Uber has pretty stringent requirements, and a lot of people are concerned about whether or not this will affect their ability to start driving with Uber.
If you’ve been wondering what the deal is with these background checks, and what it will take to pass one, here’s everything you need to know!
What is Uber’s Background Check?
Everyone who becomes a driver with Uber must undergo a background check. As part of your application with Uber, you’ll fill out a background check consent form. This involves providing your social security number and checking the boxes that agree to their background check.
Checking these boxes confirms that you’ve read the lengthy legal documents that provide details on how the background check works, including Federal Fair Credit Act laws and Uber Disclosure agreements. Once Uber has your consent, they will use a company called Checkr to do an extensive background check.
Now that Postmates and UberEats both operate under the same company, you can easily work with UberEats using your Postmates account. Background check processes may differ depending on if you want to be in the Uber rideshare program or UberEats program and plan to use a bike, for example. If you plan to work with a car, your driving history will also be checked.
Checkr will then take your information and do an extensive check that is compliant with federal and state standards. Your information is safe with them, and is simply used to get the information Uber needs to approve you for work.
Uber conducts yearly background checks on all of their drivers, so you’ll want to maintain your clean driving record to avoid being deactivated. They may also conduct background checks if your area has law changes that necessitate it.
Background checks are a necessity for almost any job, but especially for a career in which a company is trusting you with the safety of other people and goods. The Uber background check, though frustrating to some, is a necessary safety measure for the ridesharing and delivery company.
What Do They Look At?
Checkr will ask you for personal information (including Social security number and Driver’s license) that will allow them to run checks across all states.
They then run a series of checks through multiple databases (local, state, national) to look for any convictions over the previous seven year period. This includes checking:
- County courthouse records for every county of residence in that seven year period
- Federal courthouse records in that time period
- Multi-state records for that period
- Inter-state criminal databases
- Motor vehicle record
- PACER database (Public Access to County Electronic Records)
- Your social security records
- The national sex offender registry
- The FBI’s terrorist watchlist
As Uber is checking all of these databases, they are looking for the following.
- Must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and have a minimum of one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S.
- Three years of U.S. driving experience is required to give rides if you are 24 and under, and one year is required if you are 25 or older.
- A motor vehicle report that shows no more than 3 minor violations in the previous 3 year period. Minor violations include:
- Speeding violations
- Moving violations
- Driving without a license
- Driving without insurance
- Traffic light violations
- A motor vehicle report that shows NO major violations in the previous 7 year period. Major violations include:
- Hit and run accidents
- Speeding in excess of 100 mph
- DUIs
- Reckless driving convictions
- Street racing
- No criminal convictions in the previous 7 year period. Criminal convictions include:
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Resisting arrest
- Child endangerment or abuse
- Violent crimes
- Driving related convictions
- Sexual offenses
The Uber background check is free, so it won’t cost you. Uber doesn’t perform physicals or credit score checks. This is simply a background check that assesses your driving record and ensures that you have a clean criminal record.
Uber complies with local and state laws concerning background check criteria, and restrictions may vary depending on where you are applying to drive.
According to Uber’s website, “The evaluation of background checks vary from city to city and is based on a combination of criteria specified in local laws and regulations governing rideshare drivers, as well as Uber’s internal safety standards.”
How Long Does It Take?
According to Uber, the background check process should take between 3-5 business days. However, there are many factors that can contribute to this taking more time.
If Uber has a high volume of applicants, it could cause the process to take a little longer, as they can only do so many background checks at once. There are also multiple factors that could cause the process to slow down. For example, if you’ve lived in multiple states in the last seven years, it will take longer for Checkr to gain access to all the information they need.
As you wait for your background check to be processed, you can keep track by checking your status on in your driver profile in the Uber App.
You may receive a copy of the completed report from Checkr while Uber reviews the results, but once your report is reviewed and a decision is made, you will be notified via email.
Once you’ve consented to a background check, one of four statuses will appear here, and will tell you where Uber is in the process:
- Onboarding – means that your documents are being reviewed and Uber is in the process of completing your background check. If it’s been a week and this is still your status, you will want to contact Uber to make sure things are moving forward.
- Waitlisted – it can mean a number of things. It could just mean that Uber needed to run your information through the system again, or that there is some issue with the documentation.
- Consider – your background check has been completed and you should know shortly if you have been accepted. If it remains this way for long, you will likely be rejected.
- Active – this means you are an active Uber driver and can begin accepting rides and driving.
Uber does not typically communicate status changes via email or message, so you will need to check regularly to know if you’ve been activated.
What Happens If I’m Rejected?
Uber may reject your application if you fail to pass one of the requirements listed above. Unfortunately, Uber does not typically communicate the reason for this rejection, and you must contact Uber directly in order to get an answer.
If you feel you have been rejected without good reason, you can use Uber’s help portal to try and communicate with them directly about your issue. You can reapply with Uber, but you will need to wait 2-4 months, and these applications are reviewed on a case by case basis.
You will also need to do this through support, and not through their online application, as you will already be in their system as a driver from your initial application.
How Can I Avoid Rejection?
If you are concerned that some aspect of your background check could potentially cause you to be rejected, there are a few things you can do.
First, you can request your motor vehicle record and go over it yourself before applying. If there are minor traffic violations that could be removed from your record by taking a traffic safety class, you can pursue this (this is usually only possible for a few months after your violation).
Another reason to request a copy of your records is that you may only need to wait a short time to apply if your violations or charges happened close to three years ago, and you can put off your application until that time.
In some cases, you can apply for expungement of certain violations or convictions if you’ve paid your fine and a certain amount of time has passed. If charges are dismissed, they should not appear on your background check. You’ll want to check your state laws on expungement to find out if this is an option for you.
Conclusion
While it’s true that Uber’s background check is somewhat extensive, it’s necessary to ensure the safety of drivers and riders and protect the company as well. Uber’s background check standards may change, but for now, the background check remains tightly monitored.
After reading this guide, you should have a clear understanding of what all goes into an Uber background check and know what to expect from your application process, as well as what to do if you have concerns about your background check. Once you see that active status, you’re ready to start accepting rides or deliveries and earning money with Uber or UberEats!
This is false.I was an Uber driver for 2 yrs and suddenly, a 31 yr old arrest disqualified me from being a driver.So this email states 7 yr background search.So why am I not able to drive any longer?
Have you tried contacting Uber yet to get a detailed explanation for why you were disqualified?
I don’t have the best past I feel they look back 30 years I’ve straight for the better part of 2 decades they showed me my background check I couldn’t see nothing within 7 years that should have disqualified me
Its always worth at least trying to apply for Uber because the entire application process is free! You can also apply to drive for Lyft, Postmates, Grubhub, Amazon Flex, etc. for free as well!
I passed my background check for Uber last year 2016 but never drove for them, as I am ready to start driving will I have to do the background check all over again?
You may need to since it was over a year ago, but the process will still be very simple and free for you to do. Once you clear the background check with them again, feel free to visit driver.www.hyrecar.com to check out some vehicles to book! We’d love to help you get out on the road ASAP. If you have any questions once you create an account with us, feel free to email sales@www.hyrecar.com or call 888-688-6769
Hi I am a Uber eats courier, my background check was completed 4 days ago, this is my annual background check not my initial, so I’ve already passed it multiple times, right now it is 2 weeks before Xmas and I am a single parent with 2 young girls, and Uber is my only source of income, is there anyway I can get Uber to process my background check since checkr already completed it 4 days ago, Ireally need to get back to delivering considering it’s the holidays plus it’s during a pandemic so no chance of a different job right now. FYI I’ve already contacted Uber support via text thru the app and always get the same message “we’re sry we know you want to get back to delivering plz have Patience blah blah blah”.
Are you referring to your uber or lyft background check?
I recently started driving for uber after being approved 11 days ago. Today, I opened the app to find out the my account has been waitlisted due to an issue that needs attention. I contacted help support and they responded that I need to do my annual background check. I am very confused because I was literally approved 11 days ago.. anyone ever heard of this happening?
That sounds strange…
Well it looks like the worst case scenario is that you will need to do another free background check with them and hope that it goes rather quickly so that you can continue making money ASAP!
My background check had mis-information in it.As of now my status is waiting list and pending. Also there’s a mix up with my portal information which was suppose to cleared up. However when they put my info in they can fine on records of me. So as of right now there’s no way of me finding out about my background check status.
Hey Michael, we’re sorry to hear about the issue with your background check. If you would like to call 888-688-6769 we can have one of our support staff try to help you out with that!
Is a misdemeanor that was dismissed 6 years and 11 months ago going to get me disqulaified?
Misdemeanors, similar to felonies, will always show up on a background check. However, whether or not it will disqualify you from driving for uber depends on the severity, type, and status of that misdemeanor.
I was hired by uber in 2018 after background check….I’ve driven for ubereats full time since…..2 weeks ago my background check (they do it yearly) said issue and I was deactivated….the issue was 2 tickets I received in 2014…(1 for not stopping at sign and 1 for misdemeanor weed)..4 years before I was hired….I havent had anything on my record since (2014) and I’ve passed 2 background checks already with these items…(hiring and 1 year check) ….Why am I deactivated NOW????? for 6 year old tickets and I’ve already driven for 2 years…I drive Ubereats only
Wondering what’s the process with my background check
Have you submitted your background check to Uber/Lyft yet? Or are you referring to our background check here at HyreCar?
My friend was driving for uber and uber found out he had a misdemenour but it has been expunged now can she reaply or they won’t except her once she has been kicked off the platform
Hello Jack! She would need to check with Uber regarding her account with them and for a better understanding of their policies. Thank you for asking!
I applied in August. I have a non-violent felony 6 years and 11 months ago. I thought the date was in August 2011 but it is apparently October 2011. After receiving the pre-adverse action notice today, is there anything I can do to give them a complete picture of what happened? Or even request to be waitilisted for 4 weeks until it would fall outside 7 years? Or is that it?
Hello Robert! Please refer to Uber so they can look into your background check for you and discuss the necessary steps with you. Thank you for asking and reading our blog!
Is it okay to earn while there is body damage which has nothing to do with the operation of the vehicle? i.e. dent in front driver bumper.. Thanks!!
Hello Teresa! We would need to view photos of your vehicle if you are interested in listing your vehicle with us. Please also check with Uber/Lyft to see if your vehicle is still eligible to be on their platform. Please visit https://app.www.hyrecar.com/partner to create an account and begin listing your vehicle. If you need any assistance after you sign up, feel free to email partner@www.hyrecar.com or give us a call at (213) 269-5330.
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Does anyone know what the Uber annual re-screen process looks like in CA? Should I receive notification, or have to complete additional documents before they start the background check? Or will they automatically run it at the appropriate time and automatically update my status based on the results?
Hello Dustin, you can find more information on Uber annual re-screening process https://www.uber.com/en-ZA/drive/resources/rerun-screening/. Hope this helps!
Hi my background check has been completed now for 4 days this is my annual background check not my initial my background check is listed as consider but it but it gets approved every year because nothing has ever changed with my record or anything else right now it is two weeks before Christmas I am a single father with two little girls this is my only source of income and I’m starting to get really nervous that I’m not going to have what I need for the holidays for them for the pace two weeks all I have done was work I really need to get back to delivering for Uber eats is there any way you can get Uber to take a look at my background check to expedite this the email associated with my account is dalydelphia@gmail.com plz if there is ANYTHING you can do I would sincerely appreciate it.
I been driving for Uber for the past 2 years. About a month ago, my account was deactivated due to my annual background check. Now I must admit, I haven’t always been a good girl. But I can say I learned my lesson. I haven’t been in any trouble in about 14 years. Well my annual background check came back, and there was a misterminor charge from 2005. This attachment is Ubers background check policy. It state’s that they only go back 7 years. https://www.hyrecar.com/blog/uber-background-checks/. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!!
Hello Janeen, this certainly sounds very frustrating. A lot of factors come into place when it comes to ridesharing background-check although it’s stated that they would only screen through the past 7 years. This is so because Uber and other ridesharing companies need to make sure that they are providing a safe transportation option for the people. If you are not happy with your background check result, you can contact uber at https://help.uber.com/partners/article/contact-us-for-driver-support-?nodeId=c368593c-39e6-49b5-82fe-63c4fa2fe4d2 to see what’s going on. We hope that this helps, goodluck Jeneen!
what did you wind up doing I’m in the same boat right now
Just curious. When they do a background check for the last 7 years is that all that appears or does the entire background come back and they only look at the last 7 years?
Hello Doug! I, unfortunately, do not have that information. I always recommend applying anyways!
https://app.www.hyrecar.com/profile
Can I send my Updated credit report background to uber myself
I need help I’ve been waitlisted but have been trying to fix the problem with my background and picture. Someone help me please.
I am still waiting for my background check can you tell me how long will it take
Did it go through, and if so, how long did it take?
I drove for Uber for 6 months, I was . 04% away from Gold, with my last 50 rides in a row 5 stars. Then with no warning my driving privileges were suspended due to a second background check showing a PENDING petty theft misdemeanor charge. I wrote multiple letters explaining I had not been convicted of anything, had not even been to court and that it was a false charge. I am still going to court over it and it’s going to be dropped to “willful concealment”. After my court process is over can I re-apply? And is that charge an acceptable one?
We can’t say as to whether or not you will pass Uber’s background check. But you can always reach out to their customer support directly to help answer your specific question. https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/driver-app/phone-support/
I have 1 speeding ticket from 2018 and 1 from last year 2020. Both speeding tickets. Minor traffic violations. My background is clean, No DUIs, accidents, no criminal charges, nothing. Base on what I have been reading above, do you think Uber will deactivate me when they run my annual background check?
We can’t say for sure you would have to send in a request to Uber’s support team to verify.
Hi i have a misdemeanor on my record from 2019 but it was dismissed by the prosecutor in 2021 would that affect me if the charges where dropped?
You would have to check with your local Uber to see if that would disqualify you.
Yearly holds related to background checks. Why disenfranchise a driver while awaiting results. We have driven one full year. What’s the risk of waiting another week versus disenfranchisement that impacts abrupt financial loss. You have no knowledge of a drivers life challenge with the impromptu hold on accounts. We understand safety and support it 100 which is not a greater risk to continue working pending results.
To disenfranchise a driver while awaiting yearly background check results after being employee one year shows no consideration. Safety is not at risk to allow an additional week of working and driving pending results. No one knows the challenges the driver maybe encountering when background checks are abruptly implemented and drivers are placed on hold//out of operation. No income????? NO food, NO bills etc.. This is not god business practice at all
Does Uber START the background check AFTER documents like the Vehicle Inspection?
No they start it before since drivers can rent cars though Uber.
I have been driving for Uber for the last two years Uber did a background check in July 2021 my license had expired in February 2021 I could not renew my license because the dmv was closed due to the COVID in July the dmv open back up and I renewed my license July 22nd after many emails to Uber showing them that I had a valid license as well as the information from Checkr background check showing them my license was valid I was allowed to drive again in August the 11 three weeks later I was deactivated again it’s now mid September and I’m still deactivated all the emails they send me a saying that there’s something wrong on the motor vehicle part of My Background check and they won’t activate my account again everything that’s on my background check including the motor vehicle part is correct they Uber will not tell me what it is that’s on my background motor vehicle check That will not allow me to be activated again
I drove through out the Covid pandemic putting my life on the line for Uber and now I’m not allowed to drive because of what they won’t tell me something is wrong with this company
I’m glad to see that Uber is taking background checks seriously. This is a good step in the right direction for safety.