You can drive for Uber in the U.S. if you have a valid license, a qualifying car, and a clean background check. The rules come from Uber and your state, so check them before you start. Here’s what you need, what it really costs to drive, and how to sign up through the official app.
| Item | Approximate figure |
|---|---|
| Startup cost | $0 for sign-up; a background check is usually free |
| Typical gross pay | about $15 to $25 an hour, before costs |
| Gas and maintenance | about $0.20 to $0.30 per mile |
| Taxes | set aside about 25% to 30% of profit |
Uber driver requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What Uber asks for |
|---|---|
| Age | The minimum driving age in your state |
| License | At least 1 year of licensed driving experience, or 3 years if you’re under 25 |
| Vehicle | An eligible 4-door car. Rules vary by city. |
| Background check | An online screening of your driving record and criminal history |
| Documents | Valid driver’s license, proof of residency, vehicle registration, a profile photo, and proof of insurance if you drive your own car |
Uber says the page is written for the U.S. and that details can change by location. Your city’s rules are shown to you after you sign up.
How to sign up
- Check the requirements on Uber’s official driver page before you apply.
- Gather your documents: license, proof of address, registration, and insurance.
- Sign up in the Uber Driver app or on Uber’s driver website.
- Submit your documents and agree to the background check.
- Wait for approval, then log in to the app to start driving.
Official sign-up is free. If anyone asks you to pay a fee to get an account or to be approved, that’s a scam.
What you’ll really earn
Uber doesn’t promise a set income. What you make depends on your city, the hours you drive, how much demand there is, and what you spend to drive. Most new drivers underestimate that last part. Gas, maintenance, tires, insurance, and car payments all come out of the same money.
Do the math before you start
Here’s a simple example with made-up numbers. Say you drive 100 miles in a shift, your car gets 25 miles per gallon, and gas costs $3.50 a gallon. That’s 4 gallons, or $14 for fuel alone. Add a rough number for maintenance and insurance, then compare the total with what the app shows you earned. Track two or three weeks before you decide whether it’s worth it.
Who this works for
- A good fit: you already have a qualifying car, you have free hours, and you like driving.
- Not a good fit: your license is new, your car doesn’t meet your city’s rules, or you can’t cover the costs of driving.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own car?
To drive Uber, you need an eligible vehicle. You can also rent one through Uber’s program, if it’s available where you live.
How long does the background check take?
Uber doesn’t list a fixed time on its requirements page. Check the status in the app after you submit your information.
Can I drive part-time?
Yes. Most drivers set their own hours, so you can drive a few evenings or weekends and log off when you need to.
My take
If you have a qualifying car and free time, Uber is worth a trial week. Track your gas and miles from day one, and you’ll know quickly whether the pay covers your costs. For a lower-effort side job, read our grocery delivery app jobs guide. Download the official Uber Driver app from the App Store or Google Play.
Sources
These official pages were used for this guide: www.uber.com, apps.apple.com, play.google.com.
