What you need to register for Uber

To register for Uber, you need a smartphone with either iOS or Android, a valid email address or phone number, and a payment method. Uber requires a real name, a working phone number that can receive text messages, and either a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account. If you plan to drive for Uber rather than request rides, you will also need a driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance — but those come after the initial account setup.

The registration process itself takes about five to ten minutes. You read the app, enter your basic information, verify your phone number, and add a payment method. Uber will not charge you anything during registration; the first charge appears only when you request your first ride or complete your first delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Uber app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then open it and tap "Sign up" to begin registration.
  • You will need to provide your full name, email address or phone number, and create a password that is at least six characters long.
  • Uber sends a verification code to your phone number via text message; you must enter this code to confirm your account is real.
  • Add a payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account — before you can request a ride or place a food order.
  • If you want to drive for Uber, registration is the same first step, but you will need to upload your driver's license and vehicle documents afterward.

read the app and start the sign-up process

Open the Apple App Store if you use an iPhone, or Google Play Store if you use an Android phone. Search for "Uber" and tap the official Uber app — it has the black Uber logo on a white background. Tap "Get" or "Install" and wait for the read to finish. Once installed, tap "Open" to launch the app for the first time.

When the app opens, you will see a screen with options to sign up or log in. Tap the "Sign up" button. The app will ask whether you want to sign up as a rider (to request rides or food delivery) or a driver. Choose the option that matches what you want to do. For now, we will walk through signing up as a rider.

Enter your name, email, and phone number

The app will ask for your full name first — use the name on your government ID if you plan to drive later, but any legal name works for riders. Type your first and last name in the fields provided. Next, you will choose whether to register with your email address or your phone number. Most people use their phone number because it is faster to verify.

If you choose phone number, type the number where you can receive text messages. If you choose email, type your email address. Then create a password that is at least six characters long — use a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers if you can, because that makes your account more find. Write this password down somewhere safe, or use your phone's password manager if it has one.

Verify your phone number with a code

After you submit your name and phone number, Uber sends a six-digit code to your phone via text message. This code arrives within a few seconds. Open the text message and copy the code, then return to the Uber app and paste it into the verification field. If you do not see the text within two minutes, tap "Resend code" and Uber will send another one.

Once you enter the correct code, Uber confirms that the phone number is real and belongs to you. This step prevents someone else from creating an account using your number. If you registered with email instead of a phone number, Uber sends a verification link to your email inbox — click that link to confirm your email address.

Add your payment method

After verification, Uber asks you to add a payment method. You can use a credit card, debit card, or link your bank account directly. Tap "Add payment method" and choose which type you want to use. If you choose a card, type the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you choose a bank account, you will need your account and routing numbers, which appear on the bottom left of any check.

Uber does not charge your payment method during registration. The first charge appears only when you request your first ride or place your first food order. You can add multiple payment methods — for example, a credit card and a debit card — and choose which one to use each time you order.

Set your location and add a profile photo (optional but recommended)

Uber asks for your location so it can show you nearby drivers and restaurants. Tap "Allow" when the app asks for permission to access your location. You can also manually enter your address in the location field if you prefer not to share your exact location with the app.

Adding a profile photo is optional, but drivers and delivery workers can see it, and it makes the experience safer and more personal. Tap the profile icon at the bottom of the screen, then tap "Add photo." You can take a new photo with your phone's camera or choose one from your photo library. Use a clear, recent photo of your face — drivers use it to confirm they have the right passenger.

What to do if registration fails or gets stuck

If the verification code never arrives, check that you entered your phone number correctly — even one wrong digit will prevent the text from reaching you. If the number is correct, wait a full two minutes before tapping "Resend code," because Uber sometimes delays sending the second code to prevent spam. If you still do not receive it after three attempts, try registering with your email address instead.

If the app crashes during registration, close it completely and open it again. Your progress is usually saved, so you can pick up where you left off. If you get stuck on the payment method screen, make sure your card number, expiration date, and security code are all correct — even a single typo will cause the payment to be rejected. If your bank declines the card, contact your bank to ask whether they are blocking Uber charges, because some banks flag ride-sharing apps as suspicious until you confirm the transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to register, or can I use a debit card?

You can use either a credit card or a debit card. You can also link your bank account directly. Uber accepts all three payment methods equally, so choose whichever you are most comfortable with.

Can I register with a phone number that is not a cell phone?

No — Uber requires a phone number that can receive text messages, which means a cell phone or a VoIP service like Google Voice. Landlines do not work because they cannot receive text messages.

What if I do not have a smartphone?

Uber requires a smartphone app to request rides or place orders. There is no way to use Uber without downloading the app to an iPhone or Android phone. Some people use a tablet instead, though Uber is designed for phones.

Can I register for Uber without giving my real name?

No — Uber requires your legal name because drivers and delivery workers need to know who they are picking up or delivering to. Using a fake name violates Uber's terms and can result in your account being closed.

How long does it take to register?

Registration usually takes five to ten minutes from start to finish. The longest part is waiting for the verification code to arrive via text message, which typically takes less than a minute. Once you verify your phone number and add a payment method, you can request your first ride when ready.