Most Uber employer background checks take around 3-5 business days to complete. However, background checks can take longer due to a range of factors, including local government processes or access to county courthouse records. Some states have screening requirements in addition to the background reports carried out by Checkr.
And sometimes you’ll see the message ‘Uber Background Check Needs Attention.’ What exactly does that mean and what can you do?!
What Does ‘Uber Background Check Needs Attention’ Mean?
This message very likely originates from Checkr rather than Uber. The message, “Uber Background Check Needs Attention” indicates that Checkr is unable to continue with your background check because information is incomplete, missing, or possibly inconsistent.
Checkr state that the best way to find out if any further information or documentation (or some sort of clarification) is needed is to log into your account on the Candidate Portal.
If there is an outstanding request for information or documentation, you’ll find an upload link in the Candidate Portal for you to use.
If your background check has been flagged by Uber as needing attention, it is likely that there is an interruption in the processing of necessary background data, and this is preventing your form from moving forward. In most cases, Uber requests that an applicant submit or resubmit specified documents or forms.
In some cases, there may be inconsistencies in self-reported information that need to be resolved. Background check delays can occur for a variety of reasons, not least of which is because for Checkr to complete your check report and provide Uber with the results, they need to verify the information with the appropriate county courthouses.
If a courthouse doesn’t provide the electronic court records or are experiencing delays due to COVID-19 restrictions, for example, your verification will be held up. Unfortunately, these steps are required regardless of a person having a criminal history or not.
Therefore, keep looking for any emails Checkr may have sent you, and to log into the Checkr Candidate Portal from time to time and complete any outstanding actions Checkr has lodged. Sometimes the background check can stall simply because Checkr needs more information to complete your report.
Uber state they will work closely with Checkr to get your application completed as quickly as possible and will send you an email as soon as the process is complete.
What Is Checkr And Are They Reliable?
Checkr, Inc is a company founded in 2014 and which claims to power the fastest, fairest background checks for businesses of all sizes. The Checkr validation process is thorough, rigorous, and streamlined, and has become the preferred service for employee background checks for many large companies.
It is possible for you to check on your background check status by signing into the Checkr Candidate Portal. You can receive a copy of the completed report from Checkr during the time Uber takes to review your background check results. As soon as Uber have reviewed and decided on your application, your status will be updated.
The following documents will need to be submitted to Uber along with your background check:
- Driver’s license
- Social security number
- Proof of car insurance
- Vehicle registration
- Uber inspection form (you have 45 days to submit this)
Read: Can You Pay Cash For Uber?
What Are The Uber Background Check Requirements?
The assessment of background checks for prospective Uber employees varies from city to city and is based on a combination of criteria detailed in local laws and regulations governing rideshare drivers. The evaluation of your background also has to comply with Uber’s own internal safety standards.
Uber must follow the criteria of applicable laws for each state: this is why requirements can vary slightly depending on where you apply from.
The background check will always include a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) review as well as a criminal background check. There is no credit check involved in any part of the process.
To pass the background check, you must have held a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state for at least one year, and for at least three years if you’re 22 or younger – and this time requirement does not include the time taken to earn a learner’s permit.
Your driver’s license must be current and free of any disqualifications. Major driving violations or a recent history of repeated minor driving violations can result in your Uber application being rejected.
There will be a criminal background check, which is subject to and in accordance with state and local law. Uber has no authority over any state or local law.
Certain types of criminal convictions such as felonies, violent crimes, murder, sexual assault, terrorism-related offenses, and other serious criminal convictions will result in disqualification.
All Uber background checks in The United States are performed by Checkr, Inc., a third-party background check provider that is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.
The finished report is then shared with Uber. Once the results of your background check are received from Checkr, Uber will assess and determine your eligibility for work. It is during the Checkr process that most delays are experienced.
Read: Uber ‘No Cars Available’ Message: What It Means & What To Do!
How Often Does Uber Do Background Checks?
Uber will run a background check on their drivers at least once per year. In certain areas, background checks are run more often. There are certain areas of your record that will be scrutinized each time.
If your driving history or criminal record changes, Uber may terminate your access to their driver app. You can’t drive for Uber without these background checks, and this applies as driver for Uber Eats, rideshares or any other driving.
Uber normally does not look into an employee’s history beyond the last seven years, however, in California, the law requires them to look at a driver’s lifetime record, no matter how far back it goes.
What Would Disqualify You From Driving For Uber?
In order to drive for Uber, you must pass a rigorous background check. You’ll be disqualified if Uber finds any convictions for violent crimes, sexual offenses, or felonies in your criminal record. Certain driving violations, such as careless driving, can disqualify you.
Your driver’s license must not show:
- Major moving violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or reckless driving (within the last seven years)
- More than three minor moving violations in the past three years, such as speeding tickets (20+ mph over the speed limit), or failure to obey traffic laws
Any criminal record must be free of:
- Felony convictions
- Violent crimes
- Sexual offenses (over the last seven years)
- Outstanding charges that have not yet been resolved in your favor
Read: Do Uber Drivers Make More At Night?
Summary
Your Uber background check can stall for a variety of reasons, but the main cause is always around information missing from your application.
This information may be needed from you but can also be missing because of delays in the system.
There is very little that can be done about his.
However, you can make sure that the information you provide is accurate and up to date, and that you check your Checkr emails regularly and complete any outstanding tasks they require.
You can also contact Uber directly and clarify the status of your application with them.