Uber Vehicle Requirements 2025: Approved Cars, Models, and Inspection Rules in the U.S.

So, you’re thinking about becoming an Uber driver this year? 

Whether you're looking for a full-time gig or just want to make some extra cash on the side, driving with Uber can be a pretty flexible and solid option—as long as your car checks out.

But here’s the real question: Is your car actually eligible for Uber?

This article’s got you covered.Alright, here’s everything you’ll wanna know if you’re seriously thinking about cruising around as an Uber driver in the U.S. We’re talking accepted car types, documents you’ll need, the inspection process, and more.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty stuff, let’s rewind a bit and talk about where Uber came from.

Uber got its start back in 2009 in San Francisco. When Uber first hit the scene, it actually started off as “UberCab.” But not long after, pushback from local taxi folks made them rethink the name—so they dropped the “Cab” and just kept it simple: Uber. Since then, Uber’s grown like crazy and now operates in over 70 countries around the world. Pretty wild.

But here’s the thing:

Because Uber’s in so many different places, the rules for cars aren’t the same everywhere.

A vehicle that works fine in one country—or even one city—might get rejected in another.

That’s why we’ll kick things off with the big-picture view—then narrow it down to the stuff that actually counts if you're thinking about driving for Uber in the U.S., especially the part about your car.  We'll go over different service categories too, like UberX, Comfort, XL, Black, and more.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll know:

• If your car actually checks all the right boxes to roll with Uber in the U.S.
• What documents you need to have ready
• Which kinds of cars usually get the “nope” from Uber
• And how the vehicle inspection process works

Sounds good? Cool—let’s dive in.

Why Vehicle Requirements Actually Matter

So, you’re thinking about driving with Uber? Most people jump straight into the sign-up process, excited about the potential earnings. Totally get it. But there’s one thing that often flies under the radar — and it’s actually super important: your vehicle.

Uber isn’t just any ride-hailing app. Uber built its reputation by focusing on what really matters to riders — feeling safe, riding comfortably, and knowing they can count on every trip. That’s why they have specific standards when it comes to the cars on their platform. And no, these rules aren’t just there for show — they’re the first big checkpoint before you can even hit the road.

1. Safety First — Always

Let’s be real — when a rider hops into your car, they’re literally trusting you (a stranger) with their safety. That’s a big deal. 

Uber expects your car to meet some basic but essential stuff — think of it like a checklist: brakes that don’t mess around, seatbelts that actually lock, the tires need to grip the road, even on wet days — and your AC? It better blows real cold air, not just make noise and false promises. 

The goal is simple — every ride should feel safe and solid the second a passenger steps inside. Skip those basics, and the whole ride experience can turn messy real quick — and that’s a risk no one wants to take. Bad rides, higher accident risks — no one wants that.

2. Comfort Counts

Uber offers different levels of service — like UberX, Comfort, or Uber Black — and each one comes with different expectations. If you're aiming to join the higher-tier services, your car’s gotta match the vibe — smooth, stylish, and totally rider-approved. If someone’s paying a premium, they’re not just buying a ride — they’re expecting a smooth, chill, and top-tier experience to match that price.

3. The Uber Image

Let’s face it, if your car looks like it’s been through a zombie apocalypse — dented doors, peeling paint, mystery smells — it’s not a good look. Not for the rider, not for your driver rating, and definitely not for Uber’s brand. 

Each trip leaves an impression, and if the car’s a mess, that sticks. That’s exactly why Uber checks that every car delivers the kind of quality riders expect when they book through the app.

4. It Filters Things Early

Uber uses vehicle requirements as an easy first filter — if your car doesn’t meet the mark, it’s a sign you might need a bit more prep before hitting the road. If your car doesn’t check all the boxes, you’ll probably get stopped early on — maybe even before you wrap up the registration process. It saves time on both ends. Nothing personal — it’s just how the system keeps things running smoothly.

5. Fairness Across the Board

By setting clear vehicle requirements for each service tier (like UberX vs. Uber Black), Uber makes sure that pricing, rider expectations, and the overall experience stay consistent. If a rider books an Uber Black, they’re expecting something classy — not just a dressed-up UberX. Giving them anything less would totally kill the vibe.

So yeah, when you dig a little deeper, vehicle requirements aren’t just a bunch of boring technical rules. They’re part of a bigger system designed to protect you, your riders, and the entire Uber experience. The better your car, the smoother the ride — in every sense.

Basic Uber Car Requirements You Should Actually Know

Let’s hit pause on the U.S. rules for a sec—before we get there, it helps to know the typical vehicle standards that Uber expects around the globe. While each country has its own tweaks, some basics stay the same no matter where you drive.

Sure, each country might tweak things a little, but overall, there are some core vehicle requirements that stay consistent across the board.

Let me break it down for you—these are the usual things your car’s gotta meet if you want to roll with Uber, pretty much anywhere on the map.

1. Four Doors Are a Must

Uber’s pretty firm on this one — your car has to have at least four doors. Why? Because passenger comfort and easy access are key. Riders need to hop in and out without doing gymnastics, and rear seats need to be just as accessible as the front.

2. Seats at Least Four Passengers (Besides You)

Your car needs to fit four adults not counting you, the driver. So nope, that sporty two-seater coupe isn’t gonna cut it. This rule’s pretty universal across all countries where Uber operates.

3. Age Limit on Vehicles

Each city or country might set its own age limit, but generally speaking:

• Uber’s not cool with outdated rides. As a rule of thumb, your car should still have some youth left in it—usually within the past 10 to 15 years—but that can shift depending on local regulations.

• For premium options like Uber Comfort or Uber Black, the age limit’s even stricter — usually only accepting vehicles from the past six model years.

4. Vehicle Condition Actually Matters

Uber doesn’t want beat-up cars on the road, period. So make sure yours doesn’t have:

• Major body damage

• A messy, torn, or worn-out interior

• Windows that are tinted way too dark might be a problem too — some cities are stricter than others when it comes to visibility

• Stuff like wild body add-ons, flashy lights, or over-the-top paint jobs that turn your car into a rolling disco? Uber’s definitely not into that vibe.

Long story short: your car should look clean, feel safe, and be ready for passengers.

5. Your Car Needs to Be Street-Legal and Registered

You’ll need to have:

• A valid, up-to-date vehicle registration
• A car that isn’t marked as "salvage" or "rebuilt title" — those are automatic rejections
• Proper license plates that match your local area

6. Insurance Is Non-Negotiable

Your car’s gotta be insured—period. No insurance? Then don’t even bother — Uber’s not putting anyone on the road without proper coverage, plain and simple. 

The specific type of coverage might vary by country, but at the very least, you’ll need an active policy that meets local minimum requirements. In some places, Uber may even ask for additional coverage like liability insurance.

7. Manual or Automatic?

Manual or automatic? If your car handles the road without a fuss, most places won’t care whether you’re shifting gears or cruising in auto mode. Just double-check—some higher-end services can be a bit picky. Just keep in mind, certain cities or premium services might be a bit pickier. That said, certain premium services (like Uber Black or Uber Comfort) might only accept automatic cars, depending on the city.

So before you jump into the whole sign-up process, make sure your car already ticks all these basic boxes. It’ll save you time, hassle, and possible rejection later down the road.

Your Uber Starter Pack: The Documents You’ll Definitely Need

Your car’s good to go—now let’s take care of the paperwork side of things. Okay, it might not be the fun part—but skipping it? Not an option if you wanna get on the road. But before you start rolling and chasing those earnings, there’s one last thing on your to-do list: getting your documents in order.

Whether you’re driving in the U.S. or elsewhere, Uber typically asks for similar documents. Sure, the details might shift a bit depending on your city or state, but the basics stay pretty consistent.

Here’s what you’ll need to have ready:

1. A Valid Driver’s License

Let’s kick things off with the obvious one—you’ll need an active, valid driver’s license.

Planning to drive in the U.S.? Alright, there’s how it works:

• You must have a license issued by the state you plan to drive in. Got a Texas license but planning to drive in California? That’s not gonna fly.

• Your license can’t be close to expiring—or already expired, obviously.

• Uber will ask you to upload clear photos of both the front and back of your license through the app.

2. Vehicle Registration

Make sure your car’s officially registered in the same state where you’ll be living and driving—it’s a must.

• It’s totally fine if the car isn’t registered in your name—as long as the paperwork’s still active and legit.

• For example, driving your parent’s car? Totally fine, as long as the paperwork’s good and there are no legal issues.

• Make sure the registration’s still current and not past its expiration date.

Some cities in the U.S. may ask for extra docs if you’re driving someone else’s vehicle—so keep that in mind.

3. Proof of Insurance

Yup, your car needs insurance. No surprise there.

If you're in the U.S.:

• The insurance must list your name as one of the covered drivers.

• Some states require a minimum level of coverage (like liability insurance).

• The insurance must be valid in the state where you’ll be driving.

• If you’re signing up for services like Uber Black or UberXL, expect to need more advanced coverage—possibly even commercial insurance.

4. Vehicle Inspection Report (If Required)

We’ll break down the inspection stuff later, but here’s a quick heads-up for now:

• Depending on where you’re driving, Uber might ask for a passed inspection done by a certified mechanic or at one of their Greenlight Hubs.

• Usually, they’ll ask for a PDF or photo of the official inspection form.

5. Background Check Consent

If you’re signing up in the U.S., Uber will run a background check on you as part of the process. They team up with outside companies (like Checkr) to handle this, and they’ll be looking into:

• Criminal history
• Traffic violations
• Dangerous driving records

You’ll just need to give your online permission during the sign-up process—it only takes a sec.

Just make sure:

• Double-check that your full name and personal info match your ID exactly—no typos, no mix-ups.

• Your name on the license matches exactly with what you enter in your Uber account

6. Driver Profile Photo

Uber wants a clean, clear headshot of you. Not your license photo. Not your passport photo. Just you.

Make sure:

• Your face is fully visible
• No sunglasses, no masks
• Taken in good lighting
• And just to repeat—don’t upload a screenshot or a cutout from your license. Take a fresh selfie.

7. Extra Docs for Premium Services

Thinking about signing up for Uber Black, Black SUV, or one of the higher-end ride options?

You’ll need some additional documents, such as:

• A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Documentation showing your vehicle has a livery plate, if your state requires one.
• Documents showing you have permission to operate as a commercial transport driver (where applicable)

Tips for Uploading Your Docs

You’re almost all set—just handle this last bit carefully so nothing slows you down.

• Use a phone or camera that takes clear, high-res photos

• Make sure everything is readable—no blurry text, no dark corners

• Don’t upload anything that’s been cut off or badly cropped

• Stick to JPEG or PDF formats, just like Uber asks

Once you’ve gathered and uploaded all these documents, you’re well on your way to becoming an Uber driver. Just a heads-up—getting your documents approved doesn’t mean the whole process is wrapped up just yet. You’re almost there—but don’t forget, the vehicle inspection is still on your to-do list.

But before we dive into that, let’s talk about the part most drivers really want to know:

What kind of car you’ll need to drive with Uber in the U.S., depending on which service you’re signing up for.

Uber Vehicle Requirements in the U.S. (By Service Type)

Alright, so you’ve got your documents ready—nice. Alright, time to break it all down—what kind of car do you *really* need for each type of Uber ride in the U.S.?

Uber offers a bunch of ride options, and each one has its own set of car rules. 

The fancier the ride, the stricter the requirements. Let me lay it out nice and simple—no fancy talk, just the stuff you actually need to know.

1. UberX (The Classic Ride)

This is the most common, entry-level Uber ride—if you’re just starting out, this is likely your lane.

What your car needs:

• Four doors, no exceptions

• Room for at least 4 riders (not counting you)

• No more than 15 years old

• Clean, damage-free, and totally roadworthy

• Your AC better be doing its job—nobody wants to ride around feeling like they’re stuck in a mobile sauna.

• Your car’s gotta rock a legit plate that matches the state you’re hitting the road in—no out-of-state surprises.

Popular models: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra

2. UberXL (More Seats, Bigger Pay)

This one’s for groups, airport trips, or anyone hauling more people than a regular sedan can handle.

Your ride needs:

• Four doors minimum

• Space for 6 or 7 passengers

• A full-size SUV or minivan

• No older than 15 years (some cities might be pickier)

• Seat belts for everyone onboard

• Air conditioning must work (again—non-negotiable)

Common rides: Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan, Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse

3. Uber Comfort (More Legroom, Smoother Vibes)

Think of this as UberX with a little upgrade—nicer cars, comfier seats, and drivers with experience.

Here’s what qualifies:

• 4-door car, obviously

• Seats for 4 passengers

• Mid-size or full-size sedan with good legroom

• No older than 5 years

• Clean interior that doesn’t smell like fast food

• Driver must have a solid rating and some experience under their belt

Some of the go-to rides for this tier? You’re looking at cars like the Camry, Altima, or maybe a Sonata—basically those roomy sedans that keep the ride smooth without going full luxury.

4. Uber Black & Black SUV (Premium Rides for Folks Who Like to Arrive in Style)

This is the premium, all-business, VIP-level ride. If you’re going to offer this, you’ve gotta bring the luxury.

Here’s the deal:

• Car must be black—inside and out

• Must be a high-end luxury vehicle

• No more than 5 years old

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required

• Must have a livery license and commercial insurance

• Got a Black SUV? It better have three rows of seats—because premium means room for everyone, not just the VIPs.

Luxury picks: BMW 5 Series, Mercedes S-Class, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Chevy Suburban

5. Uber Green (Drive Clean, Earn Green)

This category’s for drivers who want to go green—whether you’re cruising in a hybrid or going all-in with a fully electric ride.

What counts:

• Must be either a hybrid or fully electric (EV)

• Four doors are still a must

• Fits 4 passengers

• Car can’t be older than 10 to 15 years (depends on the city)

• Needs to be officially registered as low-emission

Eco heroes: Toyota Prius, Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq, Chevy Bolt

Quick Heads-Up:

Uber’s national age limit for cars is generally 15 years—but local rules might be tighter. In a few spots, the local rules are tougher—if your car’s getting up there in age, like over 10 years, it might not make the cut. 

So before you commit, double-check your local Uber site or swing by your nearest Greenlight Hub just to be sure.

Vehicle Types Uber Will Straight-Up Reject

So, you’ve got your car cleaned up, all your paperwork ready, and you’re pumped to start driving with Uber. Hold up a sec—before you get too excited, have you made sure your car actually makes the cut?

Yep, Uber doesn’t just care about how nice your ride looks or how clean your documents are. If your ride lands on their blacklist, that’s it—doesn’t matter if it’s spotless or runs like a dream, Uber’s not gonna budge.

Here’s a rundown of vehicles Uber automatically turns down:

1. Two-Door Cars

If your ride only has two doors, that’s a hard pass.

 Uber sticks to four-door vehicles or more because… well, passengers aren’t gymnasts. Getting in and out easily matters—especially for groups or backseat riders. Coupes, sporty hatchbacks, and convertibles? Not gonna make the cut.

2. Pickup Trucks with Open Beds

We get it—your Ford F-150 is a beast. Uber’s not here for pickup trucks with open backs—they want regular cars that don’t make passengers feel like they’re riding in a loading zone. Yeah, maybe your engine sounds tough—but if the cabin’s not sealed and comfy, Uber’s just gonna pass.

3. Salvage or Rebuilt Title Cars

If your car’s had a total-loss past and comes with a rebuilt label, Uber’s not giving it a do-over. They see these as high-risk, even if they’ve been repaired. Safety first, always.

4. Heavily Modified Vehicles

Got a ride that looks like it belongs on a racing game cover? Might wanna hold off. Uber’s not cool with:

• Super low suspensions (like, really scraping the road)
• Bright underglow or neon lights
• Oversized body kits
• Loud racing exhausts
• Massive decals and loud branding
• Super dark window tints that break local laws

Uber prefers a clean, low-key, professional look. If your car screams attention, it’s probably a no.

5. Commercial or Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Box trucks, cargo vans with no passenger windows, or any vehicle labeled “heavy equipment” are automatically ruled out.

 Uber’s built for regular folks giving people rides—not hauling crates or doing heavy-duty jobs.

6. Cars Missing Working Seatbelts

No seatbelt? No ride.

Every passenger seat needs a working seatbelt, no exceptions. If one’s broken, missing, or permanently jammed, Uber will reject your vehicle right at inspection.

7. Wrecked or Dirty Interior

No one’s asking for a limo—but if your interior looks like it’s survived a tornado, that’s a no-go. Uber will say no to cars with:

• Huge rips in the seats
• Super dirty carpets
• Nasty smells (like cigarettes, pets, or mold)
• Broken or missing panels
• AC or heat that doesn’t work

Passengers want to ride, not survive.

8. No Active License Plate

Your car must have a valid, current license plate.

 In some places, Uber may let you slide with a temporary tag, but only for a short period—and you’ll still need full plates pretty soon after.

9. Serious Exterior Damage

If your ride’s rocking dents like battle scars, Uber’s just not gonna roll with it. Uber may reject cars with:

• Bumpers hanging off
• Broken headlights
• Big cracks in the windshield
• Major dents on doors
• Hoods or trunks that won’t close properly

It’s all about safety and appearance. Would you really hop into something that looks like it’s barely holding itself together?

10. Tiny Cars That Can’t Fit 4 Passengers

Some compact city cars just don’t make the cut. If your back seat can only squeeze two adults (or worse, one and a half ), it won’t be allowed for UberX. The bare minimum is four passengers—not including the driver.

Heads Up!

If your car checks any of these “nope” boxes, Uber will likely shut down your application automatically—even before you reach the inspection stage.

But don’t stress too much. You’ve still got options:

• Rent a car that’s Uber-approved through one of their rental partners

• Or sign up for Uber Eats, where the vehicle rules are way more relaxed (yep, even scooters or bikes work in some cities!)

Pro Tips to Make Sure Your Car Gets Approved by Uber

So, your car meets the basic requirements, your docs are in order, and you're ready to hit the road with Uber. Nice!

But hold up—tons of new drivers still get denied during sign-up just because of small things they totally could’ve avoided.

Try out these simple, driver-approved tips to help your car sail through the Uber process—smooth and stress-free.

1. If your city offers that checker tool, use it—it’s the fastest way to see if your car’s even got a shot.

In some big cities, Uber offers a built-in tool to quickly check if your car is even eligible.

Just hop into your Uber Driver app, punch in a few car details, and you’ll know where you stand.

• Your car’s make
• Model
• Year

If your vehicle doesn’t show up on the “approved” list, you’ll know right away—so you’re not wasting time uploading stuff that’s just gonna get rejected.

Heads up: Make sure you pick the right city and service type when checking! A car might work for UberX in one city but not in another.

2. Upload Clear, Bright, and Cropped-Right Photos

Surprisingly, a lot of applications get rejected not because of the car—but because the documents are unreadable. Seriously. Common mistakes:

• Blurry or dark photos
• Shadows all over the page
• Cropped edges
• Holding your license in your hand (yeah, don’t do that)

Quick fix:

• Take photos during the day or near a bright window
• Lay the doc flat on a plain background
• Use the rear camera—not the selfie one

What Uber wants to see clearly:

• Your driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance policy
• Inspection sheet—only if you’ve done one ahead of time, no pressure

3. Triple-Check That Everything Matches

Uber’s system doesn’t play around with mismatched info. Make sure:

• Make sure the name on your license matches your Uber profile—any mismatch could throw a wrench in the process.

• Check that the plate in your photo matches your registration to the letter—Uber doesn’t mess around with mismatches.

• Make sure the year you entered matches what’s on your docs—Uber’s system is sharp, and it’ll spot any slip-ups fast.

Mess it up, and Uber might:

• Reject your application
• Or make you re-upload everything (which could delay things for days)

4. Thinking of borrowing someone’s ride? Better hold up—unless Uber says it’s cool in your city, that move could get you blocked.

Uber usually expects you to drive your own vehicle, or at least be listed as a driver on the car’s insurance.

If you’re borrowing a car from a friend or family member:

• Make sure your name is listed on the insurance policy
• Or use the “add a vehicle” feature (if it’s allowed in your city)

If not, Uber might freeze your account mid-verification. Not worth the risk.

5. Wash Your Car Before Taking Photos

Yep, looks matter. Uber often checks the exterior of your car through photos. If it looks:

• Dirty
• Dull or faded
• Covered in sticker residue
• Or scratched up

→ It might hurt your chances.

Give your car a quick clean-up and snap some crisp photos—show it off like it’s ready for a showroom, not a garage. 

Make sure your photo clearly shows:

• The license plate
• The full body of the car
• Headlights, tires, windows—all looking clean and intact

6. Make sure everything inside the car’s working like it should—buttons respond, no sketchy noises, nothing acting up.

Just ’cause Uber hasn’t called for an inspection yet doesn’t mean your car gets a free pass—it still needs to be road-ready. That means:

• Working A/C
• Seatbelts in all seats
• Functional headlights and brake lights
• Wipers and washer spray working
• Horn works
• No warning lights on the dashboard (especially not the check engine light!)

If any of that’s busted, you’re probably getting denied at the next step.

7. If your own ride doesn’t pass the vibe check, no worries—renting one might be your fastest way to get behind the wheel.

So your own car didn’t make the cut? Chill—it’s not the end of the road. In a bunch of U.S. cities, Uber partners with rental companies so you can lease a car and start driving ASAP.

Benefits of renting from an Uber partner:

• The car’s already Uber-approved
• Insurance is usually included
• Some plans let you pay weekly
• You can start driving in a day or two

Wanna go the rental route? You’ll find Uber working with some familiar rental names—though the lineup can change depending on where you’re driving.

→ Uber teams up with rental companies like Hertz, Avis, or HyreCar—but who’s actually available will depend on your city’s setup.

Just a tip: Always read the fine print so you’re not caught off guard with surprise fees.

8. Visit a Greenlight Hub If You’re Unsure

Not totally sure if your car or docs are good to go? No shame—better to get it checked than guess wrong. Stop by a nearby Uber Greenlight Hub. They can help you:

• Confirm if your car’s eligible
• Check if your docs are correct
• Walk you through uploading everything the right way
• Recommend a legit place for vehicle inspection

If you’ve done the following:

 ✓Chosen an eligible car

 ✓ Uploaded clean, correct documents

 ✓ Double-checked all your info

 ✓ Avoided using someone else’s car the wrong way

 ✓ Got your car cleaned up and working right

→ If you’ve checked all the boxes, you’re basically at the finish line—just a quick step away from getting the go-ahead.

Almost ready to roll? Before you start racking up rides, your car’s got one last test to prove it’s not gonna fall apart at the first speed bump.

Got a car that checks all the boxes?Got your papers lined up and everything squared away? Hold up—there’s one more step before you can fully roll out as an Uber driver in the U.S.: the Uber Vehicle Inspection.

This ain’t some checklist for show—Uber wants to know your ride won’t rattle, smoke, or scare off the first person who hops in.

So… What’s a Vehicle Inspection, Anyway?

You could say it’s your car’s little audition—just making sure it’s fit to join the Uber crew and won’t fall apart mid-shift. You’ll get it checked out by a certified mechanic—either at a shop Uber works with or one of their Greenlight Hubs, kinda like their home base for drivers.

The whole point is to make sure your ride:

• Is road-safe and in good shape
• Meets Uber’s baseline standards
• Doesn’t have hidden issues that could cause trouble later

When Do You Need to Get Inspected?

Uber won’t let you skip this part. You’ll need to get your vehicle inspected in these situations:

• Signing up for the first time? No matter what badge you’re aiming for—UberX, XL, Green, whatever—your car’s gotta prove it can hang before you get the green light.

• Been driving for a while? Time for your annual inspection to keep your car in the game

• Switching vehicles? Your new wheels need a thumbs-up from inspection before you even think about going online.

• Upgrading to another service? Moving from UberX to Comfort? Your ride needs to meet the new standards and pass another inspection

Do All Uber Services Require an Inspection?

For sure. If you’re out there picking up riders—whether it’s UberX, XL, Comfort, or even Black—you’ll need that inspection locked in and approved first. No valid inspection? No ride requests.

BUT—if you’re doing Uber Eats, the rules might be a little more chill. In some places, there’s no vehicle inspection needed if you’re delivering on a bike or scooter. Handy, right?

What Gets Checked During an Uber Inspection?

While the checklist might vary a bit depending on the city or state, here’s the usual rundown:

• Brakes working properly
• All lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards)
• Seatbelts for every seat
• Windshield wipers and washer
• Mirrors (inside and out)
• Tires with good tread
• Horn’s loud and clear
• Windows and doors open and close fine
• No “check engine” light blinking at you
• Interior is clean, not stinky
• AC and ventilation are doing their job

If your car flunks even one of these items, you’ll have to fix it and get reinspected. No shortcuts.

Where Do You Get the Inspection Form?

Uber uses a standard inspection form. You can:

• Download it straight from Uber’s website
• Or grab one at the official inspection spot

Either way, it has to be filled out and signed by the mechanic, then uploaded to your Uber account.

Once it’s signed off, you’re good for a full year—no need to stress about it again anytime soon.

Is This a Long Process?

Not really! Most inspections take about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the line.

Swing by a Greenlight Hub and the folks there will guide you through every step—no guessing, no stress.

A Few Heads-Ups Before You Go

• Don’t drag your feet—you can’t drive until your inspection is done and approved

• Submitting incomplete or unofficial inspection results? Yeah… those will get rejected

• Some cities only accept inspections from specific approved locations, so make sure you double-check what’s allowed in your area

How to Do an Uber Vehicle Inspection (Step-by-Step)

Alright, so now that you’ve got the gist of what an Uber vehicle inspection is all about (like we covered earlier), let’s break down how to actually get it done — from start to finish.

Don’t stress — it’s not as complicated as it sounds. I’ll walk you through it nice and easy.

1. Book Your Inspection Appointment

Getting your car ready for Uber? You’ve got a couple of easy ways to handle the inspection—just pick the one that suits you best.

• Uber Greenlight Hub (official Uber locations)

This is hands down the best bet, especially if you’re just starting out.

• The staff there will walk you through everything, step by step
• Sometimes they even run promos — free inspections or help uploading your docs on the spot

• Uber Partnered Workshops

These are usually local mechanics that are officially working with Uber.

• Prices are still reasonable
• They know exactly what Uber expects

How to book:

• Log in to your Uber Driver account (via app or website)

• Head over to the menu and look for something like “Vehicle Requirements” or maybe “Start a Vehicle Check”—depends on your app version

• Choose your city

• Choose a day and time slot that fits your schedule—whatever’s easiest for you

Quick tip: Certain partner garages might skip the whole appointment thing—so yeah, walking in could totally work.

2. Where Do Inspections Take Place?

Uber’s got a bunch of go-to inspection spots scattered across most big cities—so finding one nearby shouldn’t be a hassle. You’ll often see spots like:

• Pep Boys (yep, they’re an official partner in tons of U.S. cities)
• Greenlight Hubs
• Local shops labeled "Uber Inspection Certified"

Quick hacks:

• Pop open Google Maps and search “Uber vehicle inspection near me”
• Or just head over to Uber’s website, go into the Help section, and check the Vehicle Inspection page—they’ve got a full list of spots near you

3. What to Bring With You

Don’t roll up unprepared — here’s what you need:

• Your driver’s license
• Your vehicle registration
• Proof of insurance
• An Uber inspection form (you can print this from Uber’s site)

Haven’t printed the form? No worries — most shops keep blank copies on hand.

4. What Happens During the Inspection

Here’s how it usually goes down:

• Hand over your documents and inspection form to the tech
• They’ll check the inside and outside of your car

Typical checklist includes:

They’ll check stuff like your brakes, headlights, seatbelts, tires, horn, AC, wipers—basically all the essentials to keep the ride safe and comfy.

If your ride passes everything:

• The mechanic will sign and stamp the form
• You’ll get the original copy (sometimes they’ll email or text you a photo or PDF version too)

The whole thing usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the line.

5. How Much Does It Cost?

Prices vary a bit, but here’s what most drivers see:

• At local shops: around $20–$40 USD
• At Uber Greenlight Hubs: sometimes free, or maybe $10–$20

Bonus tip:

New to Uber? Some cities hook you up with free inspection deals for first-timers—timing and location make all the difference.

Might be worth checking ahead—some places only give you the deal if you book your slot through the app or site first.

6. Uploading the Inspection Form

Got your signed form in hand? Time to upload it to your Uber account.

Here’s how:

• Open your Uber Driver app or dashboard

• Go to the “Vehicle Documents” section

• Tap “Upload Inspection Form”

• Take a crisp photo of the form—just make sure the mechanic’s signature and the shop stamp show up nice and clear

• Hit submit and hang tight—Uber usually gets back to you within a day or two during the workweek

Heads up:

If your photo’s blurry or missing info, Uber might ask you to re-upload — or even redo the inspection.

7. How Long Is It Good For?

Uber inspections are typically valid for 1 full year from the date it was done.

Once it’s expired:

• You’ll need to do another inspection and upload a fresh form

• Uber’s pretty good about sending you a reminder when your inspection deadline’s creeping up

• If you ignore it too long, they might pause your account until it’s updated

Quick Recap & Tips

✓ Book the inspection at a nearby certified location

✓ Make sure your car is clean and everything works

✓ Bring your license, registration, insurance, and the inspection form

✓ Upload a crystal-clear photo of the signed form

✓ Do it again every year to keep your account active

Once that’s done — boom! You’re about 99% ready to hit the road as an Uber driver. Let’s gooo

Ready to Hit the Road with Uber?

Alright, we’ve covered a lot, huh? From the basic vehicle requirements, must-have documents, all the way to the types of Uber services and how the inspection process works.

Maybe you were surprised at first — turns out driving for Uber isn’t just “have a car and a license” and boom, you’re in.

But hey, you made it this far — and that means you’re already way ahead of most people thinking about signing up.

Let’s do a quick recap:

1. You get why vehicle requirements actually matter and how they’re your first gateway in
2. You’ve already got a clear idea of which docs to gather, so you won’t be scrambling last minute.
3. Now you’ve got a solid grip on which rides need what — whether it’s a simple UberX or something fancier like Uber Black.
4. You know which types of cars will get rejected instantly — no more wasting time
5. You’ve got tips and tricks to get your car approved faster
6. You understand what a vehicle inspection really looks like and how to breeze through it
7. And best of all? You’ve already got a clear, doable plan in your back pocket to kick things off with confidence.

But Just a Heads-Up…

Sure, this guide gives you the full scoop on how it works across the U.S., but don’t forget—each city’s got its own set of rules when it comes to Uber.

Some cities might:

• Only accept vehicles under 10–12 years old
• Require inspections to be done at specific locations
• Ask for extra insurance coverage

That’s why before you apply, always double-check the Uber driver requirements for your city. Just like:

• Uber Los Angeles Requirements
• Uber New York City Requirements
• Uber Houston Requirements

Don’t Wait Around

The fact that you’re still reading? That says a lot—you’re not just browsing, you’re gearing up to actually get behind the wheel.

And trust me — the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll be out there picking up riders and making money. 

Driving for Uber isn’t just a side hustle or a way to fill your time. For plenty of people, this isn’t just a side hustle—it’s their way to earn on their own terms, stay independent, and still be present for the ones they love.

You can start whenever you’re ready.

Your car isn’t just a way to get around — it could literally change your life.

You’ve got the info. You’ve got the mindset.

Only one thing left to do: Start. Now.