How to apply for Uber United States?
If you want to apply for Uber, you must go to the company portal and complete an application . However, to be accepted you must meet all the requirements to work at Uber.
Requirements to work at Uber USA
Below, you will find a list of the requirements to be an Uber in the USA. Please note that some cities and states may have different qualifications or regulations.
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a driver’s license in the United States for at least one year or three years if you are under 23 years of age.
- Have access to a 4-door vehicle with at least 5 seat belts
- Vehicle age: 10 – 15 years
- Auto insurance with the policy in your name
- Valid driving license
- Valid registration plates
- Pass a background and driving record check
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Proof of residency in your city, state or province
- Driver’s profile photo (cannot be driver’s license photo)
Read also: How to register a car in Maryland?
IMPORTANT: Uber does not accept vehicles with a salvage title or rebuilt title .
Vehicles that qualify to work with Uber USA
Each city has its own regulations for vehicles. For example, depending on the city you live in, your vehicle may not be more than 15 years old.
Normally, in nicer cities or with more traffic, a more recent car model is required. The vehicle must be a four-door sedan with seating for four or more passengers, not including the driver.
It cannot have a salvage title or a rebuilt title and it cannot be a painted cab.
There are other Uber tiers, such as UberXL and Uber Black, that have additional vehicle requirements.
For example, an UberXL driver must have a vehicle with six or more seats and an Uber Black driver must have a luxury class vehicle within a certain age range.
Another option may be to rent a car. It has partnered with car rental and leasing companies that offer discounts and deals to their drivers, so this could be a good opportunity to get started.
Vehicle inspection
To ensure your vehicle will be safe for passengers, you’ll need to have it inspected at an activation center or state-licensed auto repair shop.
Vehicle inspection can be free or low cost at an activation center. If you do it at an auto repair shop it will cost you around $30.
This inspection examines the mechanical and safety features of your car, the condition of the tires, the brakes, the lights and the seat belts.
IMPORTANT: Not all cities require a vehicle inspection before you start driving, some offer a grace period (around 30 days) before having to inspect the vehicle.
You must follow their instructions during the application process to know when to have your vehicle inspected.
What kind of insurance do you need for Uber?
The auto insurance coverage you need will depend on your state. It offers insurance, but only when you’re connected to its app and transporting customers.
When you are offline or the driver app is turned off, the active coverage will be from your personal car insurance company.
When you are connected and waiting for a driver request, its insurance only offers you liability insurance coverage, in case your personal car insurance does not apply.
Uber insurance coverage includes:
- $50,000 in bodily damage per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
- Third party liability insurance with a limit of 1 million dollars
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury (limits vary by state)
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible (only for drivers with personal comprehensive and collision coverage).
Read also: How to make money with your car : Easy Guide
Background check and driving record
Through the company Checkr, Uber will perform a thorough check on your background and driving history.
The background check is generally for the last 7 years, although the number of years they look at may vary due to state and local regulations.
To conduct this investigation, you will be asked for your social security number.
Typically, they looks for no serious violations ( suspended driver’s licenses or DUIs ) and no more than 3 minor violations ( speeding tickets or minor moving violations) in the past few years.
Uber also checks for criminal activity, so if you have any criminal issues on your record, there’s a chance you’ll be turned away.
Uber’s Terms of Service and Other Policies
Uber will send you the terms of service and other documents that you must read and accept before you can activate as a driver.
The documents may be different depending on the state you are in. Therefore, you must be careful to identify and sign them correctly.
Read also: How does auto financing work?
Frequently asked questions about the requirements to work at Uber USA
Can I work with an ITIN number?
No, you cannot work at Uber with an ITIN number . This number is given to some non-residents for tax purposes, it is not valid for work.
Also, Uber would not be able to run a background check on your ITIN number alone.
What year does the car have to be?
That depends on the city where you live. In some cities, a seniority of less than 15 years is required, but this is not always the same. Check your city’s requirements for Uber cars by following this link .
What expenses does Uber cover?
As an independent contractor, you are responsible for all gas costs, car repairs and maintenance, plus any other vehicle-related expenses.
But there are certain costs that the company does reimburse its drivers.
For example, they charge users a fee for damage to the driver’s vehicle, both inside and outside.
For example, if the rider spills a drink or vomits inside the car, Uber will do a full cleanup cost assessment and charge the rider a fee.
Uber also reimburses drivers for tolls they incur during their trips. Tolls are added to the driver’s fare when you pass through a toll collection point.
Both users and drivers can see the breakdown on their receipts and statements.
How much does a worker earn in the United States?
According to Indeed , the average annual income of an Uber driver in the United States as of July 2021 is $32,424. This estimate was made from 11 sources including Indeed companies, users, and jobs.
Read also: How to know if the miles of a car are original?
How do Uber drivers pay taxes?
As an Uber driver, you’re considered an independent contractor , which means you’ll need to set aside a percentage of your profits to cover your taxes.
The company sends you a 1099 form at the end of the year to include on your annual tax return.
You may be able to deduct work-related expenses like miles, gas, and more . Be sure to keep a detailed log of your miles and expenses.
Talk to a certified public accountant to find out more precisely what you can deduct on the return.
