Passenger Rides
Complete 159 passenger trips in 30 days and earn at least $2,175 guaranteed
$2,175
159 trips
★ Driver Sign-Up Bonus · 2026
Earn up to $2,175 guaranteed on your first 30 days.
New drivers and delivery partners who sign up through a referral link get a guaranteed-earnings floor. Hit the trip count, take home the bonus.
Your referral · Verified link
Sign up the right way, take the bonus home.
Tap the button — Uber attaches the referral automatically. Prefer to type the code inside the driver app? Use the invite code below.
Or enter this invite code in the Uber Driver app
a4tsa3uIn the app: Menu → Account → Referral → Have an invite code?
✓ Verified May 15, 2026✓ Free · No sign-up fee✓ Paid by Uber after trips
Disclosure: The sign-up button above is a referral link. If you apply through it, Uber pays URC a small referral credit — your bonus and your earnings are identical either way. You pay nothing extra.
Offer terms: The $2,175 headline is Uber's current advertised offer. Bonus amounts, trip counts, and timeframes are set by Uber and can change at any time — always confirm the exact terms shown in the Uber Driver app when you sign up. URC does not guarantee the bonus; Uber does, under its terms.
Earnings caveat: The $2,175 headline is a gross sign-up payout. Vehicle expenses (gas, depreciation, insurance) and self-employment tax (15.3%) typically take 35–45% off the top — net take-home is closer to 55–65% of any gross figure. See our earnings breakdown for the full math.
Returning to Uber?
The $2,175 new-driver bonus doesn't apply to prior accounts — but you might have a refresh offer.
Uber's headline offer is for people who've never signed up to drive or deliver before. If you used to drive and you're thinking of coming back, sign in to the Driver app to see your personalised refresh referral — it'll have its own terms.
Sign in to Uber DriverOpens drivers.uber.com
Welcome to the driver economy. If you're thinking about driving Uber as a side hustle or full-time — congratulations on choosing yourself. This page exists to give you the boring, honest answers first: what the bonus actually is, what you'll need, how much you'll really make, and how to keep more of it after taxes. No fluff, no hype.
The Offer
Earnings guarantee · Current termsWhat you're actually signing up for
Three paths, three windows. Pick what fits your week.
Eats Deliveries
Complete 62 Uber Eats deliveries in 30 days and earn at least $525 guaranteed
$525
62 deliveries
Returning to Uber?
Returning drivers may be eligible for a refresh referral offer — sign in to the Uber driver app to see your specific terms.
Varies
Sign in to check
Guarantees vary by city and are subject to change. If you earn less than the guarantee after hitting the trip count, Uber pays you the difference. Tips are not in the calculation — they're 100% yours on top.
The Sign-Up Walk-Through
Six steps · ~30 minutes of paperworkHow to sign up as an Uber driver
- 01
Click our referral link
Tap the "Get my driver bonus" button to open Uber's official driver sign-up page with our referral attached automatically. Or use the invite code "a4tsa3u" if you'd rather type it in.
- 02
Complete the sign-up form
Enter your personal information, driver's license details, and vehicle information. You'll also need to upload required documents (license, insurance, registration).
- 03
Pass the background check
Uber runs a background check (criminal record and driving history). This usually takes 3-7 days. You'll receive an email when it's complete.
- 04
Complete vehicle inspection (if required)
Some cities require an in-person vehicle inspection at a partner location. Schedule this through the driver app once your background check is approved.
- 05
Activate your driver account
Once approved, your account is activated. The 30-day clock for the guaranteed-earnings bonus starts now — so plan your first month's hours accordingly.
- 06
Start driving and earn
Open the Uber Driver app, set yourself online, and start accepting trips. Hit your trip count within the window and the $2,175 guarantee kicks in.
The Two Paths
Side-by-side · Real numbersUber Rides vs Uber Eats — which one fits you?
You can do both. Plenty of drivers run rides at rush hour and switch to Eats for lunch and dinner. Here's how they differ when you have to pick.
| Factor | Uber Rides | Uber Eats Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up bonus | Up to $2,175 | Up to $525 |
| Avg. earnings/hour | $15–30+ | $12–25+ |
| Minimum age | 25 years old | 21 years old |
| Vehicle required? | Yes (4-door car) | Car, bike, or scooter |
| Passenger interaction | Yes (riders in car) | Minimal (drop-off only) |
| Schedule flexibility | High | Very high |
| Peak hours | Morning & evening commute | Lunch & dinner rush |
| Tips | Common (15-20%) | Very common (15-25%) |
The smartest drivers don't pick — they stack. Sign up for both with one referral and let the app figure out what to send you.
Eligibility
The checklistWhat you'll need to start
Specifics vary by city — these are the universals.
Valid driver's license
Must be current and not expired.
At least 1 year driving experience
3 years if you're under 23.
Pass a background check
Criminal record + driving record.
Vehicle insurance
Current personal auto insurance.
A qualifying vehicle
Generally 15 years old or newer, 4-door for rides.
Smartphone with Uber Driver app
iPhone or Android.
For Eats delivery only, requirements are more relaxed — you can deliver by car, bike, or scooter, and the minimum age is 21 in most markets. Great option if you're younger or don't own a qualifying car yet.
The Math
Realistic weekly take · Before expensesHow much do Uber drivers actually make?
These are gross numbers. We'll talk about what youkeep in the next two sections.
| Hours / week | Estimated weekly | Driver type |
|---|---|---|
| 10–15 hours | $200–$450 | Part-time / weekends |
| 20–30 hours | $500–$900 | Part-time / regular |
| 40–50 hours | $1,000–$1,800 | Full-time driver |
| 50+ hours | $1,500–$2,500+ | Full-time / peak hours |
These are pre-expense estimates — gas, insurance, depreciation, and self-employment tax all come out of the top. The honest W-2-equivalent number after expenses, per the 2024 Economic Policy Institute analysis, is about $9.21/hour. The drivers who clear $25+/hour effective do it by stacking referrals, surge zones, and multi-apping — we wrote a 6,000-word essay on 100 ways to do it.
Maximise the Bonus
Five moves · From drivers who hit the bonusHow to actually finish 159 trips in 30 days
Drive during peak hours
Morning commute (7–9 AM) and evening commute (5–8 PM) on weekdays, plus Friday and Saturday nights, are when demand and surge pricing peak. Early airport runs work too.
Position near high-demand zones — don't chase surge
Wait near airports, downtown business districts, event venues, and nightlife areas. The drivers who out-earn are the ones the surge comes to.
Knock out the trip count quickly
Short trips count the same as long trips toward your bonus. Stack consecutive short trips during busy periods to hit your number fast.
Keep your rating ≥ 4.85
Higher rating = more ride requests, access to premium ride types, and better tips. Clean car, polite, water bottle and a phone charger in the back. Tiny things, real difference.
Track your mileage from trip #1
Standard mileage deduction is 70¢/mile in 2025 (IRS). Install Stride, MileIQ, or Solo before your first drive — every untracked mile is money you give back to the IRS.
The Money You Keep
Self-employment, deductions, quarterliesUnderstanding Uber driver taxes
As an Uber driver you're an independent contractor, not a W-2 employee. Treat it like a small business or it'll cost you at tax time.
Self-Employment Tax: 15.3%
Unlike W-2 employees where the employer pays half of Social Security and Medicare, you pay the full 15.3% as a self-employed driver (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare). This is on top of regular income tax. The number-one new-driver surprise at tax time.
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments
The IRS expects taxes quarterly, not annually. If you'll owe more than $1,000 for the year, you may face penalties for skipping quarterly payments. Use IRS Form 1040-ES; deadlines are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15.
Standard Mileage vs. Actual Expenses
You can deduct either the standard mileage rate (70¢ per mile in 2025) or actual expenses (gas, oil, tires, insurance, depreciation). For most rideshare drivers the standard rate is simpler and the bigger deduction.
Other Deductible Expenses
Beyond mileage: business-percentage of your phone bill, car washes, passenger water and snacks, phone mounts and chargers, Uber service fees, the rideshare portion of car payments (if you use the actual-expense method). Track from trip #1 — Stride, Everlance, or MileIQ.
The One Thing Drivers Get Wrong
Coverage periods · Personal policy gapsInsurance for Uber drivers
Insurance is the boring topic that costs people the most. Read this section — it'll save you a five-figure mistake.
Uber's coverage by period
Period 0App off — only your personal insurance applies. Uber: zero.
Period 1App on, waiting for a request — Uber provides limited liability ($50K per person, $100K per accident, $25K property damage). Your personal insurance almost certainly does not.
Period 2Ride accepted, en route to pickup — $1M liability + uninsured motorist.
Period 3Passenger in car — full Uber coverage: $1M liability + $1M uninsured/underinsured + comprehensive/collision (with deductible).
⚠ The dangerous gap · Period 1
Your personal policy likely has a rideshare exclusion.
If you have an accident in Period 1 (app on, no ride request yet), your personal insurer will probably deny the claim, and Uber's Period 1 coverage is minimal. The fix: a rideshare endorsement on your personal policy ($15–30/month). Don't skip this.
Before your first drive
- Call your auto insurance company and ask about rideshare coverage.
- Add a rideshare endorsement to your policy if available ($15–30/month).
- If they don't offer it, switch to one that does (Progressive, State Farm, Allstate, GEICO).
- Never drive for Uber without confirming your insurance — a single uninsured claim can cost tens of thousands.
49 City Guides
Local data · Local bonusesDrive Uber in your city
Bonuses, peak hours, popular pickup zones, airport queue tips — we have one guide per city.
New York CityNY$2,175Los AngelesCA$1,300ChicagoIL$1,200HoustonTX$1,100PhoenixAZ$1,000PhiladelphiaPA$1,100San AntonioTX$900San DiegoCA$1,000DallasTX$1,100AustinTX$1,000San JoseCA$1,200JacksonvilleFL$800San FranciscoCA$1,500CharlotteNC$2,175IndianapolisIN$900SeattleWA$1,300DenverCO$1,100NashvilleTN$1,000Oklahoma CityOK$800PortlandOR$1,100Las VegasNV$1,200MemphisTN$800LouisvilleKY$800BaltimoreMD$1,000MilwaukeeWI$800AlbuquerqueNM$700TucsonAZ$700FresnoCA$800SacramentoCA$1,000MesaAZ$900Kansas CityMO$900AtlantaGA$1,200OmahaNE$750Colorado SpringsCO$800RaleighNC$900Long BeachCA$1,100Virginia BeachVA$800MiamiFL$1,300MinneapolisMN$1,000TampaFL$1,000PittsburghPA$900St. LouisMO$900CincinnatiOH$800OrlandoFL$1,100NewarkNJ$1,300DetroitMI$1,000BostonMA$1,400ColumbusOH$900Washington DCDC$1,400
Also Save as a Rider or Eater
You drive — but you also ride and you also eat.
Reader Questions
Frequently asked
Everything readers ask before using a code.
What is the Uber Driver referral code?
The Uber Driver referral code is a4tsa3u. You can either use our referral link at the top of this page (which applies the code automatically) or enter a4tsa3u during the Uber Driver app sign-up when prompted for a referral code. Both methods qualify you for the same guaranteed earnings bonus, which can reach up to $1,625 depending on your city and the type of driving you choose.
How does the Uber driver referral code work?
When you sign up to drive using our referral link or referral code, you become eligible for guaranteed earnings on your first trips. Complete the required number of trips within the specified timeframe, and Uber guarantees you'll earn the stated amount — if your trip earnings are less than the guaranteed amount, Uber pays the difference.
What is the Uber driver sign-up bonus?
The sign-up bonus is a guaranteed earnings program for new drivers. Current advertised offers go up to $2,175 for 159 passenger trips (rides) and $525 for 62 deliveries (Eats), both within 30 days of account activation. The exact amount depends on your city, the type of driving you do (rides vs deliveries), and current demand in your area.
Can I drive for both Uber and Uber Eats?
Yes! When you sign up as an Uber driver, you can choose to do rides, deliveries, or both. Each category has its own guaranteed earnings offer, and you can earn from all of them. Many drivers maximize their income by switching between rides and deliveries based on demand.
What are the requirements to become an Uber driver?
You need to be at least 25 years old for rides (21 for deliveries in some areas), have a valid driver's license with at least 1 year of driving history, pass a background and driving record check, have current vehicle insurance, and have a qualifying vehicle that meets Uber's requirements for your city.
How long do I have to complete the required trips?
Typically, you have 30 days after your driver account is activated to complete the required number of trips. The exact timeframe is shown when you sign up. Make sure to note the deadline so you don't miss out on the guaranteed earnings.
Is this an Uber Eats driver referral code too?
Yes, this referral link works for both Uber ride-hailing drivers and Uber Eats delivery drivers. When you sign up, you can choose which services you want to provide. Uber Eats delivery has its own guaranteed earnings offer — currently up to $525 for 62 deliveries in 30 days — and you can earn from both categories.
How does the guaranteed earnings program work exactly?
Uber guarantees you will earn at least a specific amount during your first trips. For example, if the guarantee is $2,175 for 159 trips and you earn $1,800 from those trips, Uber pays the $375 difference. If you earn more than the guaranteed amount, you keep everything — Uber does not subtract anything. It's a floor, not a ceiling.
What if I am already an Uber driver — can I still use this referral?
No. The headline $2,175 / 159 trips and $525 / 62 deliveries offers are one-time promotions available only to people who have never previously signed up to drive or deliver with Uber. If you are a returning driver, sign in to the Uber Driver app to see whether you qualify for a separate refresh referral offer — those have their own terms.
Does the Uber driver sign-up bonus include tips?
No, the guaranteed earnings amount does not include tips. Tips are always 100% yours on top of the guaranteed earnings. So if the guarantee is $2,175 for 159 trips and you earn $1,800 in fares plus $300 in tips, Uber pays you the $375 difference on the fares, and you keep the $300 in tips — totaling $2,475.
Can I use the Uber driver referral code in any city?
The referral link works in most cities where Uber operates across the United States. However, the guaranteed earnings amount varies significantly by city. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte typically offer the headline bonus. Smaller cities may have lower guarantee amounts or different trip requirements.
What happens if I don't complete all the required trips?
If you don't complete the required number of trips within the timeframe, you won't receive the guaranteed earnings top-up. However, you keep all the money you earned from the trips you did complete, plus any tips. There is no penalty for not finishing — you just don't get the bonus guarantee.
The Fine Print
Full offer terms
These are the terms as Uber currently advertises them on the driver-signup landing page. Read them. We'll never quietly tuck the small print into a tooltip.
Rides offer — up to $2,175 for 159 trips in 30 days
This is a one-time, special, promotional offer. It is only available to those who have never previously signed up to drive or deliver with Uber. You'll need to sign up using this page, then: to earn the rides minimum of $2,175, activate your Rides account within 30 days from the time of sign-up, and complete 159 trips within 30 days from your Rides activation in your city. Only rides trips are counted toward this promotion. Only trips completed without a commercial license are eligible. Only trips completed by non-fleet drivers are eligible. A “Fleet Driver” is a driver who uses a vehicle provided by a Fleet to complete trips on the Uber platform.
If you don't earn the specified amount in the offer, you'll receive the difference between the guaranteed amount and your earnings. Earnings from your trips (after service fees and certain charges are deducted, such as city or local government charges), tips, and incentives (including surge and trip supplements but excluding Quest) are included toward your offer amount. Any payment(s) due will be automatically added to your account after you complete the required trips and your account has been verified.
Each completed trip counts as one trip toward your minimum requirement. Canceled trips do not count. Accounts are verified once all required documents have been uploaded and approved — document requirements can be found in the Account menu of the Driver app. Account must be verified within 180 days of signup to receive payment.
This offer is only valid for those who received it from Uber (via an email, an ad, or a unique referral link) and meet the eligibility requirements. Uber reserves the right to withhold or deduct payments that it determines or believes were fraudulent, illegal, in error, or in violation of the driver terms or these terms. Limited time only.
Eats offer — up to $525 for 62 deliveries in 30 days
This is a one-time, special, promotional offer. It is only available to those who have never previously signed up to drive or deliver with Uber. You'll need to sign up using this page, then: to earn the delivery minimum of $525, activate your Eats account within 30 days from the time of sign-up, and complete 62 deliveries within 30 days from your Eats activation in your city. Only trips completed without a commercial license are eligible. Only trips completed by non-fleet drivers are eligible. A “Fleet Driver” is a driver who uses a vehicle provided by a Fleet to complete trips on the Uber platform.
If you don't earn the specified amount in the offer, you'll receive the difference between the guaranteed amount and your earnings. Earnings from your deliveries (after service fees and certain charges are deducted, such as city or local government charges), tips, and incentives (including surge and trip supplements but excluding Quest) are included toward your offer amount. Any payment(s) due will be automatically added to your account after you complete the required deliveries and your account has been verified.
Each completed delivery counts as one delivery toward your minimum requirement. Canceled deliveries do not count. Accounts are verified once all required documents have been uploaded and approved — document requirements are in the Account menu of the Driver app. Account must be verified within 180 days of signup to receive payment.
This offer is only valid for those who received it from Uber (via an email, an ad, or a unique referral link) and meet the eligibility requirements. Uber reserves the right to withhold or deduct payments that it determines or believes were fraudulent, illegal, in error, or in violation of the driver terms or these terms. Limited time only.
Referral data-sharing & typical-earnings caveat
Trip-count sharing. Invitees / referees who use a referral link or code, or activate a referral offer, must agree to share their progress toward the required number of trips or deliveries noted in the offer (trip-count information) with the inviter. Once the invitee/referee completes the requirements specified in the offer or when the referral program expires — whichever is earlier — such sharing will cease.
Typical earnings. Your typical earnings may vary depending on how much you drive and/or deliver, customer demand, and other variables. These one-time guarantee offers should not be used as an expectation for future earnings opportunities with Uber.
Returning to Uber? Sign in to the Driver app to see if you're eligible for a separate refresh referral offer — those have their own terms.
Know someone who'd drive? Share the bonus.