More than 36% of Americans use a ridesharing app like Uber. Everything from picking up a crossbow for hunting season to finishing a passport application requires everyday riders to get around the city, and Uber is a fantastic solution.
That being said, starting a new business can be challenging, especially for those with a criminal record. That is why many felons are turning to ridesharing apps like Uber for help. Felons face all kinds of obstacles when it comes to finding a job. Even something as simple as getting a real estate license is more complicated because of a previous criminal conviction getting in the way of a criminal background check.
That is why we will explore the question: can you drive for Uber with a felony conviction? As well as some tips to ensure you can start a ridesharing business that makes money. Let’s jump into building your next start-up ideas through Uber.
Can a Felon Be an Uber Driver?
The short answer is yes, felons can drive for Uber. However, there are some restrictions in place. Uber conducts a background check on all potential drivers. Any felony conviction in the past seven years may disqualify your application.
Uber uses Chekr to verify your previous criminal record through background checks. This isn’t like running for public office, where you can explain away the conviction. If you have a felony that falls within Uber’s restricted list, you are out of luck with the background check process.
Most of the time, this will be because of drug-related offenses, violent criminal offenses, or if you have registered sex offender status.
If you go through the process of applying for this best business idea and get rejected, you’ll have to wait 3-6 months before reapplying and going through another background check.
The reason Uber is considered a good business to start is that you can earn anywhere from $1,000-$4,000 per month, or about $25 per hour. That is a massive boost over McDonalds or Walmart.
Does Uber Eats Hire Felons?
Uber Eats is a food delivery service that operates under the Uber umbrella. Like Uber, Uber Eats also conducts background checks on all applicants. While the requirements for driving for Uber Eats are similar to those for Uber, the delivery service may be more lenient when it comes to certain misdemeanors showing up in the background check.
So, can you work for Uber eats with a felony conviction? Yes, but the rules are a little different. They are looking for severe violations like violent crimes, DUI charges, sexual offenses, or outstanding warrants.
You also need to be able to carry at least 30 pounds. So if you are looking for entrepreneur ideas to earn money, you might want to spend a bit of time with some free weights first, even if your criminal record prevents driving services.
What About Misdemeanors?
While some misdemeanors may not disqualify an applicant from driving for Uber, it is important to note that the company’s policies can change at any time. The background check system is looking for less than three minor driving offenses:
You cannot have any serious vehicle issues in the past 7 years like street racing, reckless driving, or hit-and-run issues. You also need to show valid car insurance when applying, as they will conduct a motor vehicle report along with a background check.
Additionally, certain misdemeanors, such as drug or alcohol-related offenses, may result in disqualification. Most of the time Uber is looking for misdemeanors like sexual assault, violent crime, or child endangerment, as well as your felony record.
Does Uber Offer a Second Chance Policy?
Uber is one of the few business ideas that fall into the “Second Chance” category. That is because the company believes people should be allowed to earn an income, even if they have made mistakes in the past.
When the White House Fair Chance Business Pledge came out, Uber signed the document in 2016 to show it would allow some applicants. When Uber hires felons, it makes sure the offenses have nothing to do with driving and public safety. As long as you are outside a DUI, violent crime, or sexual crime-related issues, you still have a good chance.
This means that if you have a felony conviction in your past, but can demonstrate that you have turned your life around, Uber may be willing to give you a chance. It is important to be honest about your past and to provide as much information as possible to the company when applying. That is because many people know Uber is an option for service business ideas.
How Extensive are Uber’s Background Checks?
Uber’s background checks are reasonably extensive, and they include criminal history, driving record, and vehicle history. The company checks for criminal convictions in the past seven years, and it looks for any violent crimes or sexual offenses.
Additionally, Uber is going to look closely at your driving record. A felony conviction or not, Uber wants to make sure you don’t have any major violations, such as DUIs or reckless driving.
Finally, before you can add Uber to your list of good business ideas, you may want to be sure your vehicle’s history is accurate. They will check if the car needs any repairs or has been through the wringer in accidents.
What Felony Convictions Prevent Uber Driving?
As previously mentioned, any violent crime or sexual offense will result in permanent disqualification from driving for Uber. Additionally, any felony conviction in the past seven years will disqualify an applicant. Felonies related to drug or alcohol offenses may also result in disqualification, as may any felony related to driving, such as vehicular manslaughter.
For certain, the following felony convictions will mean a no to the question can you work for Uber with a felony:
What About Drug Testing?
Unlike so many other businesses to start with a felony in your history, Uber does not currently require drug testing for its drivers. That doesn’t mean you are out of the woods. The ridesharing company may conduct random drug tests if you are in an accident or get reported for suspicious behavior by a rider.
Any positive drug test results in disqualification from the app platform. As such, it is important for all Uber drivers to ensure that they are not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Why is Uber a Good Business for Home Workers?
Uber can be a good business for home workers, as it allows you to set whatever hours you want. This makes it highly convenient when you are a felon because you’ll be able to meet all the other probation requirements or reengage with your family life.
Additionally, because you’ll be using your own vehicles, renting, or leasing office space is unnecessary. This can be particularly helpful for felons with difficulty finding employment or good business ideas due to criminal history.
Tips for Felons Working at Uber
1 – Be Grateful
One of the best things you can do as a felon working for Uber is to be grateful for the opportunity. So many felons struggle to find employment, and Uber is a company that is willing to give people a chance. Show your gratitude by being a model driver, providing excellent customer service, and treating your vehicle with care and respect.
2 – Treat Your Car like a Palace
As an Uber driver, your car is your office. You want to lower your operational expenses as much as possible. This is a good business tip not only for maximizing profits, but so your riders have a good experience and will leave positive reviews – meaning more rides.
3 – Maintain Customer Service
Uber is one of the best profitable business ideas as long as you maintain a good reputation. Customer service is key when it comes to building a successful business, and Uber is no exception. Always be polite and professional when interacting with customers, and go out of your way to make their experience a positive one.
4 – Get a Dash Camera
A dash camera can be a useful tool for Uber drivers, as it can help to provide evidence in the event of an accident or dispute. Additionally, a dash camera can help to deter bad behavior from passengers, as they will know that they are being recorded. You don’t want to deal with a drunk spitting attitude at 1am in the morning.
How Do I Become an Uber Driver?
Step 1: Meet Driver Requirements
Now that you know can felons work for Uber is a yes, it’s time to apply. You need to start by meeting the company’s driver requirements. These requirements vary by location, but typically include:
Step 2: Meet Car Requirements
Your vehicle must also meet Uber’s vehicle requirements. These requirements include:
Uber X and Uber Eats may also have different vehicle requirements because they offer a slightly modified business to start from home model.
Step 3: Have Proper Insurance
You must also have proper insurance to drive for Uber. This typically includes liability insurance, as well as collision and comprehensive coverage. Every state will be different, but do not expect to drive for the ridesharing app unless you have the minimum insurance qualifications.
Step 4: Sign Up and Get Verified
To sign up for Uber, visit the company’s website and fill out an application. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and driver’s license number.
How Much Can You Make with Uber?
Every Uber driver, regardless of a felony conviction or clean record, is looking to make as much money as possible. The amount of actual cash you’ll bring home varies a lot based on where you live, the frequency of rides you get, your vehicle size, and so much more.
On average, Uber drivers make about $37,000 a year, but you can easily make more than that with a bit of innovative thinking and paying close attention to demand.
Wrapping It Up
Starting a business as a felon can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Uber is a company that is open to felons, and it can be a good business opportunity for those who are looking to work from home.
While restrictions exist for those with criminal records, it is still possible to become an Uber driver if you meet the company’s requirements. With some hard work and dedication to customer service, you can make a solid living using Uber as your business idea.
This is a fantastic place to start replacing your income while you work on your resume, start another business, or find a more traditional job. The power is in your hands.
If you would like to learn more about changing your life after a felony conviction, check out the guide Getting Out: success after incarceration, available on Amazon.
