Earning income through the Uber platform offers a flexible way for individuals to monetize their time and vehicle, whether by transporting passengers or delivering food and goods. Eligibility depends on a defined set of criteria designed to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. Age stands out as the initial qualification prospective drivers must meet. Understanding the precise age minimums for both rideshare and delivery services is the first practical step toward activating an account.
Minimum Age for Uber Rideshare Driving
The minimum age requirement for transporting passengers through the rideshare platform is generally 21 years old across the United States. This age is frequently raised based on local laws and commercial insurance liability, sometimes requiring new drivers to be 23 or even 25 years old. These higher thresholds mitigate the financial risk associated with insuring younger drivers under the platform’s commercial policy.
Beyond the age minimum, drivers must also demonstrate a specific history of licensed driving experience. Applicants must have held a valid, in-state driver’s license for at least one full year. If an applicant is under the age of 25, this requirement typically increases to three years of licensed driving experience.
Age Requirements for Uber Eats Delivery
The qualifications for delivering food and goods through the Uber Eats platform are less stringent than those for transporting passengers. For individuals planning to use a motorized vehicle, such as a car or scooter, the minimum age requirement is 19 years old in most markets. This lower age reflects the reduced liability when the service involves only the delivery of items. Delivery drivers using a car or scooter must possess a valid driver’s license.
A lower age threshold applies to delivery partners who choose to use non-motorized methods of transport. Applicants delivering using a bicycle or by walking must be a minimum of 18 years old. In these cases, a full driver’s license is not necessary; a valid government-issued photo identification is sufficient.
Mandatory Non-Age Eligibility Criteria
Meeting the age standard is only the first step, as the platform imposes several other mandatory requirements related to documentation, vehicle, and driving history.
Documentation Requirements
Every applicant must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license, current vehicle registration, and proof of insurance that meets the minimum coverage levels mandated by the state. Documentation must also include proof of residency in the city or state where the driver intends to operate.
Vehicle Standards
Vehicles must adhere to specific standards to qualify for rideshare services. For the general UberX service, the car must have four doors, seat at least four passengers, and generally be a model year 16 years old or newer. The vehicle must be in good operating condition and pass a required annual safety inspection in many markets. Delivery vehicle standards are less demanding regarding the year and model, but they must still be registered, insured, and functional.
Background Checks
A mandatory background check is conducted on all prospective drivers and delivery partners, evaluating both the Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and criminal history. The MVR review typically covers the past seven years of driving history, looking for major violations such as driving under the influence. The criminal history screening checks national, state, and local records for serious offenses, including violent crimes, which result in permanent disqualification.
How Local Regulations Influence Age Requirements
While Uber sets a national baseline for its services, the final minimum age requirement for rideshare drivers is heavily influenced by state and municipal commercial transportation laws. This variation means that an applicant who meets the standard 21-year-old minimum may still be ineligible in certain high-density markets. Several states, including California, New York, and Washington, have implemented rules that effectively raise the minimum age for new rideshare drivers to 25.
These local increases are directly linked to the commercial insurance liability requirements imposed by state regulators. Insurance costs for rideshare companies are significantly higher for drivers under the age of 25. To mitigate these rising premium costs, the platform often adjusts its driver age requirement upward in specific zones to comply with local insurance mandates. This demonstrates how state-level laws supersede the company’s internal policies.
Steps to Apply and Start Driving
Once an applicant has verified they meet the age, driving experience, and vehicle requirements, the process to begin driving involves a straightforward online application.
The initial step requires creating an account through the Uber Driver app or website, where the applicant provides basic personal information and selects the desired service, such as rideshare or delivery. The next phase involves uploading the required documentation, including the valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a professional profile photo.
After submitting the necessary documents, the applicant must formally consent to the mandatory background check process. This check, which reviews the driving and criminal history, is outsourced to a third-party provider and represents the longest variable in the activation timeline. The entire application is reviewed and verified, and once the background check successfully clears, the account is activated, allowing the new driver to begin accepting requests on the platform.