Uber requires a valid driver's license, but not a special "Uber license"
You do not need a separate commercial license or Uber-specific permit to drive for Uber. What you do need is a regular driver's license that is currently valid in the state where you plan to drive. Uber will check that your license is real, active, and has not been suspended or revoked. If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot pass Uber's background check, and the company will not let you drive.
The confusion often comes from the fact that some cities require Uber drivers to register with the local government or pay a local fee — but that is a city rule, not an Uber rule, and it does not change what kind of license you hold. Your regular driver's license is the only license document Uber cares about.
Key Takeaways
- A valid state driver's license is the only license Uber requires; you do not need a commercial license or special Uber permit.
- Your license must be clean: no suspensions, revocations, or active disqualifying violations in the past seven years.
- Uber will run a background check that includes your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status.
- Some cities require local registration or permits for rideshare drivers, separate from Uber's own rules.
- You must carry commercial auto insurance or rideshare insurance that covers you while you are logged into the Uber app.
What Uber checks on your driving record
Uber looks back seven years into your driving history. During that time, you cannot have been convicted of certain serious violations. These include driving under the influence, reckless driving, at-fault accidents with injuries, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and hit-and-run. Uber also disqualifies drivers with too many minor violations — such as speeding tickets or at-fault accidents — even if none of them alone would be a problem.
The exact number of minor violations that will disqualify you varies by city and changes over time, so Uber will tell you during the screening process if your record does not meet their standard. If you are rejected, you can reapply after seven years have passed since the violation, or sometimes sooner if Uber updates their policy.
You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current address when you submit your information to Uber. They use this to pull your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
Criminal background check and other screening
Uber runs a background check through a third-party company that searches criminal records, sex offender registries, and other databases. Certain convictions will disqualify you — including felonies, violent crimes, sexual offenses, and drug-related convictions within the past seven years. Uber also checks whether you are on any sex offender registry.
If you have a criminal record and are unsure whether it will block you, you can contact Uber support before you formally submit your process. They cannot tell you with certainty until they run the full check, but they can sometimes give you a sense of whether your situation is likely to be approved.
Insurance: the requirement most new drivers miss
Your personal auto insurance almost certainly does not cover you while you are driving for Uber. Most personal policies exclude commercial use, which means if you get in an accident while logged into the Uber app, your insurance company can deny your claim. Uber's own insurance covers some situations, but not all, and it does not cover damage to your own car.
Before you start driving, you need either commercial auto insurance or a rideshare insurance policy. Rideshare policies are cheaper than full commercial coverage and are designed specifically for Uber and Lyft drivers. You buy them from your regular insurance company — just call and ask about rideshare or commercial coverage. Some states require you to show proof of this insurance to Uber before you can set up your account.
If you drive without proper insurance and get in an accident, you could be personally liable for thousands of dollars in damages, and your personal insurance will not help you.
Local registration and city permits
Some cities require Uber drivers to register with the local government, pay a fee, or obtain a city permit before they can drive. This is separate from Uber's own screening process. Cities that have these rules include San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago, but the rules change frequently and vary widely.
Before you start the Uber process, search online for "[your city] Uber driver requirements" or "[your city] rideshare permit." If your city has a requirement, you will usually need to complete that first or at the same time as your Uber process. The city will tell you what documents you need — typically your driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.
Vehicle requirements and inspection
Your car must be at least a certain age — usually no older than 15 to 20 years, depending on your city — and it must pass a vehicle inspection. Uber uses a third-party inspection service, and you will need to schedule an appointment at a participating location. The inspection checks that your car is safe: brakes, tires, lights, windshield, and seatbelts all have to work.
You will also need to provide your vehicle's registration and proof of a current safety inspection (in states that require one). If your car does not pass the initial inspection, you can fix the problems and try again.
The order of steps: what to do first
Start by checking whether your city has local rideshare rules. If it does, complete that registration first — it often takes longer than Uber's process, and you may need the city permit number when you explore to Uber.
Next, make sure your driver's license is valid and your driving record is clean. If you are unsure about your record, contact your state's DMV or pull your own driving record online — most states let you do this for a small fee.
Get rideshare or commercial auto insurance before you submit anything to Uber. You will need to provide proof of insurance during the process, and you cannot drive without it.
Then open the Uber Driver app, enter your information, and upload photos of your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Uber will run the background check. If you pass, they will send you to schedule a vehicle inspection. Once the inspection is complete and passes, you can turn on the app and start accepting rides.
What happens if Uber rejects you
If Uber denies your process, they will tell you the reason — usually a driving record violation, a criminal conviction, or a failed vehicle inspection. If it is a vehicle issue, you can fix the problem and reapply. If it is a driving record or criminal history issue, you will have to wait until enough time has passed (usually seven years) for the violation to age off, or until Uber updates their policy.
You can contact Uber support to ask for more detail about why you were rejected, but they cannot override the decision. If you believe the information they have is wrong — for example, if the background check pulled the wrong person's record — you can dispute it and ask them to run the check again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?
No. A regular driver's license is all Uber requires. You do not need a commercial license unless your state has a specific rule about rideshare drivers, which is rare.
Can I drive for Uber if I have a suspended license?
No. Uber will not approve you if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. Your license must be valid and in good standing.
What if I have a DUI on my record?
A DUI within the past seven years will disqualify you from driving for Uber. After seven years have passed since the conviction, you can reapply.
Does Uber's insurance cover my car if I get in an accident?
Uber's insurance covers some situations, but not all, and it does not cover damage to your own vehicle. You must carry your own rideshare or commercial insurance to be fully protected. Your personal auto policy almost certainly will not cover you while you are driving for Uber.
How long does the Uber approval process take?
It usually takes three to five business days for Uber to complete the background check and vehicle inspection, but this varies by city and how quickly you schedule the inspection. Local registration, if required, can add one to two weeks.