What You Need Before You Start
Uber requires you to meet several conditions before you can drive. You must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver's license, have proof of vehicle registration and insurance, and pass a background check. Uber also requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to verify your identity and set up payment.
Your vehicle must meet Uber's age and condition standards. Most vehicles must be 15 years old or newer, though this varies by city and by vehicle type — UberX is stricter than Uber Eats delivery. Your car needs working brakes, lights, wipers, and a clean interior. Uber will ask you to upload photos of your vehicle from multiple angles during registration.
You will also need a valid phone number, an email address, and a bank account in your name for deposits. Uber does not issue checks; all earnings go directly to your bank account via ACH transfer, usually within one to three business days of the week ending.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration and insurance, and pass a background check before Uber will set up your account.
- Your vehicle must meet Uber's age and condition requirements, which vary by city and service type, and you will need to upload photos during registration.
- The registration process takes place entirely online through the Uber Driver app, but you will need to visit a local Uber Greenlight Hub or partner location to verify your documents in person.
- Background checks typically take three to five business days, though delays can extend this to two weeks or longer depending on your state and record.
- Once approved, you can turn on the app and begin accepting trips when ready, though you may see a waiting period before your first ride request arrives.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Start by downloading the Uber Driver app on your smartphone. Open the app and tap "Sign Up" at the bottom of the screen. Enter your phone number and tap "Continue." Uber will send you a verification code via text message; enter that code to confirm your number.
Next, you will enter your first and last name, email address, and date of birth. Create a password and select your city or region. Uber will ask what type of driving you want to do — UberX (standard rides), Uber Comfort, Uber Black, or Uber Eats (food delivery). You can select multiple options, but each has different vehicle and insurance requirements.
After that, you will upload a photo of your driver's license (front and back), your vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Take clear photos in good lighting; blurry or partially cut-off documents will be rejected and you will have to resubmit. Uber's system checks these documents automatically, but a human reviewer may also examine them.
You will then upload photos of your vehicle — front, back, left side, right side, and interior. The photos must show the entire vehicle clearly, with no filters or edits. If your vehicle has significant damage, dents, or stains, Uber may reject it and ask you to repair or clean it before resubmitting photos.
The Background Check and Approval Timeline
Once you submit your documents, Uber sends your information to a third-party background check company. This company checks your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry. The check typically takes three to five business days, but can take up to two weeks depending on your state's record-keeping speed and whether your name requires manual review.
During this time, your app will show "Documents Under Review." You can check the status by opening the app and looking at your profile. Uber will send you email updates as your status changes. If Uber needs more information — for example, if your name on your license does not match your name on your registration — you will receive an email asking you to clarify or resubmit.
If the background check reveals issues, Uber will notify you by email. Some issues result in when ready rejection; others allow you to appeal. Uber's policy bans drivers with certain felonies, DUIs within the past seven years, and multiple moving violations. If you are unsure whether your record will pass, contact Uber Support through the app before submitting.
Once approved, your app will show "Ready to Drive" and you can turn on the driver toggle to start receiving ride requests. Some new drivers see a waiting period of a few hours to a few days before their first request arrives, especially if they are in a less busy area.
Document Verification at a Greenlight Hub
Most cities require you to visit an Uber Greenlight Hub or partner location in person to verify your documents. This is a separate step from online registration. Uber will send you an email with instructions on where and when to go. You must bring your original driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance — the same documents you uploaded online.
At the hub, a staff member will scan your documents, take a photo of you, and confirm that the documents match the photos you uploaded. This visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Some cities allow you to complete this step at a partner location like a local Uber office or a third-party verification service instead of a dedicated hub.
If your city does not have a Greenlight Hub nearby, Uber may allow you to complete verification by video call or mail. Check your email for instructions specific to your location. Do not skip this step — your account will not be fully activated until verification is complete.
Insurance and Vehicle Requirements by Service Type
Different Uber services have different vehicle and insurance rules. UberX, the most common option, requires a personal auto insurance policy that covers commercial rideshare driving, or Uber's own insurance product. Your personal insurance likely does not cover rideshare — most policies exclude it — so you will need to add a rideshare endorsement or switch to a policy that includes it.
Uber Black and Uber Comfort require newer vehicles, higher insurance limits, and sometimes a commercial license. Uber Eats (food delivery) has looser vehicle requirements than passenger services and does not require commercial insurance in most states, though you should verify this with your insurance company.
When you upload your insurance proof during registration, make sure the policy is active and the document clearly shows your name, vehicle information, and policy dates. If your insurance does not explicitly cover rideshare, Uber will reject it and ask you to provide a policy that does.
Setting Up Payment and Tax Information
During registration, you will enter your bank account information for deposits. Uber requires the account to be in your name. You cannot use a joint account, a business account, or someone else's account. Uber verifies the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under one dollar each) and asking you to confirm the exact amounts.
You will also enter your Social Security number or ITIN. Uber uses this to file tax forms with the IRS and to verify your identity. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which you can obtain from the IRS if you are not a U.S. citizen but have a tax filing requirement.
Uber does not withhold taxes from your earnings. You are responsible for setting aside money for federal and state income taxes, self-employment tax, and any local taxes. Many drivers set aside 25 to 30 percent of their earnings. Keep records of your mileage, expenses, and earnings for tax time — you will need these for your tax return.
Common Rejection Reasons and How to Fix Them
Blurry or incomplete documents are the most common reason for rejection. If your photo of your license shows only half the card, or if the image is out of focus, Uber will reject it. Retake the photo in bright natural light, make sure the entire document is visible, and submit again.
Vehicle photos that show damage, excessive wear, or an unclean interior can result in rejection. If Uber rejects your vehicle, clean the interior thoroughly, repair any visible damage, and retake the photos. Some drivers have had to replace tires, fix broken lights, or repair dents before resubmitting.
Insurance that does not cover rideshare is another common issue. If Uber rejects your insurance, contact your insurance company and ask about adding a rideshare endorsement or switching to a rideshare-friendly policy. Some companies offer this for a small additional premium; others do not cover rideshare at all.
Background check issues are harder to fix quickly. If Uber denies you based on your driving record or criminal history, you can appeal through the app. Uber's appeals process can take several weeks. If you are denied, you may be able to reapply after a certain period has passed, depending on the reason for denial.
What Happens After Approval
Once your account is fully activated, you can turn on the driver toggle in the app to start receiving ride requests. Your earnings appear in the app in real time, and money is deposited to your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. You can view your earnings, trip history, and ratings in the app at any time.
Uber charges a commission on each trip — typically 25 to 30 percent, though this varies by city and service type. You keep the rest, plus tips. Surge pricing (higher rates during busy times) is split between Uber and you according to the same commission rate.
You are responsible for maintaining your vehicle, paying for gas, and covering repairs. Keep your insurance active and your registration current. If your license expires or your vehicle registration lapses, Uber will deactivate your account until you update your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire registration process take from start to finish?
Most drivers complete online registration in 30 to 60 minutes, but the background check takes three to five business days. Adding the in-person verification visit at a Greenlight Hub, the total time is usually one to two weeks. Delays can extend this to three weeks or longer if documents are rejected or if your state is slow to return driving records.
Can I drive before my background check is complete?
No. You must wait for Uber to approve your background check and complete document verification before you can turn on the driver toggle. Attempting to drive before approval will result in your account being deactivated.
What if I do not have a Greenlight Hub in my city?
Uber offers alternative verification methods in cities without hubs, including video verification or mail-in document verification. Check your email for instructions specific to your location, or contact Uber Support through the app to ask what options are available in your area.
Do I need commercial auto insurance to drive for Uber?
You need insurance that explicitly covers rideshare driving. This is not the same as commercial insurance, though some commercial policies do cover rideshare. Contact your insurance company and ask whether your current policy covers rideshare, or whether you need to add a rideshare endorsement.
What should I do if Uber rejects my vehicle?
Uber will send you an email explaining why — usually damage, excessive wear, or an unclean interior. Address the issue (clean the car, repair damage, replace worn parts), retake the vehicle photos, and resubmit. You can resubmit as many times as needed until Uber approves.