If you’ve ever asked yourself, “can I be an Uber driver with a DWI?” you’re not alone—and that question doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. For many people, driving for Uber offers the flexibility and income potential that traditional jobs don’t. But when a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) conviction shows up in your history, everything changes. Uber has strict background check policies, and while a DWI doesn’t always result in an outright ban, it can severely limit your eligibility depending on the circumstances.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly what Uber’s policies say, how DWIs are treated in the rideshare industry, and what real-life drivers have experienced when trying to work with a record. Whether you’re trying to bounce back after a past mistake or simply want clarity about your options, this article will give you a clear picture—without the legal jargon.
Why Uber Runs Background Checks—and What That Means for You
Let’s start with why this matters. Uber is in the business of transporting people safely. That means trust is everything—both from riders and regulators. Uber’s reputation depends on keeping dangerous drivers off the road, and their background check policies are designed with that priority in mind.
What’s Included in Uber’s Background Check?
When someone applies to drive for Uber, the company conducts a comprehensive screening through third-party services like Checkr. This check includes:
- Criminal record search
- Driving history (including DUIs/DWIs)
- Federal and county records
- National sex offender registry search
Uber reviews a minimum of seven years of driving and criminal history, but some states require them to look further. So if you’re wondering, can I be an Uber driver with a DWI from five or six years ago, the answer will largely depend on state laws and Uber’s policy at that time.
What Uber’s Policy Says About DWIs
So here’s the real meat of the question: can I be an Uber driver with a DWI? According to Uber’s public safety standards, drivers are not allowed to have any felony convictions, criminal driving-related convictions, or serious violations in the last seven years. That includes DWIs.
Uber’s Policy in Plain English
In general, Uber’s policy says:
- You cannot drive for Uber if you’ve had a DWI in the last 7 years.
- Some states extend that window to 10 years or more.
- Multiple DWIs, even outside the 7-year window, can lead to disqualification.
- If your DWI was expunged or sealed, you may have a chance—but Uber may still see it.
This means that for many applicants, a DWI—even just one—can be a major roadblock to becoming a driver.
Real Story: Marcus and His Second Chance
Let’s talk about Marcus, a former truck driver from Dallas. He was convicted of a DWI in 2016 after falling asleep at the wheel after a night out. He completed his sentence, did his time in probation, and stayed sober for the next seven years. In 2023, he applied to drive for Uber.
His record showed up on the background check, but because the DWI was just over seven years old and he had a clean slate since then, Uber approved his application.
Marcus is now driving full-time. His story shows that while the answer to can I be an Uber driver with a DWI might be no today, it can change as time passes and as you take the right steps toward rehabilitation.
What If the DWI Is Expunged or Sealed?
This is a critical point for anyone trying to clean up their record. If your DWI conviction has been expunged, that means legally it’s erased from your record. If it’s been sealed, it’s hidden from public view—but not always from Uber’s background check providers.
Will Uber Still See It?
That depends. Uber uses services like Checkr, which have access to many sealed records—especially if the expungement was recent or poorly documented. If you want to drive and have a sealed or expunged DWI, it’s worth contacting Uber directly or applying and waiting to see the decision.
But be warned: even if the law says your record is clean, Uber’s internal risk standards may be stricter than the court’s.
Can I Appeal Uber’s Rejection Based on a DWI?
Yes, you can appeal if Uber denies your application due to a DWI. After receiving a disqualification notice, Uber typically provides access to the background check report, and you have the right to challenge any inaccurate information.
Steps to Appeal a DWI Disqualification
- Review the background check for errors. Mistakes do happen.
- Contact Checker or the reporting agency to dispute inaccuracies.
- Submit a support request to Uber with your explanation and evidence.
- Gather court records showing expungement or dismissal, if applicable.
While this won’t always work, especially if the DWI is recent, many applicants with older offenses have successfully appealed and been approved.
What About Other Rideshare or Delivery Apps?
If Uber turns you down, don’t lose hope. The answer to can I be an Uber driver with a DWI might be no for now, but other platforms may offer opportunities—especially if you’re willing to start in a less passenger-facing role.
Companies With Different DWI Policies
- Lyft: Similar to Uber—DWIs within the last 7 years usually disqualify you.
- DoorDash / Uber Eats: Often more lenient—especially if you’re delivering by bike or foot.
- Instacart: Also more flexible for drivers with minor records.
- Amazon Flex: Generally strict but may consider older DWIs.
Some gig economy companies have slightly looser rules because they involve fewer passenger interactions. If you’re disqualified from Uber, this might be your starting point while you work on clearing your record.
What the Law Says vs. What Uber Requires
It’s important to understand that Uber’s policies are private, and they can choose to set standards that are more stringent than state law. For example, you might have your license fully reinstated and legally be allowed to drive—but Uber can still say no.
So, when people ask, can I be an Uber driver with a DWI even though my state allows me to drive again, the unfortunate truth is: Uber doesn’t have to follow the same rules. It’s a private company protecting its brand and passengers.
How to Improve Your Chances of Driving for Uber After a DWI
If you’ve had a DWI and want to drive for Uber, your chances improve significantly over time. But in the meantime, here’s what you can do to position yourself better:
1. Get the Conviction Expunged (If Eligible)
If your state allows expungement of DWIs, this is your best path forward. It might take time and legal help, but it can open doors.
2. Gather Proof of Rehabilitation
Letters from alcohol counselors, AA sponsors, and probation officers can show that you’ve turned things around. Some applicants include these in appeals.
3. Stay Off the Radar
Keep your driving record clean. Even minor infractions after a DWI make you look riskier in Uber’s eyes.
4. Apply After Enough Time Has Passed
If your DWI happened more than 7 years ago and you’ve stayed clean since then, you’re in a much stronger position to apply again.
Real Case: Emily’s Appeal Success
Emily from Phoenix was denied by Uber due to a 2015 DWI that had been expunged in 2022. When she received her disqualification email, she didn’t give up. She contacted Uber, sent in the court documents proving her record had been cleared, and explained her efforts to stay sober.
Two weeks later, she got a reply: her application was approved. Her story is a reminder that persistence, patience, and paperwork matter.
What If You Already Drive for Uber and Then Get a DWI?
That’s a tough one. Uber performs periodic background checks even after onboarding. If you get a DWI after becoming a driver, there’s a good chance Uber will deactivate your account once the conviction appears in a rescreening.
You might not get any warning—just an email saying your account has been deactivated. In some cases, drivers are suspended pending further investigation. Either way, driving for Uber with a fresh DWI on your record is almost always a dead end, at least temporarily.
Can You Switch to Uber Eats with a DWI?
Here’s where some nuance comes in. If you’re unable to drive passengers because of your DWI, you might still be eligible for Uber Eats, especially if your offense was years ago or you’re delivering by bike or on foot.
Uber Eats typically uses the same background check system, but the risk standards are a bit more relaxed since no passengers are involved. It’s not guaranteed—but worth a try.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a DWI Define Your Future
So, can I be an Uber driver with a DWI? The honest answer is—maybe, but not right away. If the conviction is recent, chances are Uber will say no. But if time has passed, the record has been cleared, and you can demonstrate rehabilitation, there’s still a path forward.
Every case is different. And while Uber’s policies are strict, they aren’t necessarily permanent. Time, patience, and persistence can change the game. If Uber closes the door today, you may still have a chance tomorrow.
Driving for Uber can be a great second chance for many people. But if it’s not in reach right now, focus on rebuilding your record, exploring other delivery apps, and preparing for when the opportunity opens again.
Let me know when you’re ready to expand this into a full 4000-word article—we can dive deeper into expungement state-by-state, Uber’s legal disclaimers, appeals process case studies, and more.
