Uber Driver Requirements

Before working as an Uber driver, you must meet several requirements, including being a licensed driver of legal age with sufficient driving experience. You must also have an eligible vehicle with sufficient insurance coverage, submit various documents and complete a driver screening process. 

After meeting all Uber driver requirements and having your account activated, you can begin accepting ride requests on the app.

Basic driver requirements

Regardless of where you live, Uber requires the following basics from all potential drivers:

• You must be at least your city’s minimum age for working as a driver, which can be higher than the typical legal driving age of 16 to 18 years old.
• You need an in-state driver’s license in good standing.
• You must have been a licensed driver for at least one year if you’re 25 years or older and at least three years if you’re younger than that.  
• You need access to a four-door vehicle that is not older than 16 years and meets all of Uber’s vehicle requirements.

To learn more about the legal minimum driver age and other local requirements, check Uber’s list of popular cities. Besides showing requirements, your city’s page will include typical Uber driver job duties, answers to common FAQs and median hourly earnings (if available).

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Required documentation

When you apply to be an Uber driver, you’ll need to upload these documents to prove that you meet all requirements and verify your identity: 

• Valid state driver’s license
• Proof of current vehicle insurance (such as your insurance card or policy documents)
• Proof of residency in your city or state
• Vehicle registration document
• Official DMV driving records (if needed to prove your driving experience)
• Passport-style driver profile photo

All documents must be legible and original, and you must upload them individually as PDFs or images. If you need your driving records, keep in mind you may have to pay a fee to the DMV.

Uber insurance requirements

Uber requires that you obtain vehicle liability insurance that meets your state’s minimum coverage rules. This insurance solely protects you when you’re driving while not logged in to the Uber app. While you should check your state laws, the minimum coverages are often at least:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident

Uber provides third-party liability insurance once you log in and wait for a ride request. This is secondary to your personal car insurance policy and can provide higher limits to protect you. The coverage typically includes:

$50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $100,000 for each accident
$25,000 in property damage liability coverage for each accident
Any state-required uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage and/or personal injury protection

You get this more comprehensive coverage when you’re picking up and driving riders:

• At least $1,000,000 in bodily injury and property damage liability coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage (state limits apply)
• Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage ($1,000 to $2,500 deductible applies)
• Personal injury protection (if required by your state)

Even though Uber’s coverage is helpful, carefully consider the right options for your personal car insurance since higher limits can be wise for your financial protection. You might even qualify to write off your car insurance premiums to offset the cost. Lastly, check if your city or state requires commercial auto insurance or a rideshare policy.

Uber driver screening process

Uber will use your submitted documents and your Social Security number (SSN) to run a third-party background check through HireRight, Checkr or Samba Safety. The screening process involves looking at your criminal records for past convictions and violations and verifying your driving record, including the length of your history and any violations. 

You’ll usually get your Uber background check results back within 3-5 business days. However, slowdowns can happen if you’re asked to submit more documents or the systems have too many requests.

How to complete the Uber driver application

Follow these simple steps to apply to be an Uber driver:

1. Download the Uber Driver app (iOS or Android) or visit the Uber signup page.
2. Sign up using your phone number, email address or a third-party login option (such as Apple or Google).
3. Provide information about yourself, your vehicle and your Uber driving plans.
4. Consent to the required background check with the SSN you provide.
5. Upload and submit your documentation.
6. Wait for the background screening results and Uber account activation.

Earning money as an Uber driver

After you’ve completed the Uber driver registration process, you can log in to the app and start working. 

Your pay will depend on several factors, such as the ride category, city, trip time, current promotions and tips from riders. Depending on your location, you might earn upfront fares or get paid by the mile and mile. Your city’s page on the Uber website might show the average pay. Just know that Uber can deduct service fees and other charges from your earnings.

Uber can pay you weekly via your bank account for free or let you cash out several times daily using a debit card for a fee. You must pay taxes on your earnings, so don't forget to carefully track your mileage and other business-related expenses that you can deduct on your tax return.

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