Tips to prepare for the Uber background check

Have you ever considered earning money as an Uber driver?

If you have a driver’s license and own a vehicle, working with Uber as a rideshare driver or an Uber Eats delivery driver can be a great way to earn a good income or work a side gig to get some extra money.

However, you need to be aware that there’s an Uber background check for every driver who wants to work on this app. So what does Uber check in this background check, and how does it work?

This article covers all the information you need about the Uber background check process. It will tell you what your background check entails, how long it takes to process, and some tips on appealing a rejected background check.

What is an Uber background check?

With Uber employing over 3.5 million drivers in 2021, the company has set stringent standards to ensure that all its drivers are safe and trustworthy. The Uber background check is a vital step in this process.

Uber runs a thorough background check on every single driver seeking to join its platform to discover if there are any issues that may impact a driver’s ability to provide service safely and responsibly. This includes criminal records for violent crimes, felony convictions, DUI/DWI convictions, sexual offenses, or other major traffic violations.

The checks are completed via a third-party background check provider called Checkr, which looks into the driver’s criminal history, driving record, and personal information.

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Checkr is one of the fastest and most reliable background-checking companies in the industry and is used by several ride-hailing services. Uber also works with HireRight and Samba Safety for background checks, both of which are certified by the Professional Background Screening Association. Partnering with these companies, Uber is able to run a seven-year criminal background check for every driver before they can start driving on its platform.

What does Uber consider on a background check?

There are several factors that Uber considers when assessing a driver's background check. According to Uber, criminal convictions such as murder, sexual assault, and terrorism-related offenses will result in disqualification regardless of when they occurred.

The most important things the Uber background check looks for are listed below.

Your driving history

When Uber performs a background check on you, they’ll find out everything about your driving record unless something has been expunged.

This includes:

• Traffic accidents

• Major and minor driving violations

• Speeding tickets and other fines

• Driving record points

• DUI records

• Reckless driving

Keep in mind that a DUI will almost automatically disqualify you from driving for Uber.

Minor violations and misdemeanors won’t disqualify you on their own. But if you have more than three in the past three years, Uber will most likely disqualify you from becoming a driver. This means you’ll need to wait a while without any incidents before you can apply again.

Driver's license check

Is your driver’s license valid, suspended, or revoked?

You need a valid driver’s license to drive for Uber. During Uber’s background screening, they ensure your license is up to date. If your license has been suspended, you’ll need to get this fixed before becoming a driver.

And if your license has been revoked, you’ll need to find a side job you can do without a car. For instance, Doordash accepts bike drivers, and Instacart hires in-store shoppers by the hour.

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Criminal record check

Another important portion of the Uber background check is the criminal history check. This includes checking national, state, and local databases to find out if you’ve been convicted of any felonies or misdemeanors. This data is then cross-referenced with your social security number to verify your identity.

Uber checks for convictions in the counties and states you’ve lived in over the past seven years. An extensive list of criminal offenses disqualifies you from becoming a driver, including felonies, misdemeanors, or other violations.

The company also looks into pending charges. If you’re awaiting a court hearing on a certain charge, it could delay your application process or disqualify you altogether.

Charges that are likely to get you disqualified from Uber include:

• Felonies

• DUI

• Theft or property damage

• Sexual or violent crimes

You’ll also be disqualified if your name appears on any sex offender list.

Motor vehicle report

Your MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) includes all driving infractions, violations, and convictions in the past three to five years. This may include DUIs and other serious traffic offenses like reckless driving or hit-and-run incidents. Many states have a designated time period in which they store and report information regarding traffic violations.

Uber will use your MVR to determine whether you’re eligible to become a driver. Even if you’ve been pulled over for minor offenses in the past, Uber won’t accept you if your record shows reckless driving or any other serious infractions.

Uber also regularly runs updated MVRs on its drivers to ensure they’re still eligible to drive. You may be disqualified from driving if the company finds any major violations. It's essential for drivers to stay up-to-date on their motor vehicle records and make sure there are no red flags before applying.

How far back will Uber check your background?

If you're preparing for the Uber background check, it's important to know the process and how far back they'll look into your past. There are several factors that Uber looks at to determine your eligibility, making the background check extensive and thorough.

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Uber checks your background for the past seven years. This includes state and national criminal records, motor vehicle reports, and driving infractions. The seven-year window is the same for all applicants, regardless of state or county. It's considered a general rule of thumb that most employers use when conducting background checks.

Some drivers take steps to remove (called expunging) certain misdemeanors from their records, which can help them pass the background check. It's important to note that not all states allow for expungement, and some may have very strict requirements to expunge an offense.

If you're worried about a red flag affecting your background check, it's best to obtain a copy of your criminal history before applying. You can check with the courts in the county you were convicted of an offense to learn how to request documentation.

Most independent contractors, including rideshare drivers, are subject to background checks. Knowing the process and what to expect can help you prepare ahead of time and avoid any surprises. Strive to minimize major violations and work towards building a clean driving record to ensure you pass the Uber background check.

How long does an Uber background check take?

You can’t drive and generate income until the screening process is over — so how long will it take?

According to Uber’s help section, background checks usually take three to five business days. But they can take longer as well.

You may receive a copy of your background check results before Uber makes a decision. That’s because Checkr is in charge of doing the background check.

Checkr first makes the check. Next, they send you and Uber a copy of the background check results. This means that Uber has just received their copy by the time you receive the documents. Their staff will need time to look at your file before making a decision.

Sometimes your background check may take longer than expected, but that’s not always bad news. In some cases, courthouses may operate at a limited capacity, which means they can’t supply records as quickly as usual.

Steps to pass your Uber background check

1. Give your consent to Uber.

Uber can’t run a background check without your consent first. So, when you apply to become a driver, don’t forget to provide your consent.

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If you don’t complete this step, your account will be waitlisted until you do. Remember that you’ll need to provide your consent every time Uber runs a new background check since they’ll periodically refresh the data they have about you.

2. Provide the required documents

It sounds silly, but it can be easy to forget to provide some of the necessary documentation when you sign up for the Uber background check.

Make sure you have all of these documents on hand:

• Vehicle registration info

• Proof of car insurance

• Social Security number

• Driver’s license

You’ll also have 45 days to submit an Uber inspection form. This means you need to get your vehicle inspected and provide a motor vehicle report. The requirements for your vehicle vary by city, but just like your background check, you’ll need to repeat this process once a year.

3. Double-check that your documents are correct

When you upload your documents, make sure everything is up to date and that you don’t have any expired documents.

It’s also important to double-check that the images you’re uploading are legible. Sometimes Uber receives blurry images that Checkr won’t be able to use for the background check.

You should also verify that your documents are using your legal name. If there’s a discrepancy with your middle name or a typo, you may have to start the process again, delaying your efforts to earn a side income even further.

4. Check the status of your background check.

Want to stay up to date on what’s happening? You’ll be able to sign in to Checkr’s candidate portal to check the status of your background check.

How to appeal a rejected Uber background check

If your Uber background check is rejected, you are entitled to appeal the decision if you feel that something in your background check was inaccurate or misleading. You can appeal the decision after receiving notification from Uber that you have failed the screening process.

To start the process, you must submit an official appeal with the company that conducted the background check, either Checkr, HireRight, or Samba Safety. Uber is not able to accept any appeals directly and does not have the authority to change any decision made by the background check companies.

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When submitting your appeal with the background check company, it should include all relevant information that can help explain why you were disqualified. This should include any details that may support your case, such as court records, confidential information about an arrest record, or other evidence of rehabilitation.

Once you submit your appeal, the background check company will review all relevant documents and make a decision. It's important to note that the process can take longer than the standard time for a response.

Prepare for your Uber background check.

Armed with the proper knowledge, you can prepare for your Uber background check. Understanding the process and how far back Uber checks can help you decide whether to move forward with the application. Additionally, if you have any concerns about the accuracy of your background check, you can appeal the decision with the relevant background check company.

If you're ready to find a new job, check out the Jobcase Getting Hired Resource Center for more tips and advice. With Jobcase, you can connect with employers and other job seekers to find the perfect opportunity for you.