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 you to be at least 18 years old. The registration process takes about five minutes and happens entirely within the Uber app — there is no separate website signup for riders.

You will also need to verify your identity before your first ride. Uber asks for your legal name, date of birth, and a valid government-issued ID in some regions. Payment methods can be a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, depending on your location.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Uber app from the App Store or Google Play, then open it and tap "Sign Up" to begin registration with your email or phone number.
  • You will need to verify your phone number or email by entering a code Uber sends you, then add your legal name, date of birth, and payment method.
  • Some regions require you to upload a photo of your government ID before you can request your first ride.
  • Your account is ready to use once verification is complete, and you can request a ride by entering your destination and confirming the fare estimate.

Step-by-step registration process

Start by downloading the Uber app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, depending on your phone. Open the app and tap the "Sign Up" button at the bottom of the login screen. You will see two options: sign up with your email address or with your phone number. Choose whichever you prefer — both work equally well.

If you choose email, enter your email address and create a password. If you choose phone, enter your phone number. Uber will send you a verification code to whichever method you selected. Check your email inbox or text messages for this code, then return to the app and enter it. This step confirms that you own the email address or phone number you provided.

Next, enter your legal first and last name exactly as it appears on your government ID. Then enter your date of birth. Uber uses this information to verify your identity and ensure you meet the age requirement. After that, add your payment method by entering your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet details. Uber will not charge you during registration — this just stores your payment information for future rides.

Identity verification and ID requirements

After you complete the basic registration, Uber may ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your government-issued ID. This requirement varies by location — some cities and countries require it before your first ride, while others do not. If Uber asks for it, you will see a prompt in the app directing you to take a photo of the front of your ID.

Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, passport, national ID card, or state ID card. The photo must be clear enough for Uber to read your name, date of birth, and ID number. Take the photo in good lighting and make sure all four corners of the ID are visible. Uber uses automated systems to read the ID, so blurry or partially hidden information may cause the verification to fail and require you to resubmit.

If your ID verification is rejected, the app will tell you why — usually because the photo is unclear, the ID is expired, or the name on your ID does not match the name you entered during registration. You can resubmit a new photo immediately. Most verifications process within a few minutes, though some may take up to 24 hours.

Adding and managing payment methods

During registration, you add at least one payment method. You can use a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. Debit cards work as well. In many regions, you can also link digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, which is faster at checkout because you do not have to enter card details manually.

After registration, you can add more payment methods or change which one is your default. Open the Uber app, tap your profile icon in the top left, then tap "Wallet" or "Payment Methods." From there you can add a new card, remove an old one, or set a different card as your primary payment method. Uber stores your payment information securely and does not share it with drivers.

If you want to pay with cash instead, some cities allow cash payment on certain ride types. Check the app before you request a ride — if cash is an option, you will see it listed as a payment choice. Not all regions or ride types support cash, so this is not always available.

What happens after you register

Once your registration is complete and any required ID verification has gone through, your account is ready to use. Open the Uber app and enter your destination in the search box at the top. The app will show you available ride types — usually UberX (standard cars), UberXL (larger vehicles), or other options depending on your city. Select the ride type you want and confirm the fare estimate.

Tap "Request" to send your ride request to nearby drivers. The app will show you a map with your pickup location and the driver's location as they approach. You will see the driver's name, photo, car details, and license plate. Once the driver arrives, get in the car and the ride begins. Payment happens automatically using the payment method you set during registration.

Troubleshooting common registration problems

If you enter your phone number but never receive the verification code, check that you typed the number correctly, including the country code if you are outside the United States. Wait a few minutes — the code can take up to two minutes to arrive. If it still does not come, tap "Resend Code" in the app to request a new one. If you are using an older phone or a carrier that blocks certain messages, the code might be filtered into spam or a separate folder.

If your ID verification fails repeatedly, make sure the photo is in focus, all edges of the ID are visible, and your name on the ID matches exactly what you entered in the app. Some people use a middle name on their ID but not during registration, or vice versa — this mismatch will cause rejection. Retake the photo in bright natural light and avoid shadows or glare on the ID surface.

If you cannot add a payment method, your card may be declined for several reasons: the card is expired, the billing address does not match what your bank has on file, or your bank is blocking the transaction as suspicious activity. Contact your bank to confirm the card is active and that they are not blocking Uber. Then try adding the card again in the app.

Account security after registration

After you register, protect your account by using a strong password that you do not use on other apps or websites. Enable two-factor authentication if Uber offers it in your region — this adds an extra security step when you log in from a new device. You can turn this on in your account settings under "Security."

Review your account settings regularly to make sure no unauthorized payment methods have been added. If you lose access to your phone or email, you can still recover your account by going to the Uber login screen and tapping "Trouble signing in?" — Uber will walk you through identity verification to regain access. Never share your password or verification codes with anyone, including Uber staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register for Uber without a smartphone?

No, Uber only works through its mobile app on iOS or Android. There is no web version for riders to request rides. You must have a smartphone to use Uber.

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

Debit cards work just as well as credit cards for Uber registration. You can also use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay if your bank supports them. Some cities allow cash payment, though this is not available everywhere.

How long does ID verification take?

Most ID verifications process within a few minutes. Some take up to 24 hours. If your verification is rejected, you can resubmit a new photo immediately. You can still request rides while waiting for verification in some regions, though others require it before your first ride.

What if I registered with the wrong name?

If your registered name does not match your ID, you will need to contact Uber support to correct it. Open the app, tap your profile icon, scroll down to "Help," and select "Account & Settings." From there you can request to change your name. Uber may ask you to verify your identity again after the change.

Can I use someone else's payment method on my account?

No, Uber requires that the payment method be registered to you. The name on the card should match the name on your account. Using someone else's card can result in your account being suspended.