The Uber platform involves specific age policies for riders and drivers, established to address safety, legal liability, and contractual capacity. The minimum age for accessing the platform is not uniform; it varies significantly depending on whether the user is seeking to become a passenger, a food delivery partner, or a rideshare driver. Understanding these segmented requirements is the first step for anyone looking to engage with the Uber ecosystem.
Minimum Age to Ride Uber
A person must be at least 18 years old to create an Uber account and directly request a ride. This requirement is tied to the legal ability to enter into a contractual agreement, making the account holder responsible for adhering to platform rules and financial obligations. Children under 18 are generally prohibited from riding alone and must be accompanied by the registered account holder. Uber recently introduced the Uber for Teens program in select markets, allowing minors aged 13 to 17 to request rides through a guardian-managed family profile. Even with this program, the parent or guardian monitors the rides, receiving real-time alerts and trip tracking for added oversight. Drivers are instructed to decline any request not labeled as a “Teen” trip if the passenger appears to be an unaccompanied minor, as this is a policy violation.
Baseline Age Requirements for Becoming an Uber Driver
The minimum age for becoming an Uber partner depends on the type of service provided. Transporting passengers requires a higher age barrier than delivery services like Uber Eats. For the delivery segment, which includes food, groceries, and packages, the age requirement is often 19 years old in the United States and Canada, though it can be 18 for those delivering via bicycle. This lower threshold reflects the reduced insurance liability associated with transporting goods instead of people, as well as the different regulatory environment for courier services. Applicants for delivery services still undergo a screening process.
Specific Age and Licensing Rules for Uber Rideshare Services
The age requirement for transporting passengers through services like UberX or Uber Comfort is substantially higher, typically set at a minimum of 21 years old in most jurisdictions across the United States. This elevated standard is directly linked to commercial insurance liability, as younger drivers are statistically associated with a higher risk profile. Beyond the age threshold, Uber mandates a minimum level of licensed driving experience. Applicants must have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. if they are 25 years old or older. For those under the age of 25, the requirement increases to a minimum of three years of licensed driving experience. This combination of age and experience establishes a foundational level of maturity and road familiarity before an individual is permitted to transport paying customers.
Additional Requirements for Drivers
Satisfying the age and experience requirements is the initial phase of the application process. Several other prerequisites are necessary before a driver can be activated on the platform.
Licensing and Background Checks
All prospective drivers must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and provide proof of residency within the intended operating area to ensure compliance with local licensing authorities. A comprehensive background check is mandatory, covering the applicant’s criminal history and driving record. The screening evaluates for major violations, such as driving under the influence or reckless driving, and disqualifying criminal offenses, including violent crimes or serious felonies.
Vehicle Standards
The vehicle itself must meet specific safety and comfort standards, generally requiring it to be a four-door model in good condition, and often restricted to a maximum age, such as 16 years or newer. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection, and the driver must maintain personal insurance that meets state minimums, separate from the coverage Uber provides when the driver is actively on the platform.
The Role of Local Laws in Determining Eligibility
While Uber establishes global minimum standards for age and licensing, these requirements are frequently superseded by local, state, provincial, or country-specific laws. Uber’s stated requirements function as a floor, but local regulations often impose a higher ceiling. For instance, while Uber’s general minimum age for rideshare is 21, certain major metropolitan areas may mandate an age of 23 or even 25 for new drivers due to localized insurance or regulatory pressures. Specialized markets, such as New York City, often require drivers to obtain commercial licenses or specific permits from local regulatory bodies. These local rules can also influence vehicle standards, requiring more frequent inspections or imposing stricter model year limitations. Applicants should consult the specific requirements page Uber provides for their particular market.
Handling Age Violations and Account Suspension
Uber maintains a strict policy regarding the accuracy of information provided by all users, and violations of age rules carry significant consequences. Any attempt by a rider or driver to falsify their age or identity to gain platform access will result in immediate and permanent account termination. This measure is in place to protect the integrity of the platform. For drivers, attempting to transport an unaccompanied minor who has not requested a ride through the official Uber for Teens program also constitutes a serious violation. Drivers are empowered and expected to cancel such trips, and failure to do so can lead to a review of their partner status.