Popular UberXL vehicle models

• Chevrolet – Traverse
• Chrysler – Town and Country
• Dodge – Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey
• Ford – Explorer, Flex
• GMC – Acadia
• Honda – Odyssey, Pilot
• Hyundai – Santa Fe
• Kia – Sedona
• Mazda – CX-9
• Mercury – Mountaineer
• Mitsubishi – Outlander
• Nissan – Pathfinder, Quest
• Subaru – Tribeca
• Toyota – Highlander, Sienna
• Volkswagen – Routan

Eligible UberSelect vehicle models

Most models must be 2007 or newer, unless otherwise specified (click to enlarge):

Only the ones on the list qualify for UberSelect, even though there may be many other cars that meet the above Uber car requirements.

Eligible UberBlack Vehicle Models

Most models must be 2011 or newer, unless otherwise specified (click to enlarge):

Eligible UberSUV Vehicle Models

Most models must be 2011 or newer, unless otherwise specified:

• Chevrolet – LTZ
• Chevrolet – Suburban
• Chevrolet – Tahoe
• GMC – Yukon
• GMC – Yukon XL
• Cadillac – Escalade
• Cadillac – Escalade EXT
• Ford – Excursion
• Ford – Expedition
• Ford – Explorer
• Lincoln – MKT
• Lincoln – Navigator
• Acura – MDX
• Infiniti – QX60
• Infiniti – QX80
• Mercedes-Benz – GL-Class
• Lexus – GX
• Lexus – LX
• Audi – Q7

What about the Uber Vehicle Inspection?

Before you can use a car on Uber, Uber requires a vehicle inspection from a certified mechanic in some locations. Uber will send you information on where to get the inspection during your Uber driver application process. In some states, there are specific locations to go while in other states, you are given a checklist for a certified mechanic to fill out.

The Uber Vehicle inspection will inspect these items:

• Tires
• Doors
• Windows
• Brakes
• Mirrors (side, rear view mirrors)
• Lights (headlights, tail lights, turn signals)
• Windshield Wiper
• Windshield Spray
• Functioning Climate Control (Heat, AC)
• Seat Belts
• Horn
• Exterior condition (body damage, missing parts, etc)
• Current registration

These are the items that are part of a normal state safety inspection.

Common Questions about Uber Vehicle Requirements

Despite having clear regulations on what qualifies as a vehicle that can be on the Uber platform, there are still numerous questions about which car qualifies for Uber. All of the above rules are fairly black and white and Uber do not deviate from the above rules.

What if my car is old but still very nice like an old BMW?

Uber does not make any exceptions on how old the car can be. Typically, the uber car requirements for age is a state regulation and Uber does not have any control over this requirement. If the car is too old based on the state regulations, you will not be able to use it on Uber.

How Much Body Damage is Too Much?

When I was a Lyft Mentor, we were told that damage smaller than your fist wouldn’t count as major body damage, given that all the body panels were present on the car and not peeled away from the frame of the car.

If there is an Uber inspection, they will judge whether or not there is too much body damage. Even if it gets approved to drive on Uber, it may get delisted from Uber if an Uber passenger claims that your vehicle is in poor condition. You will then need to prove that your car is of sufficient condition to be on Uber with pictures. It may require you to fix the damage on your car before being able to use the car on Uber.

Do I need a Clean Title?

Most cars have clean titles. A Clean title is a car title that is free from any branding. A typical brand on a car title is either salvage title or rebuild title. While Uber doesn’t initially check title status when your car is approved on the platform, Uber runs regular checks on your VIN number to ensure that the car has a clean title. If you have a car that has a brand on your title, eventually Uber will find out. It may be a few months or a few weeks, Uber will find it. I hear from may drivers that their car was removed from Uber because it had a branded title. Some drivers are not aware there is a brand on their title.

The most reliable way to find out if there is a brand on your title is to run a CarFax report on your own vehicle. Your car title may look clean, but your car may have had a brand on the title in another state. CarFax have a Title Guarantee in that if they say the car has a clean title, they will pay for your car if it does not have a clean title.

In some states, it is possible to “Title Wash” the car so that it has a clean title. Some states have very loose rules on title brands so they can go to that state and “wash” the title. CarFax checks registrations from all 50 states so they will know if a certain car has ever had a brand on their title. If the car has ever had a brand on the title, it cannot be on the Uber platform. This is mostly due to higher liability and safety risk for their passengers.

Is there any exceptions to the above rules?

Uber do not make exceptions to the above rules. If it doesn’t pass inspection, it can’t be on the Uber Platform. If it doesn’t have a clean title, it can’t be on the Uber platform.

What are the Local State Uber Vehicle Requirements?

Uber doesn’t make it easy to find the exact Uber Car requirements in your city. Uber only displays very general Uber vehicle requirements on the Uber driver application. You will often find confusing information online concerning specific Uber vehicle requirements in your state.

To find the Uber Vehicle requirements in your city:

• Go to uber.com/drive/*city*/vehicle-requirements/
• For example: uber.com/drive/boston/vehicle-requirements/

Not all cities have a dedicated Uber vehicle requirements page so pick the largest city in your state and put that into the above link.

What if your car doesn’t meet these requirements?

You will not be able to drive on Uber. You may be approved to drive on the Uber platform, you won’t be able to drive on Uber since you don’t have a vehicle that meets their requirements. You can rent a car on companies such as Hyrecar and Maven.

Do I Really Need In-state Registration?

In most states, you don’t need to have in-state registration. The car can be registered and insured in a neighboring state. For example, Rhode Island and New Hampshire cars can drive in Massachusetts. However, you will need in-state registration in Washington State, New York City, Nevada and California.

Does The Vehicle Need to Be Registered in Your Name?

No, the vehicle does not need to be registered in your name. Your name doesn’t need to be on the car title either. Your name needs to be listed as an approved driver on the personal insurance policy. This allows you to drive your parents’ car or your friends car, as long as you are listed in their policy.

Is there Uber Car Requirements on vehicle condition?

Uber will only allow cars that are in good condition, free from major exterior and interior damage. Most inspections will forgive exterior damage is smaller than your fist, but if you have body damage, you may need to get it fixed before driving on Uber. Dented bumpers are ok, but half bumpers are not ok.

The interior needs to be clean with functioning seat belts. I have personally failed a few applicants with extremely dirty interiors. You don’t want to be driving passengers around with a dirty interior anyway so before the inspection, pay $50 to have an interior detail. Just vacuuming out your entire car will go a long way to making it look clean. If there are stains in the cloth, you may pass the inspection, but your reviews will reflect the condition of the car. It is best to pay for an interior detail to clean stains from cloth seats. You will get a higher rating and you won’t have to worry about the inspection.

What is the Uber Insurance Requirement?

You need to have in-state insurance with your name listed as a driver that satisfies the state minimum liability limits. Uber requires you have personal auto liability insurance but doesn’t require you to have collision or comprehensive insurance. If you have an accident on Uber and you do not have collision insurance, Uber will not insure you for damage to your own car, so beware. Uber insurance will cover based on your personal insurance policy.

In some states, you can have insurance in a neighboring state, along with a registration from a neighboring state.

Are You Still Unsure about the Uber Vehicle Requirements?

Ultimately, there is only one way to find out and that is to sign up for Uber. You can use this link to sign up for Uber and they will initiate your background check and driving record check at the end of the application process.

• Sign up to drive on Uber

You can also leave a comment below and I can try my best to answer any questions you may have about your vehicle.