- Some non-violent felony convictions may be accepted
Your motor vehicle report must meet these conditions:
- A minimum of 1 year of licensed driving history in the U.S.
- Age 24 and under: At least 3 years licensed driving experience
- International driving experience doesn’t count
- California Uber drivers must not have a DUI in the last 10 years.
Want to apply? Sign up with Uber here
Left: The background check consent. Right: The message you see while your check is in progress
The background check looks at these records
- County courthouse records for every county of residence
- Federal courthouse records
- The multi-state criminal database
- Motor Vehicle Records
- Social Security Trace
- National Sex Offender Registry
How often does Uber do background checks?
In most states, Uber runs a background check once each year. Uber might also run a new background check if the background standards have changed recently or to comply with a new local law.
There is no set date for the yearly background check, so it’s hard to predict when the next background check will happen.
Uber renews your background check at least once each year
How long does it take to complete the Uber background check?
The background check typically takes around 2–10 days to complete. If you haven’t received an update from Uber after 7 days, contact Uber and Checkr for more information.
- View the Checkr candidate portal
- How to visit an Uber driver office
How to check the status of your background check
Visit the Checkr candidate portal to view the status of your background check. If the report is complete, the next step is to wait for a decision from Uber.
Check the status of your report at the Checkr candidate portal
You can also check the status of your account in the Uber Driver app. Log in and look for any notices from Uber.
If you need to take action, you will see something like “There are a few steps you need to complete,” with a checklist of things to do.
Check your background check status in the Uber Driver app
If the driver app says that your background check is ‘pending’ or ‘pending approval,’ it means that Checkr is still completing your background check or Uber is still examining the report.
If the status is still pending after 3–5 days, contact Uber for an update and visit your Checkr candidate portal.
When your background check is pending, the driver app displays this status screen
If the status on Checkr says ‘consider,’ it means that a potentially disqualifying issue was flagged on your background or motor vehicle record. Uber will have to ‘consider’ that issue.
Unfortunately, seeing ‘consider’ on your Checkr report is a signal that Uber may reject your application.
‘Consider’ is usually bad news for your application. It means a potentially disqualifying issue was flagged
How far back does the driving record check look?
Uber does not say precisely how far back the background check goes. Each state may have different background checks regulations, making it hard to state a general number.
In the past, Uber said that their criteria was “no major violations within the last 7 years,” but they no longer publish a specific number.
Uber may renew your background check every year, or more
Uber performs a yearly background check to see if you’ve collected any new criminal or driving violations. Uber might also re-run your background check if the background requirements in your area have changed.
Even if you pass the first background check, you’ll have to pass it every year to continue driving.
An app notice for a background check refresh
What to do if you get deactivated after a background check
Uber may deactivate your account if they find a new issue on your background check that violates their current standards.
There isn’t a way to directly appeal the decision, but you can contact Uber support and ask them to reconsider.
If the deactivation was due to an error in the background check, you can dispute the background check results by contacting Checkr.
Social Security Number (SSN) issues
Some applicants or existing drivers may see this message: “We recently discovered a potential issue with the Social Security Number you provide when you signed up to drive or deliver. Please submit proof of your SSN and a secondary form of identification if you want to continue driving.”
You might receive that message if there is conflicting information in your records or identity theft concerns that are connected to the SSN. Your account will be placed on hold until you upload the requested documents.
Some drivers run into issues with their SSN. Upload more documents to clear the hold
HireRight: Incidents on Uber can be reported to Lyft
Both Uber and Lyft partner with a consumer reporting agency called HireRight that monitors and report issues that occur on either app.
Through HireRight, Uber and Lyft can communicate with each other about serious safety incidents. It is called the Industry Sharing Safety Program.
If you are involved in a serious incident on Lyft, HireRight can report the incident to Uber. And if the incident took place on Uber, HireRight can report it to Lyft.
That means that you can be deactivated from both platforms from one incident!
An incident on Lyft can be reported to Uber through HireRight
The Uber driving record (MVR) check: Full details & criteria
Uber evaluates your driving record by running motor vehicle report (MVR). Uber doesn’t provide complete details on the exact criteria for the driving record check, but they do offer some guidelines.
Uber states, “Your driver’s license must be active and free of disqualifying restrictions. Major driving violations or a recent history of multiple minor driving violations, including but not limited to no-fault accidents, may result in disqualification.”
Drivers license history: One year if 25+, 3 years if 24 or younger
Uber requires one year of licensing history in the US if you are 25 or older, and 3 years if you are 24 and under.
Learner’s permit experience does not count toward your one year of licensing history.
Uber does not count international driving experience when they examine your background, so even if you have extensive foreign driving experience, you will still need one year of US licensing history.
Uber and Checkr might need additional documents to verify your license history if your license was recently issued.
You’ll get an email from Checkr asking for a previous driver’s license, driver’s license number, or a motor vehicle report from the DMV. Promptly provide those documents to ensure that the screening process can continue.
Major driving violations that can disqualify you
Uber says they won’t accept drivers with any ‘major violations.’
Major violations include:
- DUI, DWI, wet reckless, or anything related to drinking or drugs and driving
- Driving on a suspended license
- Reckless driving
- Hit and run
- Fleeing an officer
- Use of a vehicle to commit a felony
Minor driving violations that can disqualify you
Minor driving violations are moving violations that result in small tickets or warnings.
Generally, Uber may reject you if you have 3 or more minor violations on your record in the last several years.
Some minor violations include:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Illegal U-turn
- Improper passing
- Disobeying a traffic light
- Driving with expired registration tags
Does Uber look at points against your license?
There’s no indication that Uber directly looks at points against your license in their driving record criteria. Instead, they examine the violations on your record.
Uber doesn’t have a system that accepts you if you have x or fewer license points and rejects you if you have more than x license points.
States have different point systems, and others don’t have point systems at all, so Uber only considers the specific violations that are on your record.
Does Uber look at pending criminal or driving issues?
If an issue appears on your record—even a pending issue—Uber can count it against you.
That means that if you are still in the process of dealing with a criminal issue, Uber can count it against you when they evaluate your record.
Here’s a quote from help.uber.com: “Pending charges for those categories of crimes are also disqualifying, unless and until such charges are resolved in your favor.”
Rejected by Uber due to your background? Can you reapply?
It’s possible—but difficult—to reapply to Uber if they reject you due to your background.
Check out our in-depth guide on finding out why you were rejected, and the steps you can take to reapply.
Uber Background Check FAQ
How long does the background check take to complete?
Uber says it takes 3–5 days, but that time frame may vary depending on the number of driver applications Uber and their background check partner are dealing with. Most drivers report that it takes around 2–10 days.“My background check is taking forever. What should I do?”
You can check the status of your background check at the Checkr candidate portal. If Checkr has completed the report, you are waiting on Uber to make a decision. Contact Uber if there is further delay.“I am accused of a crime, but my case is still pending. Does Uber see pending charges?”
Pending charges show up on your background check, so Uber can use that information. Pending charges are a common reason for rejection.“Uber rejected me due to my background. Can I reapply?”
It is possible to apply again in 3–6 months, but depending on why you were rejected, you may be unable to reapply. Learn more about how to reapply to Uber.“My background check is incorrect or incomplete. How can I dispute it?”
You can dispute your background check by emailing [email protected]. Uber will not review the details of your screening with you, so always go to Checkr first.Will you pass the background check? A trick to find out
Hundreds of commenters have come to us with all sorts of legal scenarios and wonder if they will pass the background check.
Nobody other than Uber can say whether you’ll pass, but generally speaking, you should pass if your criminal history has been clean for the past 10 years or so, and if your driving record doesn’t have any major issues.
Here’s a trick to help you find out if you’ll pass without applying.
Apply to delivery Gigs. They have similar hiring standards
Other on-demand companies like DoorDash use the same background check company as Uber—Checkr—to run your background check, and many of the gig apps have similar background standards.
If you’re not sure that Uber will accept you, and if you don’t want to risk your one chance of applying, apply to DoorDash first.
If DoorDash rejects you, Uber likely will reject you as well. And if they accept you, there’s a strong chance that Uber will accept you too.
Don’t have a car? You can still apply and do background screening
If you want to do the background check before figuring out how to get a car, visit the Uber application and select “I need a car.”
When you select “I need a car, “you can do the background screening without entering vehicle information.
If you pass the background check, Uber will refer you to their rental car options, but you can get a car however you want.
Will you pass? The only way to find out is to apply!
Nobody can tell you for sure if Uber will accept you or not. The background check is free, so there’s no harm in trying. Apply and see what happens!
250 sharesOriginally Published January 15, 2018 Filed Under: Uber
About Doug H
Gig economy driver, writer, and expert since 2013. I created Ridesharing Driver to help drivers navigate all of the challenges we face in the on-demand world! Read more about my story!
Comments
- Josh says June 19, 2024 at 2:54 am
Ive been driving for Uber for 8 years. No problems! Then about two months ago, out of nowhere, they stated that I was deactivated for failing a background check. I looked at the background check results from CheckR and it says “consider” and it shows my two misdemeanors from 2006. I looked at my previous reports from 2016-2024 and they all say “consider” and show the two misdemeanors from 2006. So I’m confused as to how I’ve been driving for 8 years and now all of a sudden my misdemeanors are a problem. When I talk to support (as a diamond driver) they basically just keep giving me the same exact candid response. Which is to say that their decision is final and if something on the background check is wrong, that I need to take it up with CheckR. I then asked them to escalate the problem to the background check department and two weeks ago they reactivated my account. Then about two days ago, I found myself in the same situation with my account unable to go online due to a “failed” background check. When I showed support the proof of the email sent by Uber two weeks ago where they reactivated my account, support just check telling me that the decision is final and nothing more can be done. I feel like this is against some sort of law or something. I don’t know what to do further because support is stonewalling me now.
I’ve been delivering Uber eats for 4years without any account issues and would like to do Uber rides as well. What’s the likelihood of them allowing me to do rides? I did have a DUI in Hawaii 10 yrs ago.
- Doug H says October 13, 2023 at 8:36 am
It’s hard to say for certain, but if you were accepted for Uber Eats there’s a good chance you can also do rideshare. Here’s our article on how to add to rideshare to your profile. In short, you just have to contact support and ask to do rides.
I had to hit and run 5 years ago can I drive for Uber- Doug H says September 20, 2023 at 9:01 am
I can’t say with 100% certainty, but I think you will be rejected for that. It’s a free application, so there’s no harm in trying. You could try to apply to an app that you care less about (DoorDash, Instacart) and see what they say. If they reject you, Uber probably will too.
I applied to Uber last week. All is looking good and the background check portion is asking for my previous DMV info bc I have only been licensed in my state for 11.3 months and during that time I have a clean record. Before that I had a license in another state where it was suspended in 2013 because I moved and didnt pay outstanding tickets. Between 2013 and 2022 I was an idiot and drove without a license where I accumulated some speeding tickets. I paid off all suspension and driving while license fees in order to obtain a valid license on 9/20/22. Uber is askig for additional driving info in the background check portion and i’m thinking if I provide my previous license from 2013 they will see the mess I speak of above. I really need some quick money. Should I call the previous state and get the DMV report Uber are asking for OR wait until 9/30/23 where it’ll be a year and my thinking is that Uber wont request a previous DMV report because on 9/30/23 it will have been a year with a clean record and Uber will be satisfied with that Please advise.
- Doug H says September 10, 2023 at 11:29 am
The biggest problem is the suspension and I think they’ll find out about it in some way or another. Other apps have similar background standards, so you could try applying to something like DoorDash as a test to see what will happen. Then go from there
I live in Miami, Florida. I was deactivated because I received a traffic citation for not having my eyeglasses. I paid the traffic citation thinking that it wasn’t a disqualifying violation but it appeared on my background check as a criminal offense that carried a 30 day suspension of my driving privileges. I complied and I did not drive during the 39 days suspension. I tried to reach out to Checkr but they couldn’t provide any information. I am screwed? Are there any chances of getting reactivated? If so, how should I go about it?
- Doug H says August 8, 2023 at 3:17 pm
I’ve never heard of this exact situation. But you’re not likely to get reactivated or accepted by Lyft if that suspension continues to show up on your record. It might be worth calling a traffic ticket lawyer to see what your options are, and if it’s possible to get that off your record.
I got deactivate because of background check, I had not at fault accidents, I think is mess up that it wasn’t my fault I got deactivated I event explain that to checkers but nothing changed
