Vehicle requirements in your country
Which car is right for you? Make sure it meets Uber car requirements in your city and remember that you’ll make more money if you keep your costs low.
Your vehicle must-haves
- 15-year-old vehicle or newer
- 4-door vehicle
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- No commercial branding
- Pass a vehicle inspection
Registration
Uber accepts both official and temporary registration documents. The vehicle does not need to be registered in your name to qualify.
Insurance
All partners must maintain their own insurance policy in accordance with state and local laws. In addition, Uber maintains automobile liability insurance on behalf of all U.S. partners.
SEA Airport - Environmental Requirement
The Port of Seattle is committed to sustainable operations at the airport. To comply with the Port’s environmental regulations, vehicles on Uber’s platform must have a blended MPG rating of 45 or higher to join the SEA airport FIFO queue in the waiting area. You can check your vehicle’s MPG rating here. If your vehicle does not meet this MPG minimum, you will not be added to the queue and will not receive airport pickup requests.
Does your vehicle not meet the 45 MPG (blended) requirement?
- You can still complete dropoffs at SEA airport
- You are eligible for ReMatch trips after completing a dropoff
Required permits
TNC for-hire permit and vehicle decal
King County requires TNC drivers to display their valid physical TNC for-hire permit and vehicle decal in their vehicle at all times while performing TNC services.
While your TNC for-hire permit and/or vehicle decal applications are pending with King County, you are permitted by local regulations to accept trips in King County on the Uber platform.
Uber will apply for your for-hire permit and vehicle decal on your behalf. Once King County approves your application, Uber will notify you via email and in-app message that your for-hire permit and vehicle decal are ready for pickup.
Please pick up both of these documents from the King County office, which is located at 201 S Jackson Street in Seattle, located in the Customer Service Center in the South Lobby on the 2nd floor. The office is open between 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM PST Monday through Friday. After picking up these documents, you need to upload images of your for-hire permit and vehicle decal within the driver app within 30 days of King County’s approval of their application.
Please be sure the following documents are uploaded and approved in the Uber Driver App:
Driver’s License [most up-to-date] Registration Insurance VSID Inspection [ensure mechanic has uploaded inspection to VSID site] Defensive Driving Course Livery drivers (Uber Black): In order to accept UberX, UberXL, and Uber Comfort trips on the Uber platform, King County regulations require that you obtain a TNC for-hire permit or license. If you already have a King County TNC for-hire permit or license, please upload a photo of the permit or license to your Uber account.
Eligible vehicles list
Find the vehicle makes and models that are eligible to drive with Uber in your city.
Required testing
Seattle City Knowledge Test
In order to be compliant and legal to operate, you must complete a Seattle City Knowledge Test. After you complete the test, please upload the certificate to your Uber account.
Defensive Driving Course
Pursuant to law applicable to transportation network companies and drivers in King County and Seattle, and Pierce County and Tacoma, Uber is required to provide the National Safety Council's Online Defensive Driving Course.
Failure to complete this course may result in denial of your for-hire permit from regulatory agencies in these jurisdictions.
Upon successful completion of this course you will receive information on how to print or obtain an official National Safety Council Certificate of Completion. Please upload the certificate to your Uber account for approval.
Vehicle options in Seattle
UberX
Most newer cars qualify to drive with UberX, the most popular vehicle option for riders.
Additional requirements
- 4-door vehicle with independently opening passenger doors
- Have 5 factory-installed seats and seat belts
- Working windows and air conditioning
- No vans, box trucks, or similar vehicles
- No taxi cabs, government cars, or other marked vehicles
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
- No aftermarket seating modifications, such as installed seats, seat belts, or BedRyder systems
UberXL
Seat extra passengers—and earn higher fares—with your high-capacity vehicle.
Additional requirements
- 4-door vehicle with independently opening passenger doors
- Have 7 factory-installed seats and seat belts
- Working windows and air conditioning
- No vans, box trucks, or similar vehicles
- No taxi cabs, government cars, or other marked vehicles
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
- No aftermarket seating modifications, such as installed seats, seat belts, or BedRyder systems
Uber Black
Offer luxury rides in the original Uber black car service.
Additional requirements
- Keep a star rating of 4.85 or higher
- Commercial insurance
- Additional document required
Vehicle requirements
- 6-year-old vehicle or newer
- Exterior: black only
- Interior: black leather or vegan leather only
- Seat at least 4 passengers in addition to the driver
- No cosmetic damage or missing pieces
- Working windows
- No visible stains
- Operational A/C
Uber Black SUV
Make room for the whole crew with this high-end vehicle service. Only black SUVs qualify.
Additional requirements
- Keep a star rating of 4.85 or higher
- Commercial Insurance
- Additional document required
Vehicle requirements
- 6-year-old vehicle or newer
- Exterior: black only
- Interior: black Leather or vegan leather only
- Seat at least 6 passengers in addition to the driver
- No cosmetic damage or missing pieces
- Working windows
- No visible stains
- Operational A/C
Comfort
Comfort was designed to maximize possibilities on the Uber platform.
Additional requirements:
- Maintain eligibility on a different Uber option such as UberX, Select, UberXL, Uber Black, or Uber Black SUV
- Have a minimum star rating of 4.85 and have completed at least 100 trips
- Drive a vehicle with more legroom than smaller, compact cars eligible for UberX and that meet the minimum vehicle year requirement
Uber vehicle decals
The Uber decal must be displayed in your windshield when picking up and dropping off at the airport. Place it on your front passenger windshield facing outward.
Once you become an Uber driver, we will mail you a decal. You should receive it within 7 business days. If you ever need a new decal after you become a driver, you can request a new one be mailed to you.
Local requirements
To ensure that you stay safe and compliant on the road, all drivers should be aware of local regulatory requirements.
Washington State Driver Information
Learn about the driver benefits and protections available to drivers that operate in the state of Washington.
Vehicle solutions
No matter how you plan to drive, we can help you find a car that’s right for you. Discover the range of options available to you.
Get more from Uber
Get support
Let’s make every Uber trip hassle-free. Our support pages can help you set up your account, get started with the app, adjust fares, and much more.
Find a fleet
If you would like to drive using the Uber app and need to be connected with a licensed fleet company, as per local regulatory requirements, please connect with some of the fleets listed here.
Rewards
Reduce your costs and take home more of what you make in your city with driver discounts and rewards from Uber’s partners.
Partner Protection
Partner Protection helps protect you from the cost of accidents or life events, and is provided at no cost to all eligible independent driver partners.
The information provided on this web page is intended for informational purposes only and may not be applicable in your country, region, or city. It is subject to change and may be updated without notice.
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