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What The Uber Background Check Looks For & How To Pass

Learn how the Uber background check works, what it looks for, and how to pass with flying colors.

Key Takeaways

  • Comprehensive checks for criminal records and driving history to ensure passenger safety.
  • Evaluates potential drivers for serious violations and criminal convictions.
  • Drivers can check the status of their background checks via Checkr’s Candidate Portal.
  • Possible to appeal a rejected background check with valid reasons.

What is an Uber Background Check?

An Uber background check is a comprehensive screening that evaluates potential drivers’ criminal records and driving histories.

This process includes verifying identity, checking motor vehicle records for violations such as DUIs and parking tickets, and examining criminal records for felonies.

It’s designed to ensure passenger safety, maintain Uber’s reputation, and comply with legal requirements.

Why Background Checks Are Important for Uber Drivers

Uber’s background check policy is grounded in several key reasons, chief among them being the assurance of passenger safety.

The ride-sharing model relies on everyday individuals, welcoming anyone with a valid driver’s license to join as a driver. However, this inclusivity also opens the door for individuals with criminal records or a history of unsafe driving to potentially become drivers.

To mitigate these risks, background checks are indispensable.

Furthermore, these screenings serve as a mechanism for Uber to preserve its reputation and the trust of its users. By conducting thorough background checks, Uber can ensure that every ride is not only safe but also meets the high standards of service expected by clients.

Lastly, adhering to background checks is not merely a best practice but a legal mandate that Uber must comply with to continue its operations. This requirement underscores the importance of the screening process in maintaining the integrity and safety of the ride-sharing ecosystem.

What Uber Background Checks Look For

Uber background checks primarily examine two key areas: your driving history and your criminal history.

If your record is squeaky-clean like most drivers, you’ll likely pass with flying colors. But if not, getting approved to drive with Uber might be a bit more difficult.

Driving History

Uber evaluates your driving record to ensure you meet their safety standards. They mainly look for:

  • At least one year of driving experience if over 23, or three years for younger drivers.
  • An active U.S. driver’s license without disqualifying restrictions.
  • No major violations on record.
  • A clean recent history with no multiple minor violations.

Checkr, the company conducting the checks, will access public records to scrutinize your driving history.

Meeting all driver requirements is crucial as there is no way to conceal your records, ensuring that only qualified and trustworthy drivers are approved.

Criminal History

In addition to driving history, Uber’s background checks include a thorough review of your criminal history.

Checkr utilizes various databases to compile your criminal history, similar to how your driving record is checked.

Regrettably, there are a few charges that can disqualify applicants for Uber jobs.

As you can guess, any serious driving violations will trigger red flags. This includes offenses like multiple DUIs, reckless driving offenses, and three or more moving violations.

Certain criminal records, such as convictions for violent crimes (e.g., murder, sexual assault), other serious offenses, and pending charges for such crimes, may disqualify you from driving with Uber.

Plus, if the potential driver has pending charges or is a registered sex offender, the ride-sharing company will overlook their application.

It’s important to note that this applies to all Uber personnel, even if you’re delivering with a bike.

Lastly, you should know that Uber complies with all local laws and regulations regarding background checks. So, the criteria can change slightly based on where you live.

Did you know?

To drive for Uber, you must be at least 21, with 1-3 years of driving experience in the US depending on age, and provide a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Your vehicle must be 16 years old or newer, 4-door, without commercial branding or cosmetic damage, and pass an inspection that checks for functional safety features, a clean interior, and proper documentation.

Rentals are acceptable if from approved partners.

The Look-Back Period for Uber Background Checks

Typically, Uber reviews records going back seven years, adhering to the general industry standard.

However, in some jurisdictions like California, legislation requires examining a driver’s complete lifetime record, regardless of how far back it goes.

The interpretation of background check findings is significantly influenced by local and state regulations where the applicant intends to drive.

These laws dictate how companies like Uber must process and consider background check results. Uber also applies its internal safety standards to evaluate the findings.

There’s a possibility for applicants with pending charges to qualify, provided the court case does not result in a conviction, demonstrating Uber’s compliance with both legal requirements and their safety criteria.

The Uber Background Check Process

Now that you understand why background checks are crucial, we can take a look at what the process entails. We’ll cover all the notable aspects of Uber’s driver screening.

Step 1: Apply to Become an Uber Driver

Before the background check process begins, you must create an Uber account and sign up as a driver. Luckily, this step couldn’t be simpler.

All you’ll need is an active email address and your phone. Start by downloading the Uber app and creating an account.

Lastly, Uber will ask you for some basic information. This includes your name, age, phone number, and location.

Step 2: Provide Your Consent for the Screening Process

Once your account is all set up, it’s time to get the ball rolling on the screening. This starts with you giving Uber your written consent.

That can come in the form of an official email or through the online platform.

It’s important to note that Uber can’t run a background check on you without your explicit consent. This means you have the option to refuse the screening.

However, if you do that, chances are you won’t land a job with the ride-sharing company. That’s because the background check is a requirement for driver eligibility.

Step 3: Provide Your Personal Information to Uber

As soon as you give Uber consent for a background check, the company will ask for your information.

For starters, you’ll need to enter a few basic details, including:

  • Name
  • Current Address
  • Age
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Social security number
  • Driver’s license
  • Vehicle registration
  • Insurance information

Aside from that, you have to indicate if you’ve changed your name recently.

Step 4: Upload Your Verification Documents

After you enter your personal details, you’ll need to supply documents to verify the information. Uber will ask for four forms of ID for this step.

You can use your ID card, passport, driver’s license, vehicle registration, residency permit, or liability insurance certificate.

Besides that, your birth certificate will work in a pinch.

Step 5: Wait For Uber to Run the Background Check

At this point, your part of the screening process is complete. It’s time to take a step back and allow Uber to run the background check.

The ride-sharing company will begin by verifying your identity. This should be a breeze if you’ve supplied the business with proper documentation.

Once that’s done, Uber will move on to checking your motor vehicle records (MVR). Using your social security number and vehicle registration, the company will go over your driving history. 

It’ll screen for aspects like moving violations, parking tickets, and driving citations like driving while under the influence (DUIs).

Uber’s background check will also take a look at your criminal records. The ride-sharing business will keep an eye out for any felonies on your record and ensure you can keep passengers safe.

Step 6: Receive Uber’s Response

The time it takes for Uber’s background checks to complete varies significantly, with some drivers reporting a quick process (as short as 15 minutes to a few days) and others waiting for months.

Yet, this can change depending on a few factors.

Factors influencing duration may include individual histories, discrepancies in information, and differences in processing times by county or state.

Aside from that, you might be asked to provide supplementary documentation. While this won’t affect your chances of landing the job, it’ll extend the screening duration.

Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert

Drivers can directly check the status of their background checks through Checkr’s platform.

However, once Checkr completes the background check, the time Uber takes to review and act on the report can add to the overall waiting period.

Delays are often attributed to Uber’s internal processes or issues with Checkr.

Some drivers speculate that their specific circumstances, such as military service or legal issues, may complicate the background check process.

Many drivers express frustration with the lack of communication from Uber during the background check process.

Talk to any driver who is in the process of getting background checked and you’ll probably hear how frustrating the inability to work due to their “pending” status.

This is especially true when no clear timeline is provided.

My Suggestion: Wait it out.

While I know a few drivers who have sped up the process by contacting support, many others find the support unhelpful, citing repeated generic responses and a lack of action.

If your status is still pending, there’s likely a reason. Give it time and you’ll get an answer soon enough.

Preparing for Your Background Check

We all know how daunting a background check can be. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to ensure the process goes smoothly.

To start, it’s best practice to run your own screening before you apply. Go through your driving history and criminal records and check for any markers that may disqualify you.

Once that’s out of the way, examine your social media profile and verify that it doesn’t go against Uber’s terms and policies.

Next, it’s time to check that your vehicle matches Uber’s criteria. If you’re not sure how to do that on your own, you can schedule a Greenlight Hub appointment.

There, certified agents can help you inspect your car and point out any issues with the vehicle.

Plus, we want to underline the importance of being honest while providing your personal information. It’s never a good idea to bend the truth when applying for a job.

That’s because any discrepancies in paperwork can lead to immediate disqualification.

Finally, if you face any issues with the background check process, you can always contact Uber Support for help.

How to Check the Status of Your Uber Background Check

After consenting to a background check and applying to Uber, your account will be tagged with one of these statuses:

  • Initiating: Your background check is starting, and Uber is reviewing your documents.
  • Deferred: There might be issues with your documents or a need for further verification.
  • Under Review: Your background check is almost done, and Uber is evaluating any potential concerns.
  • Cleared: You’ve passed the background check and are approved to start driving or delivering.
  • Not Approved: You didn’t pass the background check, resulting in a rejection or account deactivation.

Uber typically won’t update you about status changes but will inform you if you’ve been rejected, or once you’re cleared to drive. I recommend you check your status periodically.

You can easily to this by visiting Checkr’s Candidate Portal and entering the information that you used when you applied to drive.

a screenshot of the Checkr candidate portal - how to check the status of the Uber background check

What Happens After the Background Check?

Upon receiving the background check results from Checkr, Uber makes the final decision on hiring.

If you pass the background check, Uber will send you a confirmation email and you can start driving. Although, Uber will hold annual background checks to ensure the safety of passengers.

If an applicant fails a background check, they will be denied access to the Uber app. Additionally, if a driver fails any subsequent background checks, access to the app will be revoked.

In the event of a failed screening or a deactivated account, there are a few other steps you’ll need to complete.

First, you have to address the issue that led to the failure. If the problem is missing paperwork, you can supply additional documents and re-apply after deactivation.

However, when the issue is with your eligibility, you may have to explore Uber alternatives with looser requirements.

Appealing a Rejected Uber Background Check

If Uber denies your application based on a background check, you have the option to appeal. This is particularly relevant if you believe the decision was made in error or the background check is inaccurate.

A few reasons that I would consider appealing include:

  • Accuracy: Request a copy of your background check to verify its correctness. Errors or incomplete information are valid grounds for dispute.
  • Identity Confusion: If you have a common name, ensure the records actually pertain to you, not someone else.
  • Past Minor Offenses: If your driving record shows multiple minor offenses from over seven years ago, appealing might bypass the waiting period for these to clear from your record.

The likelihood of Uber reversing a decision is low but varies by case. An appeal might succeed if:

  • The initial background check was incorrect.
  • Your record has since improved, with past offenses no longer relevant.
  • However, for serious violations or a history of violent crimes, chances are slim unless recent legal outcomes favor your case.

Uber takes appeals on a case-by-case basis, so it never hurts to try appealing and see what happens.

How to Appeal a Rejected Uber Background Check

There are two routes to doing so, but remember, Uber makes the final decision and at the end of the day it is up to them to move you forward or not.

  • Incorrect Background Check: Contact Checkr (the company Uber uses for background checks) for a re-evaluation.
  • Dispute with Uber: If the background check is accurate but you believe you still qualify, directly contact Uber. Explain your situation and request a review of their decision.

Appealing requires patience and a clear understanding of why Uber might reconsider.

It’s essential to address any specific issues with your background that Uber has flagged to increase your chances of a successful appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My Uber Background Check Still Pending?

Uber background checks can take anywhere between three to seven business days. If the screening takes longer than that, the issue is usually missing paperwork. Contact Uber Support and ask them for clarification on your employment status.

Does Uber Scan Your ID?

Uber can ask applicants to verify their identity using a photocopy of their ID card. Although, drivers can use other means of verification like passports or birth certificates.

Wrapping Up

The Uber background check may seem intimidating at first glance, but the process is quite simple. It starts with the applicant verifying their identity and providing all the necessary documentation.

Then, Uber will dive into the potential driver’s background. The ride-sharing business will examine aspects like the applicant’s criminal records and driving history.

Lastly, it’s crucial that you understand and engage with the screening process to ensure a successful application.

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