Does Uber Hire Felons?

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How Uber's Background Check Works

Uber uses Checkr, a technology-driven background check company, to screen all driver and delivery partners. The Checkr screening includes a county, state, and federal criminal records search, a Social Security number trace, and a national sex offender registry check. For driving positions, it also includes a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check that reviews your driving history for the past 3-7 years depending on the state. The process is largely automated and typically takes 3-7 business days, though it can take longer in jurisdictions with slower court systems. Checkr's standard lookback period is 7 years for criminal convictions, and in states with stricter limitations (like California), it may be shorter. This is significant because it means non-violent felony convictions that are older than 7 years may not appear on the report at all — effectively giving you a clean background for Uber's purposes. Checkr also does not report arrests that did not result in convictions, pending charges (in some states), or sealed/expunged records.

Automatically Disqualifying Convictions

Uber has a clear list of convictions that are automatically disqualifying regardless of how long ago they occurred. These include: any felony conviction for a violent crime (murder, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery); any sexual offense or conviction requiring sex offender registration; any conviction for terrorism-related offenses; and any felony involving the use of a vehicle as a weapon. Additionally, within the 7-year lookback period, the following are typically disqualifying: DUI or DWI convictions, reckless driving, hit and run, driving with a suspended or revoked license, felony drug offenses (trafficking, manufacturing, distribution), burglary, robbery, assault, domestic violence, weapons charges, and fraud or identity theft. Having more than 3 moving violations within the past 3 years can also result in disqualification. It's important to note that these standards can change, and Uber has generally been tightening their safety requirements over time in response to regulatory pressure and public safety incidents.

The Dispute and Appeal Process

If your Uber background check returns information you believe is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated, you have the right to dispute it directly with Checkr. Under the FCRA, Checkr must investigate disputes within 30 days and correct or remove any information that cannot be verified. Common reasons for disputes include: records that belong to someone with a similar name, convictions that have been expunged or sealed but still appear on the report, incorrect disposition information (such as a dismissed charge showing as a conviction), and records from jurisdictions outside the lookback period. To initiate a dispute, visit the Checkr candidate portal at checkr.com/dashboard using the credentials from your background check notification email. Provide any supporting documentation you have, such as court records showing expungement, dismissal, or correct disposition. If the disputed information is corrected, Checkr will update your report and Uber will re-evaluate your application. Many people who were initially rejected have been approved after successfully disputing inaccurate information.

Uber Eats vs. Rideshare: Is Delivery Easier to Get Approved For?

Uber technically applies the same background check standards to both rideshare drivers and Uber Eats delivery partners. However, there are some practical differences worth noting. First, Uber Eats offers the option to deliver by bicycle, scooter, or on foot in some markets — these modes do not require a Motor Vehicle Records check, making them accessible to people with DUI or driving-related convictions who would be disqualified from car-based driving. Second, while the criminal background check standards are officially the same, some applicants report that the overall threshold may be slightly more flexible for Eats delivery since you're transporting food rather than passengers. Uber has not publicly confirmed any difference in standards. If you're concerned about whether you'll pass the background check, starting with Uber Eats delivery (especially bicycle or walking delivery if available in your market) may be a good strategy. You can always add rideshare driving later if your background check comes back clear.

Continuous Background Monitoring

Uber doesn't just check your background once. The company uses Checkr's continuous monitoring service, which means your criminal record and driving record are checked on an ongoing basis after you're approved. If you receive a new conviction or serious traffic violation after you've started driving, Uber may deactivate your account. This continuous monitoring runs automatically and checks for new records periodically. This means it's important to maintain a clean record after you start driving for Uber. Even minor traffic violations can accumulate and trigger a review. If you are arrested or charged with a crime (even if not yet convicted), be aware that pending charges may appear in some jurisdictions and could lead to a temporary account hold pending resolution. If your account is deactivated due to new background information, you will receive a notification and have the opportunity to dispute the information if it's inaccurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber hire felons?

Uber allows people with some felony records to drive, but it depends entirely on the nature and timing of the conviction. Non-violent felonies older than 7 years typically do not appear on Uber's background check (through Checkr) and effectively do not prevent you from driving. Within the 7-year window, non-violent felonies are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, and DUI are generally disqualifying regardless of timing.

How far back does Uber's background check go?

Uber's background check through Checkr has a standard lookback period of 7 years for criminal convictions. In some states with stricter laws (such as California), the lookback may be shorter. Motor Vehicle Records are typically reviewed for the past 3-7 years depending on the state. Records older than the applicable lookback period generally do not appear on the report.

Can I drive for Uber with a DUI?

A DUI conviction within the past 7 years is generally disqualifying for both rideshare driving and car-based delivery. However, if your DUI is older than 7 years, it may not appear on the background check depending on your state's laws. If you have a DUI within the lookback period but want to use the Uber platform, consider Uber Eats delivery by bicycle or on foot, which does not require an MVR check.

Can I do Uber Eats with a felony?

Uber Eats delivery partners undergo the same criminal background check as rideshare drivers. However, if you choose to deliver by bicycle, scooter, or on foot (where available), you skip the Motor Vehicle Records check. Non-violent felonies older than 7 years are unlikely to appear. Within the 7-year window, it depends on the nature of the conviction — violent felonies and sexual offenses are disqualifying, while non-violent offenses may be accepted.

What if my Uber background check is wrong?

You can dispute inaccurate background check information directly with Checkr through their candidate portal at checkr.com/dashboard. Under the FCRA, Checkr must investigate your dispute within 30 days. Common errors include records belonging to someone with a similar name, expunged convictions still appearing, and incorrect charge dispositions. Provide supporting documentation (court records, expungement orders) to strengthen your dispute. If the information is corrected, Uber will re-evaluate your application.

Does Uber drug test?

Uber does not drug test drivers or delivery partners as part of the sign-up process. Since drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees, standard employer drug testing requirements do not apply. However, if you are involved in an accident or a rider reports suspected impairment, Uber may temporarily deactivate your account pending investigation. Uber Freight partners may be subject to DOT drug testing requirements.

How long does Uber's background check take?

Uber's background check through Checkr typically takes 3-7 business days. However, it can take longer — sometimes up to 2-3 weeks — if records need to be obtained from jurisdictions with slower court systems, if you've lived in multiple states, or if additional review is needed. You can check the status of your background check in the Uber app or through the Checkr candidate portal.

Can Uber deactivate me later if they find something new?

Yes, Uber uses Checkr's continuous monitoring service, which periodically rechecks your criminal and driving records after you're approved. If a new conviction, arrest (in some jurisdictions), or serious traffic violation appears, Uber may deactivate your account. You will be notified and have the opportunity to dispute inaccurate information. This means maintaining a clean record after starting is important for keeping your Uber access.