Yes, a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify an individual from driving for Uber, but eligibility is highly conditional. Uber uses a strict, multi-faceted background check process to vet all drivers, which is designed to prioritize the safety of passengers and the community. The final decision hinges on two primary factors: the specific type of felony committed and the amount of time that has passed since the conviction occurred. Understanding these criteria is the first step for any applicant with a past criminal history.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for Drivers
Before any criminal history is reviewed, applicants must meet a foundational set of logistical requirements. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. Applicants must also have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the United States, or three years if they are under the age of 23.
The vehicle used must be a four-door car, meet specific age and condition standards, and be properly registered and insured. These qualifications ensure drivers are legally authorized and capable of operating a motor vehicle safely.
The Mechanics of the Uber Background Check
The driver screening process is conducted by third-party vendors, such as Checkr, HireRight, or Samba Safety, who gather information from multiple sources. This involves a review of the applicant’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and a comprehensive criminal history check. Vendors examine national, state, and local databases, including the Department of Justice Sex Offender Registry and county courthouse records.
Following the initial screening, Uber employs continuous monitoring and conducts annual re-checks throughout a driver’s tenure. Any new conviction for a disqualifying offense can result in immediate deactivation from the platform. The initial background check typically takes between three to seven business days, but delays can occur due to local government processes or access to county records.
Disqualifying Felony Convictions
Uber maintains a detailed list of offenses that result in automatic and permanent disqualification, regardless of when the conviction occurred. These crimes are generally those that directly indicate a potential risk to the safety and security of passengers or the misuse of the platform. The policy aims to create a uniform safety standard across the country, though it is often influenced by local regulations.
Violent Crimes
Felonies categorized as violent crimes are among the most serious disqualifiers for an Uber applicant. These offenses include, but are not limited to, convictions for homicide, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. The company also automatically disqualifies candidates with convictions for carjacking, robbery, and other crimes that involve direct physical harm or threat of harm to another person.
Sexual Offenses
Any felony conviction for a sexual offense results in permanent ineligibility to drive for the platform. This includes convictions for rape, sexual assault, and offenses involving child pornography. Furthermore, any applicant currently listed on the National Sex Offender Registry is automatically barred from driving for Uber.
Major Property Damage and Theft
Convictions for felonies related to major property damage and theft are grounds for disqualification. This category includes serious offenses such as arson, grand larceny, and major burglary. While the lookback period may apply to less severe property crimes, major felonies in this category are often permanently disqualifying.
Fraud and Identity Theft
Felony convictions involving deceptive financial practices or identity theft are considered disqualifying because they indicate a lack of trustworthiness. Since the platform involves financial transactions, a history of fraud-related felonies, such as large-scale embezzlement, poses a risk to the integrity of the service. These offenses are often subject to the standard lookback period that applies to less severe non-violent felonies.
Drug Offenses
Drug-related felonies are disqualifying, particularly those involving the sale, manufacturing, or distribution of illegal substances. Simple possession or minor drug-related offenses may be subject to the lookback period. However, convictions for drug trafficking or distribution are viewed as serious offenses that compromise community safety.
Terrorism-Related Crimes
Any conviction for an act of terror or a terrorism-related crime results in an immediate and permanent bar from driving for the company. Uber’s policy explicitly states that such offenses are non-negotiable disqualifiers. This reflects a zero-tolerance approach to crimes that threaten public security, regardless of the time elapsed since the offense.
How the Lookback Period Impacts Eligibility
For convictions that are not permanently disqualifying, Uber applies a specific time restriction known as the lookback period. The standard corporate policy reviews an applicant’s criminal and driving records for the past seven years. If a felony conviction for a less severe or non-violent crime falls outside this seven-year window, the applicant may still be eligible to drive.
This time frame is typically measured from the date of conviction, or in some jurisdictions, from the date of release from incarceration. The seven-year rule applies to offenses including certain drug-related felonies, fraud-related felonies, and major driving offenses like Driving Under the Influence (DUI). If an applicant’s record is clear of these convictions within the last seven years, they may proceed in the application process.
The distinction between permanent and time-bound disqualifiers is a feature of the background check policy. While offenses like murder, sexual assault, and terrorism are considered lifetime bars, the seven-year period provides an opportunity for individuals with older, less severe felony records to demonstrate eligibility.
When Local Laws Override Uber Policy
The company’s corporate policy establishes a baseline safety standard, but local and state regulations frequently impose different or more stringent criteria. The regulatory landscape for ride-sharing services varies significantly, meaning an applicant eligible in one state might be disqualified in a neighboring jurisdiction. Local transportation authority rules often supersede Uber’s standard requirements.
Some jurisdictions, such as California, mandate a lifetime lookback period for specific violent or sexual felonies, superseding the seven-year corporate standard. Other areas have adopted “ban-the-box” or fair chance legislation that limits how far back an employer can search for non-driving related offenses, potentially shortening the lookback period for certain non-violent crimes. These local rules often require applicants to pass an additional state or municipal background check, which can lead to disqualification even if the applicant clears Uber’s initial screening.
For instance, Massachusetts implemented a strict state-level background check that resulted in the deactivation of thousands of drivers who were otherwise eligible under the corporate policy. Applicants must check the specific regulatory environment of the city or state where they plan to operate, as local rules adapt the screening process to regional public safety concerns.
The Process for Appealing a Rejection
An applicant rejected due to the background check will first receive a pre-adverse action notice detailing the information that led to the decision. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the applicant has the right to access a free copy of the background report and dispute any inaccurate information with the third-party screening vendor. The vendor is required to investigate the claim and correct errors within 30 days of receiving the dispute.
Disputing the accuracy of the report is the first step, especially if the rejection is based on mistaken identity or an outdated record. If the background check is accurate but the applicant believes the conviction should not disqualify them, they can appeal Uber’s decision directly. This internal appeal involves submitting supporting documentation, such as certified court records showing the final disposition of the case or proof of rehabilitation. This process allows for a case-by-case review, though it is not guaranteed to overturn a rejection for a permanently disqualifying offense.