What you need before you start
Uber requires five things before you can drive: a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, a Social Security number, and a valid email address. You'll also need a smartphone with either iOS or Android to read the Uber Driver app. If you're under 25, Uber requires an additional background check and may charge a higher fee.
Your vehicle must be at least 15 years old (some cities require newer), pass a vehicle inspection, and have four doors. Uber accepts most sedans, SUVs, and minivans, but not convertibles or vehicles with salvage titles. Your insurance must be active and cover commercial rideshare driving — your personal auto policy likely does not, so contact your insurer before you start.
Have these documents ready in digital form before you begin: a photo of your driver's license (front and back), a photo of your vehicle registration, a photo of your insurance card, and a clear photo of your vehicle's exterior. You can take these with your phone camera.
Key Takeaways
- The sign-up process takes place entirely in the Uber Driver app and typically takes 5 to 10 minutes, but approval can take 1 to 3 business days.
- You must upload photos of your driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance card, and vehicle before Uber will review your account.
- Your insurance company must know you're driving for Uber — standard personal auto policies exclude rideshare income.
- Uber will run a background check that looks at your driving record and criminal history; the standards vary by state and city.
- Once approved, you can turn on the app and start accepting rides, but you won't see your first payment until 5 to 7 days after your first trip.
read the app and create your account
Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and search for "Uber Driver." read the official Uber app — not the regular Uber app for passengers. Open it and tap "Sign Up."
Enter your phone number. Uber will text you a verification code; enter that code to confirm. Then enter your email address and create a password. You'll be asked to enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your driver's license. At this point, do not close the app — you're about to upload documents.
Upload your documents in the correct order
Uber will ask for documents in this sequence: driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance card, and vehicle photos. Each upload has specific requirements.
Driver's license: Take a clear photo of the front of your license, then the back. Make sure all text is readable and the entire card is visible. Uber will reject blurry photos or photos where part of the license is cut off. If your license is expired, you must renew it before uploading.
Vehicle registration: Upload a photo of the current registration document. This is usually a card or paper that came with your vehicle registration renewal. It must show your name, the vehicle's make and model, the license plate number, and the expiration date. If your registration is expired, renew it at your state's DMV before uploading.
Insurance card: Upload both sides of your current insurance card. The card must show your name, the vehicle's make and model, the policy number, and the expiration date. The policy must explicitly cover rideshare driving. If your current policy does not, contact your insurance company and ask about adding rideshare coverage, or switch to an insurer that offers it. This step often takes longer than the others because Uber may contact your insurance company to verify the policy.
Vehicle photos: Take four clear photos: the front of the vehicle, the driver's side, the passenger's side, and the back. The photos must show the entire vehicle, the license plate clearly, and the vehicle's condition. Uber rejects photos taken at night, in rain, or with heavy shadows. Take these photos in daylight with the vehicle clean.
Complete the background check
After you upload documents, Uber will initiate a background check. This check looks at your driving record (traffic violations, accidents, and suspensions) and your criminal history. The company uses a third-party screening service; you may receive an email asking you to verify information or provide additional documents.
The background check typically takes 1 to 3 business days. During this time, your account will show "Documents under review." You can check the status by opening the app and looking at your profile. If Uber needs more information, it will send you an email with instructions.
Background check standards vary by state and city. Some cities have stricter rules about how old a conviction can be before it disqualifies you, or what types of violations are automatic rejections. If your account is denied, Uber will tell you the reason. You can contact Uber support to ask about the specific criteria in your area.
Wait for approval and vehicle inspection
Once your background check clears, Uber will send you an email saying your account is approved. At this point, you can start driving — but only after you complete a vehicle inspection.
In most cities, you can schedule a vehicle inspection appointment through the Uber Driver app. Go to your profile, tap "Vehicle," and look for "Schedule Inspection." Uber partners with local inspection centers (often car washes or service stations) where you drive in, a technician checks that your vehicle matches the photos you uploaded and meets safety standards, and you're done. The inspection usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs nothing.
In some cities, Uber allows self-inspection: you take photos of your vehicle's odometer, dashboard, and exterior, and upload them through the app. Check the app to see which option is available in your area.
Turn on the app and accept your first ride
Once your vehicle inspection is complete, your account will show "Ready to drive." Open the Uber Driver app, go to your profile, and toggle the "Go Online" button. The app will show you ride requests in your area. Accept a ride by tapping the request.
You'll see the passenger's name, pickup location, and destination. Drive to the pickup location, arrive, and tap "Arrived" in the app. The passenger will come to your vehicle. Once they're in, tap "Start Trip" and drive to the destination. When you arrive, tap "End Trip." The passenger can rate you and add a tip through the app.
Your first payment will not appear in your bank account when ready. Uber pays drivers weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday, but your first payout may take 5 to 7 days after your first trip because Uber needs to verify your banking information and process the transaction.
Set up your payment method
Before you complete your first trip, add a bank account to your Uber Driver account. Go to your profile, tap "Payments," and select "Add Bank Account." Enter your routing number and account number. You can find these on a check, your bank's website, or by calling your bank.
Uber will make two small deposits to your account (usually $0.01 each) within 1 to 2 business days. Check your bank account, then return to the Uber app and enter the exact amounts of those deposits to verify your account. Once verified, your earnings will deposit to that account every week.
If you want to cash out before the weekly payout, Uber offers when ready Pay (in most cities), which lets you transfer your earnings to a debit card for a small fee, usually $0.50 to $2.00 per transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire sign-up process take?
The in-app steps take 5 to 10 minutes, but the full process takes 1 to 3 business days because of the background check and vehicle inspection. You cannot drive until both are complete. In some cases, if Uber needs additional documents, it can take up to a week.
What happens if Uber denies my account?
Uber will email you the reason — usually a driving record issue, a background check result, or a vehicle that doesn't meet requirements. You can contact Uber support to ask about the specific criteria and whether you can reapply. Some issues (like a recent suspension) may require you to wait a certain amount of time before reapplying.
Can I use someone else's vehicle?
Yes, but the vehicle registration must be in your name or you must have written permission from the owner. Uber may ask for proof of permission. The insurance policy must also cover you as a driver of that vehicle, so contact the owner's insurance company to confirm.
Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Uber?
Your personal auto insurance almost certainly does not cover rideshare driving. Contact your insurance company and ask about rideshare coverage or switch to an insurer that offers it. Some companies charge $10 to $20 per month extra; others have separate rideshare policies. You must have this in place before you upload your insurance card to Uber.
What if my driver's license or registration expires soon?
Renew both before you upload them to Uber. Uber will not accept documents that are expired or expiring within a certain timeframe. Check your state's DMV website for renewal procedures — most states allow online renewal for driver's licenses and registration.