Uber Driving in the U.S. in 2026: Rides, Uber Eats, Requirements, Insurance & Taxes

1. U.S. passenger-driver requirements in 2026

Uber's current national guidance says new passenger drivers must be at least 23 years old in many U.S. markets, but the actual minimum age can be higher in some cities. The signup process applies the local rule, so never rely on a national minimum alone.

• At least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S.; Uber generally requires three years if under age 25.
• An eligible four-door vehicle meeting local model-year, registration and inspection rules.
• A valid U.S. driver's licence, residence documentation, vehicle insurance (when supplying your own car) and a driver profile photo.
• Driving-history and criminal-history screening; some cities have separate permits, safety training or other vehicle rules.

Check Uber's current U.S. passenger-driver requirements before registering. You may be eligible for delivery even if you do not meet the passenger age or vehicle rules.

2. Uber Eats delivery: different rules and more transport options

Uber's delivery requirements vary by transport mode and state. For a car, Uber typically lists age 19+, a two- or four-door vehicle, a driver's licence and a Social Security number for screening. Important exception: California and New York State require car and scooter couriers to be at least 21 under Uber's national delivery guidance.

• Car: usually at least age 19, with age 21 required in California and New York State. Uber requests a suitable vehicle, driver's licence and screening information.
• Scooter: at least age 19 in most areas, age 21 in California and New York State; local mode and licence requirements apply.
• Bicycle or walking: age 18+ in eligible cities, with government identification and screening information. Foot delivery is not offered everywhere.
• Types of work: Uber may offer food delivery, packages or shopping orders depending on city and account eligibility.

Official details: Uber U.S. delivery requirements. Do not assume delivery modes or rules in one city carry over to another.

3. Screening and approval

Passenger and delivery applicants undergo required identity and background checks before activation. Passenger driving includes a vehicle and driving-history review. Car couriers may also need driving-record screening; bicycle/foot applicants have a different document path.

Account approval timing, ongoing screening and additional requirements vary by city and product. If Uber requests additional information, submit documents only through official Uber account channels.

Source: Uber safety and driver screening.

4. Insurance: passenger rides and deliveries are not interchangeable

Insurance is one of the most important differences. Uber's passenger-rideshare coverage changes between being offline, online waiting for a request, driving to a pickup and carrying a passenger. Keep your own auto policy active and ask your insurer how it treats commercial platform activity.

These are examples of Uber's published rideshare arrangements, not universal state-specific legal advice. Compare Uber's current U.S. insurance explanation with your own insurer's requirements.

5. U.S. Uber taxes: plan for self-employment reporting

Uber driving and delivery earnings are generally taxable gig income. The IRS says you must report gig-work income even when it is part-time or not reported on a Form 1099.

For independent contractors, the IRS says $400 or more in net self-employment earnings generally triggers a federal tax-return filing requirement. Estimated tax payments may also apply depending on your overall situation.

• Save platform statements, gross earnings, tips and fees.
• Keep contemporaneous business-mileage and vehicle expense records; choose an appropriate tax method and do not double-count mileage and actual expenses.
• Track tolls, parking, equipment and permitted business-use expenses.
• Set aside money toward estimated taxes rather than treating every payout as available spending cash.

See IRS: Manage taxes for gig work and the Jack Righteous Uber tax guide.

6. State and city requirements can change the answer

A car that qualifies for rideshare in one state or city may fail vehicle-age, inspection, insurance or permit rules elsewhere. Airports can have pickup restrictions, and some jurisdictions set separate work rules or minimum-pay standards. Enter the actual city where you plan to work when checking eligibility.

The same applies to Uber Eats: bike/foot delivery, shopping orders and local delivery rules vary widely. Don't purchase a new vehicle solely because of a promotion or another driver's earnings screenshot.

7. Test what you actually keep, not the advertised gross payout

Compare passenger rides and delivery by calculating estimated earnings after operating costs per total hour online. Record both productive and unpaid waiting time, along with repositioning miles. A large individual fare can still be a poor use of time after fuel, insurance, repairs and dead mileage.

• Gross fares or delivery pay and tips; note temporary incentives separately.
• Hours online versus time actively on trips.
• Paid and unpaid miles; fuel/charging, maintenance, depreciation and parking.
• Any tolls, insurance differences or additional permit costs.
• Estimated after-cost pay per online hour and a reasonable tax reserve.

For delivery, use the 25-Delivery Profit Test; for scheduling, see how Uber Eats Planner works in participating U.S. cities and the football-weekend driving and delivery guide.

U.S. Uber signup: frequently asked questions

Can I use a Canadian Uber referral to sign up in the U.S.?

The link may open a signup page, but that is not proof it qualifies for referral rewards. Uber's published Canadian referral rules say you cannot refer someone in a different country for that program. The applicant should check the U.S. signup offer shown by Uber; the referrer should verify any cross-border qualification separately.

Can I qualify for both Uber Driver passenger rides and delivery?

Where available, eligible people can add more work types through the Uber Driver app's Work Hub, with separate documents or approvals if required.

Uber Help explains Work Hub eligibility and additional opportunities.

Does Uber insure my vehicle for everything?

No. Platform coverage depends on your status and type of trip, and your own auto policy still matters. Check the published insurance rules and contact your insurance provider.

Does signing up guarantee a referral bonus?

No. Availability and qualification depend on Uber's current promotion, eligible city, account, deadline and completed-trip requirements.