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Uber Driver Requirements Every Driver Must Meet to Apply

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To become an Uber driver, you’ll need to fulfill some basic requirements that confirm you can drive safely and responsibly. Here’s a simplified look at the process:

1. Meeting the minimum Uber requirements
2. Passing the driver requirements
3. Having the necessary paperwork
4. Passing an Uber vehicle inspection

Start by checking if you qualify under Uber’s driver criteria, which are straightforward and aim to ensure that all drivers are competent. Once you’re sure you meet these personal criteria, the next step is to make sure your vehicle also meets Uber’s car requirements.

Key Information

Basic Eligibility

Must be 21+ years old, have a valid driver’s license, social security number, and meet specific driving experience requirements.

Vehicle Standards

A 4-door vehicle in good condition, passing an Uber vehicle inspection, with registration and personal auto insurance.

Document Submission

Provide a forward-facing profile photo, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license during the application process.

Background Checks

Clear a comprehensive background check that includes driving record and criminal history with no major violations or convictions.

Minimum Uber Driver Requirements Every Applicant Must Meet

Uber requirements set a baseline that every driver must meet before they can even apply. The minimum Uber driver requirements include:

  1. Proof of a personal auto insurance policy
  2. Proof of residency and a social security number
  3. A valid driver’s license
  4. A valid auto registration card
  5. A front-facing driver profile photo
  6. A 4-door vehicle
  7. You MUST have a smartphone.
    • Your phone should be an iPhone 4s or newer or an Android 2013 or newer.
    • This is important to being a driver as you need to have a phone that can run the Uber app flawlessly or you will miss ride requests.
    • If you are driving in the U.S., you need to a use a U.S. cell phone number so you can communicate with your passengers.

The basic requirements apply to all types of Uber. If you want to drive for higher-earning services like Uber Black, you may need to meet additional driver requirements, like minimum driver ratings. We’ll dive into these further when we discuss higher-tier vehicle options.

How Old Do You Have To Be to Drive For Uber?

To drive for Uber, you must be at least 21 years old. If you are under 23, you must have three years of driving experience; otherwise, one year of driving experience in the U.S. is sufficient. There is no maximum age limit for driving with Uber as long as you meet the other requirements.

Document Requirements

During the Uber application process, there are a few documents you should have ready. You must share the following documents with Uber before you can become approved to drive:

  1. An in-focus and well-lit profile photo.
  2. Your picture should be forward-facing with no other people included in it.
  3. Proof that you have car insurance.
  4. A valid driver’s license.

These are pretty standard documents, and if you have a vehicle and drive it, you should already have all these in place.

Uber Background Check Requirements

Once you’ve signed up to drive, you’ll also need to submit an application for an Uber background check. This check reviews your driving record and criminal history, which is a vital step in keeping passengers safe.

vector graphic of a magnifying glass sitting on laptop keyboard on Uber background check post

Each Uber background check varies by state, but in general, drivers need to pass a few things in their background checks. According to Uber.com, the requirements include:

  1. At least one year U.S. licensing history (if under 23 years old, must have at least three years licensing history)
  2. A valid driver’s license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) that shows:
    • No major moving violations, such as DUIs or reckless driving, within the last seven years.
    • No more than three minor moving violations in the past three years, such as speeding tickets or failure to obey traffic laws.
  3. A criminal record that does not include a conviction for a felony, violent crime, or sexual offense within the last seven years, among other things such as a registration on the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public website.

Uber background checks are initiated by Checkr, Inc., a third-party source of background checks that is accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners. The check is safe and secure, and it doesn’t cost potential drivers a dime.

Unfortunately, it is possible to not make it past the background check. If you’ve been on the wrong side of the law, there are a few things that could disqualify you from being an Uber driver.

If you any of the following apply to you, you will be immediately disqualified from the driver application and not be able to drive.

You will face disqualification if within the past seven years you have had:

A DUI or drug-related driving conviction

Fraud

Hit and runs

Reckless driving

Violent crimes (assault, battery, homicide)

Acts of terror

Sexual offenses

Crimes involving property damage

A felony or misdemeanor for theft (burglary, stealing, robbery, or anything similar)

Fatal accidents

Any other felony

You will face disqualification if within the past three years you have had:

Driving on a suspended, revoked, or invalid license

Driving with suspended, revoked, or invalid insurance

You will face disqualification if within the past three years you have had a total of three minor violations or incidents including:

Accidents

Normal speeding tickets

Miscellaneous driving violations (traffic violations)

Can Felons Drive for Uber?

While Uber maintains that felons won’t make it past the background check, you should personally try. If you have a felony in your past and want to drive for Uber, then it can’t hurt to apply and see what happens. It’s possible that the company may show leniency depending on felony type and how many years have passed since the conviction.

Can You Drive for Uber with a DUI on Your Record?

Typically, you won’t pass the background check if you have a “Driving While Intoxicated” conviction that occurred less than seven years ago. The time frame can change based on the state you live in.

For example, drivers in Los Angeles, California can’t drive for Uber unless a DUI occurred more than ten years ago. Other cities like New York City or San Francisco may have different regulations.

Keep in mind that Uber continues to monitor your driving history. If you get arrested for a DUI or significant driving violations while driving for Uber, then it’s likely that you’ll become a red flag in the Uber system.

You’ll get dropped from the app and will lose your ability to earn income with Uber.

This list might seem long, but if you have a relatively clean driving record, with no criminal history, you should be good to go.

It’s also worth noting that Uber re-runs the background check and driving record check at least once every year, so you need to maintain your good standing as long as you want to remain an Uber driver.

Uber Insurance Requirements

You must have an auto insurance policy that covers at least the minimum financial responsibility limits required by your state.

Uber maintains liability rideshare insurance on you while you’re logged in to your Uber driver app dashboard. It’s also a good idea to carry car rental and collision coverage with a low deductible.

Why Are Uber Driver Requirements Necessary?

As a result of some low-quality drivers slipping through the cracks and causing incidents for riders, Uber has tightened the reins on who can actually drive passengers around town.

Enter the Uber driver requirements.

Uber puts their driver requirements in place because they help increase the likelihood that drivers possess positive qualities and will ensure that riders have a good ride experience.

To further demonstrate the “why”, take a look at a few hypotheticals:

  • Younger drivers typically get involved in more accidents than older drivers. That’s why you need a longer driving history if you’re under the age of 23.
  • The four-door requirement regarding your vehicle is essential because passengers need easy access when getting into and out of the car.
  • You need a relatively late model vehicle so that it doesn’t break down as often as older cars do.

In essence, Uber driver requirements are necessary to ensure you’re a safe driver and help passengers enjoy quality ride experiences.

Related: Is Uber safe?