Uber Drivers: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

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Uber Drivers: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Uber is one of the world's largest rideshare and delivery platforms, with millions of active drivers and delivery workers operating across 70+ countries. Before any driver or courier can access the Uber platform, Uber requires a background check as part of its standard onboarding process. Below, we cover Uber's company history and operations, and straightforward answers to the most-searched questions about the Uber driver background check process.

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Uber: Company overview

Uber was founded in 2009 by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp in San Francisco, California. Originally launched as a black car service, the company expanded rapidly into a full rideshare marketplace connecting riders with independent driver-partners. Uber went public on the New York Stock Exchange in May 2019 under the ticker symbol UBER.

Today, Uber operates in 70+ countries and more than 10,000 cities worldwide. The company employs approximately 30,000+ corporate staff, while millions of additional independent contractors work as drivers and delivery workers on the platform. Dara Khosrowshahi has served as CEO since 2017, following the company's early high-growth years.

Uber's platform spans several business lines: its core rideshare service (Uber), food and grocery delivery (Uber Eats), freight logistics (Uber Freight), and enterprise transportation management (Uber for Business). This diversification has made Uber one of the most widely recognized technology platforms in the on-demand economy.

Company culture and driver programs: Uber's platform is built around independent contractor flexibility, allowing drivers and delivery workers to set their own schedules and work as much or as little as they choose. Uber offers drivers access to earnings tools, in-app navigation, and support resources. The company provides third-party liability insurance coverage while drivers are actively on a trip, and offers additional programs through the Uber Pro rewards tier, which provides benefits based on trip volume and ratings. Driver support is available through the Uber app and online help center.

Uber driver background check FAQs

Does Uber do background checks on drivers?

Yes. All prospective Uber drivers and Uber Eats delivery workers are required to complete a background check before gaining platform access. The specific components of the check vary by role and location, and may be subject to local laws and regulations. Because Uber drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, the screening process is designed to evaluate eligibility for platform access rather than traditional employment. The background check cannot be bypassed or skipped.

How long can an Uber background check take?

Three to five business days is the typical timeframe for most Uber background checks. However, several factors can extend that window:

Manual court record retrieval from jurisdictions that do not report electronically
Common names that require additional identity verification steps
Out-of-state records that must be pulled from multiple court systems
DMV delays in returning motor vehicle records
Discrepancies in candidate-provided information that require review

For more context on what affects timing, see background check turnaround times.

What does an Uber background check include?

An Uber driver background check generally consists of two main components:

Criminal history search: This includes a search of county, state, federal, and national criminal records. It also includes an SSN trace to verify identity and surface additional jurisdictions to search, a search of the sex-offender registry, and a search of global watchlists including terrorist and sanctions databases.

Motor vehicle record (MVR) check: Uber requires a clean driving record as a condition of platform access. The MVR check pulls a candidate's license status, major violations, minor violations, and accident history from state DMV records. The lookback period for MVR checks typically ranges from 3 to 7 years, depending on the state.

What can be revealed in an Uber background check?

An Uber background check can surface records across several categories:

Identity verification: An SSN trace confirms the candidate's identity and identifies all addresses and jurisdictions associated with that SSN.
Criminal history: National, county, state, and federal court records are searched for felonies, misdemeanors, and other offenses within the applicable lookback period.
Sex-offender registry: A search of the national sex-offender registry is included.
Global watchlists: Searches of global watchlists flag candidates appearing on terrorist, sanctions, or other prohibited-party lists.
Motor vehicle records: Driving history including license status, violations, suspensions, and accidents is retrieved from the relevant state DMV.

How far back does Uber's background check go?

For criminal records, the standard lookback period is 7 years, consistent with FCRA guidelines and applicable state laws. However, certain offense types, including violent crimes and sexual offenses, may be reviewed regardless of when they occurred, subject to state law.

For motor vehicle records, the lookback period is generally 3 to 7 years, depending on the state DMV's reporting rules.

State and local laws govern the maximum lookback periods permitted in each jurisdiction. Some states have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that further restrict how and when certain criminal history information can be considered.

What is the FCRA and how does it protect candidates?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies, including Checkr, collect and report background check information, and how companies like Uber may use that information when making screening decisions.

Under the FCRA, Uber must:

Obtain written consent from the candidate before initiating a background check
Provide a pre-adverse action notice, including a copy of the background check report and a summary of FCRA rights, if it intends to take adverse action based on the report
Allow the candidate a reasonable period of time to review the report and dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information
Issue a final adverse action notice if the decision to deny platform access is confirmed

These protections apply to all candidates, regardless of the outcome of the background check.

What are Uber background check disqualifiers?

Uber uses its background check results to evaluate eligibility for platform access. Common disqualifying factors fall into two categories:

Criminal history disqualifiers:

Felony convictions within the past 7 years
Violent crime convictions (may be reviewed regardless of timeframe)
Sexual offense convictions or registration on the sex-offender registry
DUI or DWI convictions within the applicable lookback period
Drug-related driving offenses
Theft, fraud, or property crime convictions within the lookback period

Driving record disqualifiers:

Suspended or revoked driver's license
Major violations such as reckless driving or hit and run
DUI or DWI within the MVR lookback period
A pattern of minor violations indicating unsafe driving behavior

Uber conducts an individualized assessment consistent with EEOC guidance. The presence of a record does not automatically result in disqualification in all cases, and the nature, severity, and recency of any offense may be considered.

Does Uber Eats do a background check?

Yes. Uber Eats delivery workers go through the same Checkr background check process as Uber rideshare drivers. The check covers both criminal history and motor vehicle records. Delivery workers cannot begin accepting orders until the background check is complete and the account is activated.

How do I check my Uber background check status?

Checkr sends email updates to candidates at key stages of the background check process. Candidates can also check their status directly through the Candidate Portal, which shows the current stage of the check, which records are being searched, and the overall status of the report.

If the background check has been pending longer than expected or if there are questions about the report, candidates can contact the Checkr Help Center for assistance.

Order your own background check

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Uber may see before your screening begins. A personal check covers the same core components included in a standard driver screening:

Criminal history searches: SSN trace, sex-offender registry, global watchlists, national, county, state, and federal court records.
Motor vehicle records: Search a state's DMV, confirm driver's license, and identify driving incidents.

To run a personal background check or create a shareable Checkr Profile:

Are you a candidate with an open background check with Checkr?

You can track your background check status and get support through the Candidate Portal or by visiting the Checkr Help Center.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.