If you‘re considering signing up to drive for Uber, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: how long does an Uber background check take? Before hitting the road and starting to earn, all prospective Uber drivers must pass the company‘s mandatory screening process. While the background check is a critical step for ensuring the safety of riders, it can also be a source of frustration for eager drivers ready to get behind the wheel.
In this in-depth guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Uber background checks – from what they entail to how long you can expect to wait for the green light. We‘ll also provide insider tips for speeding up the process and maximizing your chances of approval. Let‘s dive in!
Why Does Uber Conduct Background Checks?
With millions of rides occurring each day in cities across the globe, safety is a top priority for Uber. The company has made a commitment to riders, drivers, and the communities it serves to implement industry-leading safety practices. A cornerstone of this pledge is a comprehensive background check for every single driver-partner before they are approved to use the platform.
By thoroughly vetting its drivers, Uber aims to create a safe environment and provide peace of mind to all users. The background check process screens out individuals with certain types of criminal convictions, moving violations, and other red flags that could put riders at risk. It‘s a key safeguard to prevent dangerous and unqualified drivers from slipping through the cracks.
"At Uber, safety never stops. Our tireless commitment to the safety of riders, drivers, and the communities we serve is embedded in everything we do."
– Tony West, Chief Legal Officer at Uber
While background checks may feel like just another hurdle for drivers to clear, they are a necessary precaution in today‘s world. In fact, many riders say they wouldn‘t feel comfortable stepping into a stranger‘s car without the assurance of a background check. By upholding rigorous screening standards, Uber seeks to build and maintain trust in its platform.
How Long Do Uber Background Checks Take on Average?
Now for the question on every prospective driver‘s mind: what‘s the typical timeline for an Uber background check? In most cases, Uber background checks are completed within 3-5 business days. However, there are a number of factors that can impact this timeline in either direction.
According to Uber, the background check begins processing as soon as a driver submits a completed application with all the required documents and information. From there, the third-party screening company will verify the driver‘s identity, run a criminal background check, examine their motor vehicle record, and cross-reference sex offender registries and other official databases.
The precise time it takes to complete these checks can vary based on:
- The driver‘s location and local court processes
- The accuracy and completeness of the information provided
- Any additional verification steps required (e.g. fingerprinting)
- The screening company‘s current case volume and backlog
In some instances, Uber background checks can be completed in as little as 1-2 days. Other times, it may take up to 2 weeks to receive a final result. If any issues arise during the background check, such as records matching a different name or a missing document, it can further extend the timeline as discrepancies are investigated.
The important thing for drivers to remember is that Uber background checks are worth the wait. Not only is passing the screening a prerequisite for driving on the platform, but it also represents a commitment to safety that benefits the entire Uber community. Rather than begrudging the process, consider the few extra days a worthwhile investment in your driving career.
What Does an Uber Background Check Include?
To gain a better understanding of why Uber background checks can take several days to complete, it helps to know exactly what they entail. Uber partners with nationally accredited screening companies to conduct comprehensive background checks on all prospective drivers in the U.S.
A typical Uber background check includes:
Identity Verification: The screening process starts by confirming the driver‘s identity using their social security number. This trace verifies that the name, date of birth, and other personal details provided match official records.
Criminal History Check: Perhaps the most critical component is a thorough review of the driver‘s criminal history over the past 7 years. Uber disqualifies any applicant with a conviction for a felony, violent crime, sexual offense, or certain drug-related offenses, among other serious infractions.
Motor Vehicle Record Review: To ensure that drivers have a safe track record on the road, Uber also pulls their driving history. Most minor violations like parking tickets will not negatively impact eligibility. However, major moving violations, DUIs, reckless driving charges or a history of accidents can be grounds for disqualification.
National Sex Offender Registry Search: All prospective drivers are screened against national and local sex offender registries as an added precaution to keep riders safe. Any individual with a matching record is barred from driving for Uber.
In certain cities and states, Uber may also require additional screening measures to comply with local laws. For example, some jurisdictions mandate fingerprint-based background checks for rideshare drivers through an FBI database. These extra validation steps can further impact the overall processing time.
Tips for Passing Your Uber Background Check Quickly
While much of the Uber background check process is beyond a driver‘s direct control, there are steps you can take to put yourself in the best position for a speedy approval:
1. Make sure you meet Uber‘s basic driver requirements
Before even beginning your application, double check that you satisfy Uber‘s minimum qualifications for drivers. The criteria include being at least 21 years old, having a valid driver‘s license and insurance, and driving an eligible 4-door vehicle. There‘s no sense wasting time with the background check if you aren‘t eligible to start.
2. Provide complete and accurate information
Take the time to carefully fill out your driver application and double check that all the details are correct before submitting. Even a small error like a mistyped address or wrong digit in your social security number can trigger a discrepancy that needs further investigation and holds up the entire process.
3. Promptly respond to any requests for additional information
In the event that Uber or its screening partner has a question or needs an extra document to complete your background check, make sure to reply and provide what‘s needed as quickly as possible. Delays in responding will only stretch out the timeline further.
4. Be upfront about any past issues
If you‘re aware of any blemishes on your record that might give Uber pause, it‘s best to get ahead of them. You can include a brief explanation of the circumstances and why they don‘t reflect on your current fitness as a driver. Being forthcoming may help smooth the review process.
5. Consider signing up for other gig apps simultaneously
Since most on-demand driving platforms have similar background check requirements and waiting periods, it can be beneficial to apply for multiple services at once. That way, by the time your Uber check clears, you may also be approved for Lyft, DoorDash, etc. and can optimize your earnings across apps from day one.
How to Check Your Uber Background Check Status
We know that waiting for your background check to clear can be a nail-biting experience, especially if driving for Uber is your main source of income. The good news is that you don‘t have to be left totally in the dark during the process. Here‘s how you can monitor the status of your Uber background check:
- Log in to the Uber app or driver dashboard on a web browser
- Navigate to the "Profile" or "Account" section
- Find the "Background Check" tab to see your current status
- If asked to provide any additional information, follow the prompts to submit
Uber will also send you email notifications when your background check is complete, whether you‘ve passed and are ready to drive or if there was an issue with your screening. Make sure the email address associated with your account is correct so you don‘t miss any important updates.
If it‘s been longer than 5-7 business days with no word on your background check, don‘t hesitate to reach out to Uber support for more information. You can contact them via the Help section in the app or at help.uber.com.
What If Your Uber Background Check Is Rejected?
In some cases, a driver may be disqualified from onboarding based on the results of their background check. Common reasons for rejection include convictions for certain serious crimes, recent major driving violations, or providing false or incomplete information on the application.
If you receive notice that you‘ve failed Uber‘s background check, the first step is to review the explanation provided for the adverse decision. Thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to request a free copy of the background check from Uber to verify its accuracy.
Upon receiving the report, check that all the information is correct and up-to-date. If you spot an error, gather any relevant documents and submit a dispute with the screening company. They are obligated to investigate any challenges within 30 days. If the disputed item is removed from your record, you can then reapply to drive for Uber.
In the event that the background check is accurate but you believe the rejection was still unwarranted, you have the option to file an appeal with Uber. The company will review your individual circumstances and may grant an exception in some cases. However, overturning a denial is rare, and Uber maintains full discretion over its driver eligibility criteria.
Uber is far from the only rideshare company that requires driver background checks. Its main competitor Lyft has a nearly identical screening process, as do most other on-demand driving platforms like Via and Wingz. In general, you can expect to wait a similar length of time (3-5 business days) for a Lyft background check as you would for Uber.
Where Uber previously had a slight edge was in its "Instant Background Check" program offered in certain cities. Through an integration with a screening service called Checkr, some drivers were able to be conditionally approved in as little as 24-48 hours while their full background check was still processing. However, Uber paused this feature in 2019 to conduct a review of the program and has yet to reinstate it.
One notable difference between Uber and Lyft is their treatment of criminal records. While both companies disqualify drivers for violent and sexual offenses, Lyft also excludes any applicant with a conviction for a felony drug-related offense in the past seven years. Uber, on the other hand, only automatically rejects felony drug charges from the past five years.
Looking ahead, both Uber and Lyft have pledged to implement continuous background checks that run periodically throughout a driver‘s tenure, rather than just as a one-time screening. Uber has already rolled out this feature in a handful of cities, allowing the company to monitor for new criminal convictions and serious driving infractions in close to real time. It‘s likely only a matter of time before perpetual background checks become the norm across the industry.
The Bottom Line on Uber Background Checks
At the end of the day, Uber background checks are a necessary precaution to keep riders and drivers safe on the platform. While the average processing time of 3-5 business days can feel like an eternity to eager prospective drivers, it‘s important to remember that the screening is for everyone‘s benefit. By maintaining high standards for its driver-partners, Uber can continue to operate a trusted transportation network that serves millions each day.
The best thing you can do as an applicant is to make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements, provide complete and accurate information, and be patient with the process. If any bumps arise along the way, stay diligent in communicating with Uber and its screening partners to keep things moving forward. With a little preparation and persistence, you‘ll be on the road in no time!
