How Long To Get Approved For Uber

Becoming an Uber driver is not too difficult, as long as you follow the right steps. One of the main questions that an aspiring Uber driver has is how long does it take. How long does it take to become an Uber driver?

It normally takes 1 to 7 days to become an Uber driver. This is the amount of time for your application to be processed and approved. In some cases, it takes up to 2 weeks if the background check is delayed.

The time it takes to become an Uber driver will vary for each city. Generally, it takes 1-7 days.

Below are the steps for you to become an Uber driver:

Check That Uber Exists in Your City
Prepare Your Documents
Uber Does a Background Check
Uber Emails Your Approval Notice
You Can Start Driving as an Uber Driver

The document verification process takes the longest time as Uber has to double-check if you meet the minimum requirements and have no criminal records or driving offenses.

Read on to learn more about how long it takes for you to become an Uber driver and what requirements you need to be qualified.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Uber Driver?

It normally takes 1-7 days to become an Uber driver. This is the amount of time for Uber to do a background check and process your application.

However, there are cases in which your application's processing would take two weeks because of Uber's background checks. You will have to wait for their email with the notice that Uber approved your application.

Filing your application online through the Uber website is the first step to becoming an Uber driver. Uber staff will review your documents and disapprove or approve them. If your documents are all in order, you could start driving within seven days.

Below, we'll look at the steps to becoming an Uber driver in more detail.

how long does it take to become an Uber driver

How to Become an Uber Driver – 5 Steps

1. Check That Uber Exists in Your City

The Uber service should exist in your city for you to offer its services. Uber is a popular service used in more than 80 countries, and the U.S. is one of the top countries using this service. You can use the city checker feature on Uber's website and find out if your city has Uber services.

Once you're sure that the service is indeed offered in your city, you can then prepare your documents for online submission.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your documents for filing your application. Each city has its own requirements for approval. The Uber driver requirements are:

You should have a valid U.S. driver's license and have at least 1-year driving experience if you're 23 years old and over, or 3-year driving experience if you're under 23.

Your vehicle must also be a 4-door type to qualify. Uber will determine if your car qualifies based on its age, condition, and size.

You must meet the age requirement in your city.

You also have to show proof of your residency, car registration, and insurance. You must submit a driver profile photo too.

3. Uber Does a Background Check

Uber will then double-check the information you have provided together with your criminal record and driving history. You need to submit your Social Security Number (SSN) for verification.

For Uber to approve your application, you should not have any criminal record and driving violations.

The background check can take from 1 to 7 days normally. This is why it takes 1 to 7 days to become an Uber driver. It is because of the background checks done by Uber. However, it could take up to 2 weeks if the background check is delayed.

4. Uber Emails Your Approval Notice

If you have fulfilled all the Uber requirements, they will send you a notice through your email that you have been accepted as an Uber driver.

5. You Can Start Driving as an Uber Driver

Uber will add your name to its driver app, and you could start driving for their clients.

What You Need as an Uber Driver – Expected Expenses

After the approval of your request to become an Uber driver, you are added to the pool of drivers. As such, you become an independent contractor and your own boss. Hence, you decide what time you want to work or how many hours you want to drive.

You could turn Uber driving into a full-time or part-time business. It's up to you. You can easily fit your working hours for Uber driving into your daily schedule as your time is flexible.

Since you're your own boss, you will have to provide the required car, pay for your car's gas, car repairs, and other related expenses. Read more about your possible expenses as an Uber driver here.

We've answered the questions "How long does it take to become an Uber driver?"; Specifically, "How long does it take for Uber to approve you?"

It takes only about 1 to 7 days to become an Uber driver. To make sure your application gets approved and that you become a great Uber driver, see the below tips.

Tips for Becoming an Uber Driver

1. Apply Only If Your Record Is Clear

Don't apply if you have had serious traffic violations and have been convicted or charged for a criminal offense. Your application would surely be rejected.

Uber will dig into your cases of DUI, accidents, and reckless driving. Ensure that your license is not suspended and that your car is adequately insured.

2. Use Uber's Fleet Partners If You Don't Have a Car

In instances when your car doesn't qualify for your Uber application, you can get a car from one of Uber's fleet partners. You can visit Uber's website and inquire. You can rent a car in case you don't own an eligible vehicle or don't want to buy a new one. Whatever your decision is, your vehicle should qualify under one of these common categories:

UberSUV

These are luxury SUVs, such as Audi A8, Range Rover, Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-Benz S-class, Tesla Model S, and BMW 7-series.

UberXL

These are larger vehicles than the UberX that could accommodate 6 passengers, such as Jeep Cherokee, Acadia, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC, Dodge Durango, Dodge Caravan, Ford Expedition and Explorer; and Honda's Odyssey and Pilot.

UberKIDS

These are cars providing a safe child's seat. Thus, any of the vehicles mentioned above would do as long as they have a secure kid's chair with a safety harness and all safety features.

UberX

These cars provide standard service for private passengers. Vehicles that qualify for this category are Toyota models, such as Camry, Corolla, Tacoma, and Prius.

Uber SELECT or UberPLUS

These are cars that feature luxurious and sleek leather interiors, such as Volvo S60, Audi A3 models, Mercedes C-class and up, Hyundai Genesis, Volvo S60, Lincoln cars, BMW-3 series and up, and Acura models.

UberBLACK

These are black luxury sedans, such as these are luxury SUVs, such as Audi A8, Range Rover, Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-Benz S-class, Tesla Model S, and BMW 7-series. Included in this list are the Honda Civic and Accord; the Chevrolet models: Cruze, Malibu, and Cobalt.

Ford managed to get Ford F-150 and Focus in the lineup, while Honda has Civic and Mazda 3 and 6. Lastly, Nissan Altima joins these Uber-accepted luxury sedans.

UberLUX

These are cars that provide the highest luxury service. Hence, the finest cars are classified under this category, such as luxury cars from 2010 models and onwards.

UberPOP

This service provides compact or subcompact cars, such as Toyota and Nissan models, that meet the requirements.

Take note that Uber disqualifies Crown Victoria models, salvage vehicles, full-size vans, and marked vehicles, such as taxis. Also, the car models must be from 2001 and onwards.

The model that Uber in Boston, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, Nashville, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Orange County accepts those not later than 2001.

On the contrary, Uber in Atlanta and Washington DC accepts car models no later than 2005.

Meanwhile, New York has a stricter Uber policy about models; the car must not be later than 2010. Uber Dallas accepts cars no later than 2003.

Each city has varying policies about car requirements. You will have to inquire from Uber's website.

3. Learn How to Save on Maintenance Cost

Service your vehicle regularly to detect at the onset of any damages to any part of your car. The earlier you notice the damages, the easier you can repair them. Waiting until the damage becomes serious would bore a hole in the current pocket.

Avoid buying used cars because they may be cheaper at the onset, but their maintenance cost is more expensive. If you could only buy used cars, you can search at the Uber website for its motor shop partners.

4. Be Aware of Uber Community Guidelines

Go over to the website and read Uber's community guidelines. Please read them carefully and remind yourself of these rules now and then. The company's primary goal is "safety and respect for all."

5. Enjoy Your Job

You have chosen to be an Uber driver; thus, enjoy your driving trips to the fullest. No one forced you to do it. It's your choice, so make the most out of it. Be thankful that you can do something beneficial to yourself and other people.

What Is Uber?

Before we proceed, you have to know what Uber is so that you can understand its requirements. Uber is a transportation ride-sharing company that provides a mobile app to request a ride to your intended destination.

The Uber app will automatically contact the Uber driver that is nearest to your location. As soon as a nearby driver accepts your request, the app will display the driver's Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) at your pickup location. He will then drive you to your intended destination.

You could also pay through the Uber app by going to the "Payment" section and clicking on your preferred payment method.

Uber does not employ drivers because the drivers can manage their own time and work when they want to. That's why the company wants to ensure that passengers are safe and are in good hands by selecting applicants who have had no criminal records or driving violations.

Driver applicants have to verify their personal information too to guarantee that everything is above board.

Conclusion – How Long Does It Take for Uber to Approve You and Your Documents

How long does it take to become an Uber driver? It typically takes one to seven days for Uber to approve your application so you can be an Uber driver. You send in the required documents to Uber. Uber staff reviews your documents and sends you an email once approved.

In some cases, it can take as long as two weeks if Uber has doubts or wants to verify your documents further and do some background investigation.

That's why it's crucial to submit properly prepared documents to ensure your application's approval goes smoothly.

By following the above tips, you will become an Uber driver in just a few days. You will be well on your way to making a good side income or full income as an Uber driver.