Uber & Lyft Background Check in Canada — What's Required (2026)

What Background Checks Do Uber and Lyft Require in Canada?

Both Uber and Lyft conduct background screening as part of driver onboarding in Canada. Here are the components required:

Criminal Record Check

A search of the RCMP CPIC database for criminal convictions, outstanding charges, warrants, and judicial orders. Both Uber and Lyft use third-party screening companies (Checkr is commonly used in Canada) to process criminal record checks on driver applicants.

Driver's Abstract

A driver's abstract from your provincial motor vehicle authority shows your licence class, demerit points, licence suspensions, and traffic convictions. Both platforms require this to assess your driving history.

See: Driving Record Abstracts in Canada →

Vehicle Inspection

Both platforms require a vehicle inspection confirming your car meets safety and condition standards for ride-share operation. This is a vehicle assessment, not a background check.

Municipal Licensing Requirements

Many Canadian cities have additional licensing requirements for ride-share drivers with their own criminal record check components. Toronto requires a City of Toronto ride-share vehicle licence. Calgary, Ottawa, Vancouver, and other cities have their own requirements.

How to Get Your Uber/Lyft Background Check

Through Uber or Lyft's Process

1. Begin the driver application on the app
2. Complete personal information and vehicle sections
3. The platform sends an email from their third-party screening company (Checkr)
4. Complete your portion through the Checkr portal — provide consent, personal details, and ID
5. Wait for results — typically 1–2 weeks

Getting Your Own Check Through SafeHire

You can obtain your criminal record check through SafeHire and provide it during the application process or have it ready when requested. SafeHire results are delivered in 15 minutes and are accepted as valid criminal record documentation.

Advantages of getting your check first:

• Know your results before applying — address any issues before investing time in the full application
• Faster than waiting for Checkr's process
• You control the timing

Get your Uber/Lyft background check in 15 minutes →

Note: Some cities require a police-issued criminal record check for municipal licensing. Check specific requirements in your city before applying.

How Long Does the Uber Background Check Take?

If your Checkr result is delayed beyond 2 weeks, log into your Checkr account (you'll have received their email) to check your status.

What Disqualifies You from Driving for Uber or Lyft?

Automatic Disqualifications (Typically):

• Sexual offences of any kind, at any time
• Violent offences — assault (all levels), weapons offences, robbery, forcible confinement
• DUI/impaired driving — typically within the last 7 years (Uber's Canadian standard)
• Dangerous driving convictions within 7 years
• Drug trafficking convictions

Driving Record Disqualifications:

• Suspended or invalid driver's licence
• Multiple major traffic convictions in the past 3 years
• Multiple at-fault accidents in the past 3 years
• Excessive demerit points (threshold varies by province)

Things That Typically Do NOT Disqualify:

• Minor summary convictions from many years ago unrelated to driving or public safety
• Old minor drug possession convictions
• Record-suspended (pardoned) convictions — these won't appear on a standard CPIC check

If you have a conviction on your record, run a SafeHire check first to see exactly what appears before applying.

Uber Background Check by City

Toronto

Toronto is Uber Canada's largest market. Drivers need the standard Uber background check plus a City of Toronto vehicle licence. The city may require a criminal record check from Toronto Police Service for the municipal licence.

Calgary

Calgary ride-share drivers must comply with the City of Calgary's bylaw, which includes criminal record check requirements for the city licence in addition to Uber/Lyft's own screening.

Vancouver

Vancouver and Metro Vancouver municipalities have individual licensing requirements for ride-share, with criminal record checks required for applicable municipal licences.

Edmonton

Edmonton has a city licence requirement for ride-share drivers, with criminal record check requirements separate from Uber/Lyft's process.

Ottawa

Ottawa requires ride-share drivers to hold a City of Ottawa vehicle for hire licence, which includes its own background check component.

Montreal

Montreal has provincial ride-share regulation through the Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ), with criminal record check requirements for provincial licence holders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber run a criminal record check in Canada?

Yes. Uber requires all driver applicants in Canada to complete a background check including a criminal record check, typically processed through Checkr.

How long does the Uber background check take in Canada?

Through Uber/Checkr: typically 1–2 weeks. Through SafeHire: 15 minutes.

Can I drive for Uber with a criminal record in Canada?

It depends on the conviction. Violent offences, sexual offences, and recent impaired driving are typically disqualifying. Minor or older unrelated convictions may not affect eligibility. Get a SafeHire check first to know exactly what's on your record.

Does Uber check driving records in Canada?

Yes. Uber requires a driver's abstract reviewing licence validity, demerit points, and traffic violations.

Do Lyft's background check requirements differ from Uber's in Canada?

Both platforms require similar components — criminal record check and driver's abstract. Specific disqualification thresholds may vary slightly by platform.

What happens if something unexpected shows up on my Uber background check?

You can request your results from Checkr directly and dispute inaccurate information. You also have the right under PIPEDA to access information collected about you and request corrections.