Updated 2019 – Uber Car Requirements NYC is a guide for those looking to drive with Uber in 2019. There are a couple basic vehicle requirements you must meet to get started. Depending on which service type you want to sign up for, there may be some extra requirements specific to that service type.
Don’t worry, we will explain the different service types and the 2019 NYC Uber car requirements for each category. In order to qualify for the premium and higher paying services like Uber BLACK or Uber BLACK SUV, your vehicle must be on the list provided by Uber which you can find here.
Due to part of the new TLC regulations, Uber is not accepting any more driver sign ups for New York. You can create an account to join the waitlist or sign up as an UberEats partner. You can also still drive Uber outside of the 5 boroughs.
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General Uber Car Requirements NYC
The general Uber NYC car requirements are:
- 4-door car or minivan
- Model year 2006 or newer unless otherwise stated (NOTE: Some vehicle models have a higher minimum year requirement)
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- No commercial branding
- Your vehicle must have a vehicle emissions inspection at a NYS DMV inspection facility
TLC insurance and plating
- Your vehicle must have commercial insurance, TLC plates, and be affiliated with a base
- You must be listed as an insured driver on the vehicle’s insurance policy
Learn More About TLC Licensing >

UberX NYC Car Requirements

UberX NYC is the lowest cost vehicle service option. This is the most popular type of ride for drivers and passengers.
The UberX NYC Car requirements are:
- 4-door vehicle with independently opening passenger doors;
- Have 5 factory-installed seats and seat belts;
- Working windows and air conditioning;
- No vans, box trucks, or similar vehicles;
- No taxi cabs, government cars, or other marked vehicles;
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles;
- No aftermarket seating modifications, such as installed seats, seat belts, or BedRyder systems;
- Vehicle must be registered and insured in the state of NYC.
Unlike most cities, there is a list of accepted vehicles to drive UberXL in NYC. You can find the complete list of eligible vehicles for every service in this article.
UberXL NYC Car Requirements

UberXL NYC offers the lowest cost ride for more than 4 more passengers. You will get paid more if you have a minivan, cross-over or SUV that can fit up to 6 passengers.
The UberXL NYC Car requirements are:
- 4-door vehicle with independently opening passenger doors;
- Have 7 factory-installed seats and seat belts;
- Working windows and air conditioning;
- No vans, box trucks, or similar vehicles;
- No taxi cabs, government cars, or other marked vehicles;
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles;
- No aftermarket seating modifications, such as installed seats, seat belts, or BedRyder systems;
- Vehicle must be registered and insured in the state of NYC.
Unlike most cities, there is a list of accepted vehicles to drive UberXL in NYC. You can find the complete list of eligible vehicles for every service in this article.
Uber BLACK NYC Car Requirements

Uber BLACK NYC is the highest level of car service Uber offers in NYC. It also commands the highest fares for drivers who own black sedans and meet the requirements to drive.
The Uber BLACK NYC Car requirements are:
- Keep a star rating of 4.80 or higher
- 5-year-old vehicle or newer
- Commercial insurance
- Black exterior in excellent condition
- Black leather interior with no tears
- Working windows
- No visible stains
- Operational A/C
- Seats for at least 4 riders in addition to the driver
- Vehicle must be registered and insured in the state of NYC
Your vehicle must be a make and model on the accepted car list. For a complete list of Uber BLACK cars that are eligible in NYC, you can refer to our NYC Uber Car List 2019: UberX, UberXL, Uber BLACK and BLACK SUV drivers.
Learn more about how to qualify for Uber Black and what the perks are!
Uber BLACK SUV NYC Car Requirements

Uber BLACK SUV NYC is the most expensive service Uber offers. You get paid more than Uber BLACK because you can fit more passengers. Similar to Uber BLACK, you must meet strict rating requirements.
The Uber BLACK SUV NYC Car requirements are:
- Keep a star rating of 4.80 or higher
- 5-year-old vehicle or newer
- Commercial insurance
- Black exterior in excellent condition
- Black leather interior with no tears
- Seats for at least 6 passengers in addition to the driver
- Vehicle must be registered and insured in the state of MYC
Your vehicle must be a make and model on the accepted car list. For a complete list of Uber BLACK SUV cars that are eligible in NYC, you can refer to our NYC Uber Car List 2019: UberX, UberXL, Uber BLACK and BLACK SUV drivers.
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