Passenger driving: the U.S. baseline

Uber's current U.S. driver requirements say new rideshare drivers must meet the minimum age for their city, with Uber currently listing 23 years old as the new-driver baseline. Drivers also need at least one year of licensed U.S. driving experience, or three years if under age 25, and an eligible 4-door vehicle.

Uber currently requires a valid U.S. driver's license, proof of residency, vehicle insurance if you are using your own car, and a driver profile photo. Vehicle rules vary by region.

Uber U.S.: current driver requirements →

Uber Eats delivery has a different entry path

Uber's current U.S. delivery page says car couriers generally need to be at least 19 years old, have a 2-door or 4-door vehicle, a valid driver's license in their name and a Social Security number for screening. Bike or foot delivery can start at 18 in supported markets with government-issued ID and the required screening information.

Uber also supports different delivery types depending on market and eligibility, including food delivery, packages, Shop & Deliver and, in some locations, alcohol delivery.

Uber U.S.: current delivery requirements →

Screening is part of both rides and delivery

Uber says U.S. passenger drivers go through identity verification, a motor vehicle record check and a criminal background check. Uber also says delivery people are screened before taking trips, with driving-history review applying when they deliver in a vehicle.

Uber currently reruns certain driver checks at least annually, although local rules can change how screening works in specific markets.

Uber: current U.S. driver-screening information →

Insurance is where state differences really matter

Uber says rideshare drivers must maintain their own personal auto insurance and that Uber maintains commercial coverage while drivers are using the platform. The amount and type of coverage depends on whether you are offline, online waiting for a request, driving to pick up a rider, or on a trip.

For rideshare activity, Uber currently says its third-party liability coverage while a driver is online and available is at least $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. While en route to or on a rideshare trip, Uber says it maintains at least $1 million in third-party liability coverage. State law can require additional protections.

Delivery insurance is not identical to passenger-rideshare insurance, and Uber explicitly directs delivery people to separate delivery coverage information.

Uber U.S.: insurance for rideshare drivers →

Uber income is taxable in the U.S.

The IRS treats rideshare and delivery work as gig-economy income. Income must be reported even if it is part-time, temporary or not reported to you on a tax form.

If you are working as an independent contractor, you may need to make estimated tax payments. The IRS says people with $400 or more in net self-employment earnings generally have a federal self-employment filing obligation.

Keep records for business mileage, vehicle expenses, fees, tolls, parking and other eligible business costs. Tax treatment depends on your situation, so this is general education rather than individual tax advice.

IRS: managing taxes for gig work →

For my broader planning framework, read Uber Driver Taxes 2026: What to Set Aside, Deduct & Track →.

There is no single “U.S. Uber rulebook” for every city

This is the biggest difference between a national overview and the actual signup process. Vehicle age, inspection, airport rules, insurance details, local permits and rideshare regulations can change by state and city.

Uber itself tells applicants that vehicle requirements vary by region. That means a national hub should help you understand the framework, but your next step should always be the city- or state-specific requirements shown during signup.

That is also where this U.S. content cluster should expand next: major states and major metro areas with their own search demand and regulatory differences.

The real question is what you keep after costs

Do not judge Uber from gross payout screenshots. Passenger driving and delivery both involve costs that vary dramatically by vehicle and city.

Track:

• gross fares and tips;
• online time and active time;
• miles driven;
• fuel or charging;
• maintenance and depreciation;
• tolls and parking;
• insurance costs;
• platform fees shown in your statements;
• tax reserve;
• dead miles between requests.

For delivery specifically, use the 25-Delivery Profit Test →.

Uber U.S. FAQ

Can I use the same Uber referral in the U.S.?

The referral links on this site can be used for U.S. signup, but the exact incentive attached to the signup may differ by market. Always rely on the offer Uber actually displays for your account.

Do Uber driver requirements differ by state?

Yes. Uber has national baseline requirements, but vehicle, permit, inspection, insurance, airport and regulatory rules can differ by state and city.

Can I do both rideshare and Uber Eats?

In many markets, eligible drivers can add delivery through the Driver app. Uber says existing drivers can use the Work Hub to add food delivery where available.

Is Uber income taxable even if it is only a side job?

Yes. The IRS says gig-economy income is taxable even when it is part-time, temporary or supplemental.

Does Uber provide insurance?

Uber maintains commercial coverage for qualifying activity on the platform, but coverage depends on app status, state law, trip type and your personal insurance. Do not assume that means your own insurance is unnecessary.