How Long Does Uber Background Check Take?

Cindy Ellis - April 22, 2024

Uber is one of the best ride-share companies in the United States. It has millions of drivers around the United States, and there are even popular Uber options who would prefer to deliver food instead of driving other people around.

What’s more, Uber has become quite lucrative for people who can be hired as drivers. Plus, all you need is your vehicle and a driver’s license to get started.

It’s important to note that Uber will run a background check on applicants. This means that they will check your driving records, criminal history, and verify your identity. Unfortunately, this process takes time, so it’s important to know how long an Uber background check takes and what you can expect in regard to delays.

What Is Uber?

Uber is a famous ride-share company that was founded in 2011. Originally, the company was called Ubercab, and it began in California. Unlike other taxicabs, the company operates via an app. This app connects users with drivers to help people get to destinations or order food.

There are different options for Uber. Instead of just delivering passengers, Uber also launched UberEats, which allows drivers to deliver food from most restaurants in the United States.

What Do You Need to Drive for Uber?

To drive for Uber you need to pass a background check and provide the company with some documentation about yourself. The requirements to drive for Uber aren’t extensive but you need to provide the company with the following information:

• Driver’s license
• Proof of car insurance if you’re driving your own vehicle
• Proof that you live in the city you plan on driving in
• A profile photo for your account so that people can see who you are
• Passing a background check

You’ll need to meet these requirements for Uber Eats and the regular Uber driver’s program.

Does Uber Run Background Checks on Applicants?

Uber runs background checks on applicants. The company runs background checks to determine if the person is who they claim to be and to determine if they’re safe.

Since Uber is responsible for people picking up other passengers, the company often runs a criminal records search on individuals to ensure that their drivers and customers are safe. Therefore, to become a driver for Uber you’ll have to submit to a background check.

What Does an Uber Background Check Reveal?

Uber runs a traditional background check that most employers will run. However, Uber will also request access to your driving records. A background check for employment with a company like Uber will usually reveal:

• Criminal records
• Court records
• Driving records 
• Social media accounts
• Sex offender status
• Identity verification
• Previous work history
• Educational background

Uber doesn’t have the most extensive background check process because the company mainly works with contractors. However, they will check your criminal records and verify your identity.

How Far Back Do Uber Background Checks Go?

Uber background checks don’t go back forever, but they can go back to the beginning of your adult life, which is 17 or 18 in most states.

That said, some states have lookback laws that restrict background checks to only go back seven years. Felonies will usually stay on your record indefinitely, especially if they were violent. For this reason, it’s a good idea to run a background check on yourself using one of our people search tools to see what public records Uber can see about you.

What Causes You to Fail an Uber Background Check?

Failing an Uber background check can happen for a handful of reasons. However, the most common reason for failure is having a DUI charge or other problems with your license. This is because Uber drivers have to drive vehicles and usually transport people or food.

Criminal records and sexual offenses can also result in you failing a background check for Uber. Uber may handle this on a case-by-case basis, so passing or failing can change based on the time you apply and where you’re located.

How Long Does an Uber Background Check Take?

An Uber background check doesn’t take a long time. In fact, you can apply to become an Uber driver and be ready to start driving in less than a week. On average, expect an Uber background check to take about 3-5 business days. This is about the average time it takes for most background checks to be completed.

It’s possible for an Uber background check to take longer if the company is busy or there is a large number of applicants applying. Having a criminal record can also increase the time it takes to complete the background check because there might be more information for the company to evaluate.

What Delays an Uber Background Check?

Uber background checks can be delayed by a number of things. You can provide the company with incorrect information, which can result in the background check taking much longer until you get it sorted.

On the other hand, Uber might not collect the right information and that can delay the process. Having inconsistent information or being flagged for felonies and misdemeanors will also delay the background check process. For these reasons, always check the information you submit to ensure that everything is accurate and current.

Some other issues that can extend the process include:

• Issues with communication between Uber and the DMV
• Uber having to find records from DMVs across different states
• Having a sex offender status in one or more states
• Having the same name as a lot of other people
• Having more public records to sort through compared to other people

Ultimately, there are a lot of things that can delay a background check. If you’re ever worried, you can contact Uber to learn more about the status of your background check.

Tips for Preventing Delays on Uber Background Checks

Unfortunately, delays can be inevitable but most of the time you can prevent delays. To prevent delays on an Uber background check you can follow some of our tips below.

Verify Your Records

The best way to prevent any delays on an Uber background check is to check your records before you can apply. This will help you catch any inconsistencies, which goes a long way in ensuring a smooth background check process. I

t can also show you any issues you have on your driving record that you can clear up before you apply. For example, if you have points on your license you can find out and take a defensive driving course to have them removed. Information.com makes it easy to check your records with our background check tool.

Respond to Emails From Vendors

Vendors will often send you emails if they need additional information. Therefore, you should check your inbox for anything that they may send you. This can be something as simple as a request for additional information or something more complicated like consent to fill out specific forms.

Whatever the reason, keep an eye on these emails and respond to them promptly to prevent delays on your background check. This usually comes down to providing them with information from local courthouses.

Apply at the Start of the Week

Uber background checks take about 3-5 business days, on average, so applying on a Monday gives you the best chance of getting your results fast. What’s more, courthouses and other public records databases might not be accessible on the weekend, so it can help you clear up any discrepancies as well.

Prevent Delays and Become an Uber Driver Today!

Driving for Uber can be a great way to make extra money on your own time. You don’t have to worry about being on someone else’s schedule, and you can log hours whenever you like.

While you need a vehicle, a license, and insurance, the other requirements are minimal. In fact, it’s one of the lowest barrier-for-entry jobs that you can find as long as you have a vehicle and are willing to start driving.

What’s more, other companies like DoorDash and Lyft can also help you earn more income if Uber riders aren’t around or if you don’t make it onto the platform.

That said, you will have to pass an Uber background check. We always recommend being prepared and checking your driving records before you apply. Because Uber runs background checks that focus on driving records, you’ll want to check with the DMV to see if you have any violations or misdemeanors attached to your license.