How to Meet Uber’s Requirements and Sign Up as a Driver in 11 Steps

Before you do anything else, make sure that you meet Uber’s requirements. Most people do, but it’s best to double-check before you invest much time in signing up.

Uber has the following requirements:

• License: Needless to say, to even get your foot in the door, you’ll need a valid US driver’s license.
• Age: You also need to meet the minimum age to drive professionally in your jurisdiction. In much of the country, that means you have to be 21 years old, but you should check your state and local laws to be sure.
• Experience: You need to have been driving for at least 1 year, or 3 years if you’re under 25.
• Vehicle: If you’re going to drive your own car (instead of renting), you need a 4-door vehicle that meets Uber’s eligibility requirements.
• Insurance: Similarly, if you plan on using your own car, you have to be adequately insured. In most states, your regular car insurance will suffice, but in a few, you’ll need special commercial auto insurance.
• Background: Lastly, you’ll have to pass a background check before Uber will approve you.

How to know if you’ll pass Uber’s background check

When you apply, Uber will investigate both your driving record and criminal history. You’ll be disqualified if you have:

• Major black marks on your driving record from the past 7 years
• Serious criminal convictions or pending charges

It can be a bit difficult to predict what will count as a “serious” enough black mark to disqualify you. Tom Nathaniel, one veteran Uber driver we spoke to, told us that usually, if you have “more than two to three points” on your driving record, it’ll be hard to get approved.

According to Ridester, when it comes to criminal charges or convictions, the standards are somewhat dependent on your state and local laws. You’ll almost certainly be disqualified if you have a history of violent crime. Beyond that, it’s tough to say; you may still be able to pass if you have minor blips on your record, but don’t count on it.

As you’d expect, when you sign up for Uber, you’ll need to provide several documents proving that you meet the requirements listed above. To save time, assemble these before you begin the process.

You’ll need:

• Your driver’s license (which, in addition to proving that you’re able to drive, also provides proof of residency in your city or state)
• Vehicle registration
• Proof of insurance, such as an auto insurance ID card

Depending on what state you live in, you might also need to provide:

• Proof of commercial auto insurance
• A vehicle safety inspection

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need those or not, don’t worry. When you apply, Uber will tell you what they need from you based on your location.

You can sign up for Uber via their mobile app (the same one you use to book rides as a passenger) or on their website. To get started, follow these steps:

• In the app: In the bottom right corner of the screen, you should see a button labeled Account. Tap this, then scroll down and tap Earn by driving or delivering.
• On Uber’s website: Navigate to Uber’s homepage and click Sign up to drive.

We’ll walk you through the complete process below. As mentioned, it may differ slightly depending on where you’re signing up to drive, but it will broadly be as described.

First, enter the city and state that you plan on driving in. Note that, once you’re approved, you’ll only be allowed to pick people up in that city, although you’ll be allowed to drop them off wherever they want (e.g., if they schedule a trip that takes them into another city or state).

When you drive for Uber, you can either use your own vehicle or rent one from Uber’s partners. This is a big decision and one we talk more about in our article on how to make money driving for Uber or Lyft.

Don’t stress out too much over this—as noted in the screenshot, if you change your mind, you can always revisit it later.

Your answer on this screen will affect what documents you’ll need to provide later on in the process. If you choose to rent, you obviously won’t need to provide your own vehicle registration, for instance.

Next, Uber will ask you whether you want to provide rideshare/taxi services, food and grocery deliveries, or both.

Even if you’re mainly interested in offering rides to passengers, there’s no reason not to sign up for both—if you can qualify as a rideshare driver, you’ll also qualify as a delivery driver, and you don’t need to accept any Uber Eats orders if you don’t want to.

As mentioned, Uber requires you to complete a background check before you can drive with them. They don’t actually conduct this check themselves—they work with a company called Checkr.

First, Uber will hit you with a lengthy explanation of what their background check will entail. Decide whether you want to receive a copy of the completed report and click Agree.

Next, enter your Social Security number. Once you do, Uber will be free to proceed with the background check. Even if you decide to withdraw your application and close the app, they might still conduct it.

Uber requires a headshot for your profile, which customers will see when you accept their rides or deliveries. Using your phone or a camera, take a photo that matches Uber’s requirements and upload it.

Note that this has to be an original photo—Uber doesn’t allow you to use the headshot on your driver’s license.

Lastly, Uber will ask you to provide images of your driver’s license, car insurance, and vehicle registration.

Again, depending on your jurisdiction, you might also have to provide proof of commercial auto insurance and a vehicle safety inspection report as well. Just follow the instructions.

If Uber asks for a document that you didn’t prepare, you can close out of the application process and go get it. Your progress will automatically be saved, and Uber will present you with the same screen once you log back in.

You don’t need to upload actual scans of these documents—it’s enough to take a quick picture with your phone.

Uber will automatically review your photos and tell you if it thinks the image isn’t clear enough, or if you provided the wrong document. You’ll be able to override their warning and proceed, but be aware that if you do, there’s no going back. You can’t swap out your images once you submit them.

Once you submit your documents, you’ll be done with the signup process. There’s nothing left to do except wait to be approved.

Uber will direct you to a screen that you can use to review the materials you provided. If you realize you submitted anything incorrectly, contact their customer service.

You can also use the links at the top to download the Uber Driver app (which is different from the one you use to book rides) and explore Uber’s optional injury insurance.

How long will it take for Uber to approve you?

Uber may take several days to review your application, and their background check will usually take between 3–5 days to complete. Once they approve your application, you’re all set—you’ll be able to log in to the Uber Driver app and accept rides.

At this point, take a moment to give yourself a pat on the back for completing Uber’s signup process. Congratulations!

The next step is to study up on how to make the most of your new side hustle. Succeeding as an Uber driver is about working smarter, not harder. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you earn more (and keep more of what you make).

Research your area

It’s important to understand how and when people in your city tend to use rideshare apps. This will help you use your time wisely and take advantage of peak hours and surge pricing.

Do you live in a city with a big nightlife scene? Are people in your area rushing to work at 7 am every morning? Is there a big sports game coming up that people will be Ubering home from?

In addition to the Uber Driver app, Gridwise is a useful app you can use to assess your city’s peak hours. Facebook and Reddit may also be helpful.

Make your experience tip-worthy

Tips make up a small portion of your wages as an Uber driver, but they can really make a difference to your overall earnings over time.

Here are a few ways to maximize your Uber tips:

• Be punctual
• Keep your car clean and fresh
• Know when to spark conversation and when to keep quiet
• Ask about music and temperature preferences
• Help with luggage
• Invest in simple amenities (e.g., water, snacks, or chargers)

You’ll sometimes read that the norm is for riders to tip around 10%–20% of their fare, but realistically, that won’t always happen. The best thing you can do is provide optimal service and hope that riders compensate you fairly.

Take advantage of tax write-offs

When you’re working as an independent contractor, it’s your responsibility to withhold enough income to pay your taxes. You should always try to save at least 15% of your earnings every month.

Additionally, keep track of your expenses, including gas, vehicle repairs, and insurance costs. You may be able to write these off as business expenses at the end of the year.

If you file your self-employment taxes correctly, you could save thousands in taxes every year, bringing you one step closer to becoming a successful and high-earning Uber driver.

Understand your limitations

As a driver for Uber, you have to play by Uber’s rules. Here’s what you should know:

• Where you can drive: When you sign up to drive with Uber, you provide proof of residency and a state driver’s license. Uber may impose restrictions on where you’re allowed to offer lifts and how far you can go.
• How long you can drive: Different state and local governments impose limits on how many hours you can spend on a ridesharing platform like Uber without taking a break.
• Whether you can do airport pickups: Some airports have special guidelines you’ll have to adhere to when picking up a rider. Always check beforehand to avoid penalties or fines.

Bear these restrictions in mind when you plan out your strategy to earn on Uber. If you’re diligent and careful—and you follow the other tips laid out above—your new side hustle is sure to be a success.