Uber Background Check: How Long Does It Take?

Michelle Wilson - December 14, 2023

The background check is a mandatory aspect of working for Uber, which looks at the applicant’s criminal history and driver’s abstract. All interested individuals will receive a free screening before starting the program. Although the time frame varies significantly, Uber typically takes three to ten days to finalize a background report.

Table of Contents

What is the Uber Background Check for Drivers?

Anyone interested in driving for Uber must meet all driver and vehicle requirements and hold three years of licensed driving experience to qualify. After completing the initial qualifications, interested parties must follow additional screening before joining the company. Uber carefully considers all driving records, criminal history, and other activities that could threaten the safety and security of others. Only those who meet the requirements are permitted to continue the application process.

How Does Uber Complete the Background Check?

Uber currently outsources the background screening process to a third-party company. The background check company integrates AI services, which automates aspects of the hiring process. Various aspects of an individual’s background report, including social media behavior, are reviewed when making hiring decisions.

What Information is Required for a Background Check?

When starting the Uber application process, users must include various personal information with the application. Personal information includes:

An individual’s complete name (first, middle, and last name).
Social security number.
Date of birth.
Driver’s license number.
Current residential address.

Yes. Individuals must consent to a background check to proceed with the Uber application. All background checks are subject to the rules and regulations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The Fair Credit Reporting Act protects any information collected by consumer reporting agencies. California holds independent laws relating to details within a background check.

How to Pass an Uber Background Check

Interested parties wanting to work for Uber must hold a clean criminal record. After the initial application, all individuals will consent to a background check through the Uber platform. If the background report indicates a previous criminal record, the application terminates. Additionally, Uber reserves the right to disqualify drivers for safety-related issues. Uber and Lyft are partners, enabling an industry-sharing safety program. This partnership also allows a mutual disclosure of any background information. In the event of significant safety concerns, information about drivers is shared across both platforms, terminating the membership simultaneously.

What Details Will Uber Look for on the Background Check?

There are several different areas within a background check that Uber will consider before finalizing an application. Two of the most critical aspects of the report include the criminal background history and the Motor Vehicles Record. The driving and motor vehicle records contain valuable insight into an applicant’s driving history. Uber will likely consider the following information within the background screening:

DUI public records
Major driving violations
Driving record point deductions
Reckless driving charges
Traffic accidents (including minor violations or speeding tickets)
Any traffic law violations, convictions, and fines.
Whether the driver’s license is valid, suspended, or canceled.

Will Minor Driving Violations Prevent Driving with Uber?

All minor driving violations will appear within the driving record screening. Uber currently prohibits any application with more than three violations within the previous three years to disqualify an application.

Understanding the Uber Criminal Background Check

The criminal history component of the background screening will include a comprehensive list of any notable activity attached to an applicant’s name. The screening will compile all information from public databases, local courthouses, and national, state, and county-level registries.

The background report will include any previous or pending charges, convictions, and arrests on your file. Any pending charge will appear within the report, regardless of the misdemeanor or felony charge. Currently, Uber holds a few limitations on criminal charges someone can have while acting as a driver for the company.

Prohibited Criminal Offenses for Uber

Applicants with the following charges on the report will automatically become ineligible for driving positions:

Theft
DUI
Felony Charges
Violent Crimes
Property Damage
Sexual Offenses
Any driver found driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will immediately receive a deactivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Uber’s Background Check Take to Finalize?

Many different influencing factors can impact turnaround times for a background check. Typically, Uber takes between three and ten days to finalize the background check. Typically, an agency can complete the screening process within 14 days. Uber needs to confirm the safety and security of all drivers on the platform.

How Long Does the Motor Vehicle Check Take?

The motor vehicle background screening will depend on the state you’re trying to reach. Occasionally, the company finalizes the report within a few days. Unfortunately, other states will require up to a week to complete the investigation. The motor vehicle background check is independent of Uber and will heavily depend on the state’s current caseload.

How Long Does the Criminal Background Check Take?

A criminal background application can take between two and ten business days. Results largely depend on the city in question and the results within the report. The number of transgressions and other applicants waiting for a report can also impact the turnaround time.

When Can an Applicant Work for Uber?

Qualified individuals will always receive an email from Uber. All participants can view the background check status through the third-party screening company. The company will indicate whether a specific file is complete, considered, pending, clear, or disputed.

Does the Law Require Background Checks for Employment?

No, background checks aren’t legally mandatory for employment. Many companies will screen potential applicants to ensure safety and security. Employers cannot consider data older than seven years.

Will Uber Consider DUIs in the Application?

Yes. The background check includes criminal and driving records, so Uber considers all DUI or drug-related charges.

Can an Applicant Remove a DUI Charge?

Anyone convicted of a DUI can apply to have the charge expunged from the record. After an individual receives an expungement, all applicable history is removed from the public record.

Will Uber Hire Felons?

Unfortunately, Uber doesn’t offer employment positions for individuals with felony charges. Uber carefully considers all applicants carefully before approving the application.

Conclusion

Uber drivers are consistently the face of the company, making them subject to careful screening and evaluation before approval. The background check is only one step in the application process to ensure anyone using the company has a positive experience with the service. All rideshare drivers need to be dependable and safe on the job. When applying for a driving role within the company, the entire background screening will take three to ten days to finalize.