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Getting Started

Become an Uber Driver: The Short Checklist

Becoming an Uber driver is mostly paperwork: a few documents, a background check and some waiting. Here is the short version as of October 2026. Each line points to the page with the detail.

Before you apply

  • [ ] You meet your city’s minimum age (some cities set 21) and have a valid US license in your name with at least one year of US licensed driving (three if you are under 25).
  • [ ] You have a car that meets your city’s rules: 4 doors, 5 seats with belts, and a model-year cutoff that varies by city. No car? You can look at rental partners after approval.
  • [ ] You have your own insurance, current registration and a Social Security number.
  • [ ] You have a recent iPhone or Android phone that can run the Uber Driver app, and a bank account for payouts.

Full detail: What you need to become an Uber driver.

Applying

  1. Create your driver account and choose your city and vehicle.
  2. Upload your documents in the Driver app (license first).
  3. Consent to the background check (MVR and criminal history, free, no credit check).
  4. Finish any inspection or ID steps the app asks for, then wait for the activation email and text.

Uber’s help pages say the background check typically takes 3 to 5 business days, with up to 7 or more in some cases. Allow one to two weeks overall. Full walk-through: Applying and approval process.

What the background check looks at

Your driving record, your criminal history (generally a 7-year lookback, with permanent bars for the most serious offenses) and ongoing monitoring after you are approved. Details: Uber background check.

What to know before your first ride

You pay your own car costs, you are paid weekly and handle your own taxes, and your personal insurance matters. The start-here guide covers those basics.

Not sure about rides?

Uber also has delivery-only sign-up with different vehicle options. See the delivery section of the requirements post. You can estimate whether it pays with the hourly earnings calculator.

This site is independent and not affiliated with Uber. For the official sign-up, start at uber.com/drive.