ago they happened.
- The entire process from account creation to your first ride usually takes five to ten business days, but can stretch longer if documents are missing or if the background check needs review.
- You'll need a Social Security number, a bank account for deposits, and a phone number that can receive text messages to complete signup.
What Your Car Needs to Be
Uber has specific requirements for vehicle age, condition, and registration. Your car must be registered in your name — not a family member's, not a lease company's — and the registration must be current. The minimum year varies by city: most places require 2015 or newer, but some cities allow 2014 or 2013 models. You can check your city's requirements on Uber's driver signup page before you start the process.
The car also needs to pass a vehicle inspection. Uber doesn't do this inspection itself — they contract it out to a third-party service, usually Checkr or a local inspection station. The inspection checks for mechanical safety, working lights, clean interior, and no major damage. A car with a cracked windshield, missing hubcaps, or a check-engine light will fail. You'll need to fix the issue and schedule a new inspection, which costs money and delays your start date.
Your vehicle title must be clear — meaning no liens or outstanding loans that would prevent you from using it for commercial purposes. If you're still paying off a car loan, check your loan agreement first. Some lenders prohibit commercial use, and violating that can void your coverage if you're in an accident.
Insurance That Actually Covers Rideshare
This is where most new drivers make a costly mistake. Your personal auto insurance policy almost certainly does not cover rideshare driving. If you drive for Uber without rideshare coverage and get in an accident, your insurance company can deny your claim. You need one of three options: a rideshare endorsement on your personal policy, a standalone rideshare policy, or a policy from an insurer that includes rideshare coverage as standard.
A rideshare endorsement is usually the cheapest option — typically $10 to $25 per month added to your existing policy. You call your current insurer and ask if they offer it. Not all do. If yours doesn't, you can switch to an insurer that does, or buy a standalone rideshare policy. Standalone policies cost more — usually $200 to $400 per month — but they cover you whether you're driving for Uber, Lyft, or both.
The gap you need to cover is the time between when you turn on the Uber app and when a passenger accepts your ride. During that window, Uber's insurance does not cover you — only your personal policy does. Once a passenger is in the car, Uber's coverage kicks in. This is why you cannot rely on Uber's insurance alone.
Documents You'll Need to Upload
Uber's online form asks for several documents. Have these ready before you start the signup process so you don't have to stop halfway through. You'll need a photo of your driver's license (front and back), a photo of your vehicle registration, a photo of your proof of insurance, and a selfie taken during the signup process for identity verification. All photos need to be clear and legible — blurry or partially cut-off images will be rejected and you'll have to resubmit.
You'll also provide your Social Security number, which Uber uses for the background check and tax reporting. Your bank account information goes in next — Uber deposits your earnings directly, usually within a few days of the end of each week. The phone number you provide must be able to receive text messages, because Uber sends you verification codes and ride notifications that way.
Some cities require additional documents. If you live in a place with local rideshare regulations, Uber will tell you what else is needed during signup. This might include a local business license, a vehicle inspection certificate, or proof of residency. Check your city's requirements before you start so you're not surprised.
The Background Check and What Disqualifies You
Uber runs a background check through a third-party company, usually Checkr or Sterling. The check looks at your driving record for the past seven years and your criminal history. Certain violations are automatic disqualifiers no matter how long ago they happened: a DUI or DWI conviction, a felony conviction, or a hit-and-run. Other violations depend on timing and frequency. Two speeding tickets in the past three years might disqualify you; one ticket from five years ago probably won't.
Uber's exact standards change by city and are not published in detail. If you have a violation or conviction in your past, you can contact Uber's support team before you explore to ask whether you're likely to be approved. This takes longer than just explore, but it saves you the disappointment of being rejected after you've uploaded everything.
The background check usually takes three to five business days. If there's something in your record that needs review, it can take longer. Uber will notify you by email whether you've been approved or denied. If you're denied, you can request details about why, though Uber doesn't always provide them.
The Vehicle Inspection Process
Once your documents are approved and your background check clears, Uber sends you to a vehicle inspection. You schedule an appointment at a location Uber provides — usually a local inspection station or a Checkr facility. You drive there, a technician inspects your car inside and out, and you get a pass or fail result on the spot or within a day.
The inspection checks for safety issues: working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn; no cracks in the windshield; no major dents or damage; and a clean interior. If your car fails, you fix the problem and schedule a new inspection. Some issues are quick fixes — a broken taillight, a dirty interior. Others take longer — a brake system problem or a cracked windshield replacement.
The inspection itself is free, but if you have to fix something to pass, that's on you. Budget for this possibility. Once you pass inspection, Uber activates your account and you can start accepting rides.
Your First Week as a Driver
After your account is activated, you can turn on the Uber app and start accepting rides when ready. Your first ride might come within minutes or take an hour, depending on demand in your area and the time of day. Uber doesn't may provide a minimum number of rides, and you're not an employee — you're an independent contractor, which means you keep a percentage of each fare (usually 75 to 80 percent after Uber's commission and fees).
Your first week is a good time to learn the app, understand how ratings work, and figure out which times and areas are busiest in your city. Riders rate you after each trip, and your rating affects which rides you're offered. Aim for a 4.6 or higher rating to stay in good standing. Common reasons for low ratings: dirty car, rude behavior, taking a long route, or driving unsafely.
Keep track of your mileage and expenses from day one. You'll need these for taxes. Every mile you drive for Uber is deductible, and you can deduct a portion of your car payment, insurance, maintenance, and fuel. The IRS standard mileage rate for 2024 is 67 cents per mile for business driving, but keeping your own records is more accurate if your actual costs are higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a car that's financed or leased?
Yes, as long as the registration is in your name and your loan agreement or lease allows commercial use. Check your loan documents or call your lender before you start the process. Some lenders prohibit rideshare driving, and violating that can void your insurance coverage.
What happens if I get rejected during the background check?
Uber will email you a denial notice. You can request details about why you were denied, though Uber doesn't always provide specifics. If you believe the denial is a mistake — for example, if the background check confused you with someone else — you can contact Uber support to dispute it. This process can take weeks.
Do I need to tell my personal insurance company I'm driving for Uber?
Yes. You must disclose rideshare driving to your insurer. If you don't and you're in an accident, they can deny your claim. Add a rideshare endorsement to your existing policy or switch to an insurer that covers it.
How much can I make in my first month?
This varies widely by city, time of day, and how many hours you drive. Uber doesn't publish average earnings. Your actual take-home depends on the fares in your area, how many rides you get, and your expenses. Track your first week to get a sense of what's realistic in your market.
What if my car doesn't pass inspection?
You'll get a list of what needs to be fixed. You fix it, schedule a new inspection, and try again. There's no limit on how many times you can retest, but each failure delays your start date. Some issues are quick — a broken light. Others take longer — windshield replacement or brake work.