Yes, you can typically sign in to the Uber driver app without immediately updating your car info, but you will not be able to go online and accept trips. The app uses your vehicle information to match you with appropriate ride requests and ensure compliance with local regulations. If your car details are expired or incorrect, the system will prevent you from going online until the information is current and verified.
The requirement to update is usually triggered by specific events. Common reasons include an expired vehicle registration, an expired insurance document on file, or if you are trying to use a vehicle that is not already approved on your account. The app will display a notification explaining exactly what needs to be updated. You can often dismiss this prompt and still access other parts of the app, like viewing your earnings or trip history, but the core function of driving will be blocked.
To resolve this, you'll need to upload the required documents. This process is generally straightforward:
- Navigate to the 'Account' or 'Vehicles' section in your app.
- Select your vehicle and tap 'Update'.
- Follow the prompts to take clear photos of your current registration and insurance documents. The documents must be valid and the vehicle listed must match the one on your Uber account.
The approval time can vary. It can be instant or take up to a few business days for Uber to verify the new documents. During peak times or if there's an issue with the upload, it may take longer.
| Scenario | Can You Sign In? | Can You Go Online? | Typical Resolution Time After Update |
|---|
| Expired Registration | Yes, but with persistent prompts | No | 24-48 hours for verification |
| Expired Insurance | Yes, but with persistent prompts | No | A few hours to 24 hours |
| Switching to an Unapproved Vehicle | Yes | No | 1-3 business days for full approval |
| All Documents Current | Yes | Yes | Not applicable |
| Minor Cosmetic Change (e.g., new license plate number) | Yes | No (until updated) | 24-48 hours |
The safest approach is to keep your vehicle information updated proactively. Set reminders for when your registration and insurance are due for renewal so you can update the app ahead of time and avoid any interruption to your driving income.
