Requirements on the road
To help you stay safe and compliant on the road, this page talks about being aware of local regulatory requirements. Please take the time to read and understand your obligations under these regulations.
Driver requirements
Display sticker/sign
Some regulations require you to display a sign or sticker that helps riders identify that you are a rideshare driver. To help with this, we provide a removable Uber sticker to be displayed on your vehicle whenever you’re online (where required). If the sticker is not properly displayed, or if it’s not visible while you’re driving with the Driver app (day or night), you could be subject to penalties by local authorities.
Driving-hour limits
State and local regulations may enforce limits on the number of hours drivers can spend online on rideshare platforms. To help you keep track of your time online, the Driver app will alert you when you’re approaching the applicable limit, and then again when you’ve been online for the maximum amount of time. After a substantial period of time offline, driving time resets and you can go online again to receive trip requests.
Community Guidelines
Our Community Guidelines were developed to help make every experience feel safe, respectful, and positive. Everyone who signs up for an Uber account across all of our apps, including drivers, riders, delivery people, Uber Eats users, and restaurants, is expected to follow the guidelines. Tap here for more information.
Vehicle inspections and maintenance
A vehicle inspection must be obtained every year, regardless of vehicle age, and regular maintenance must be carried out to specific standards.
Required permits
TNC for-hire permit
Every TNC driver is required to carry a for-hire permit issued by the City of Seattle and King County. This license allows you to operate on the Uber platform.
Uber Seattle will submit your application on your behalf for your for-hire permit. Upon approval, you'll receive an email from Uber that your permit is ready for pickup from King County offices located at 500 4th Avenue in Seattle. In the period after your application is submitted and before receiving your pickup email, you're able to operate as a TNC driver and accept rides on the Uber platform.
TNC vehicle endorsement
Every TNC driver is required to carry a TNC vehicle endorsement issued by the City of Seattle and King County. This endorsement allows you to operate on the Uber platform, and it's required to be displayed on your window.
Uber Seattle will submit your application on your behalf for your TNC vehicle endorsement. Upon approval, you'll receive an email for pickup from King County. In the period after your application is submitted and before receiving your pickup email, you're able to operate as a TNC driver.
Required testing
Seattle City Knowledge Test
In order to be compliant and legal to operate, you must complete a Seattle City Knowledge Test. You can visit our team and take the test at a local Greenlight location.
Defensive driving course
In order for your for-hire permit to remain valid, you must complete this course after your Uber account has been activated.
The access code is SEADDC, and you need to register with your Uber phone number. Your results may not be valid if this information is not correct.
Seattle business license
In order to get your Seattle business license, you can apply in person, by mail, or online.
You can find application instructions and cost information on the City of Seattle's website.
Tacoma drivers
If you're a Tacoma driver, you must first activate your account in Tacoma.
After activation (or if you're an existing Tacoma driver), head to the Tacoma Greenlight Spot or Seattle Greenlight Hub to have an Uber Expert change your account settings so that you can take trips in both Seattle/King County and Tacoma/Pierce County.
Remember, it's always your responsibility to understand and comply with the law when you’re out on the road. Nothing on Uber’s website is legal or tax advice. If you have questions about the law, you can always consult your local department of transportation and/or an appropriate legal or tax professional.
About
Explore
Car service cities
Jobs by city
Popular routes