First 100 join freeJoin →

Skip to content

Can I drive for Uber, Lyft or DoorDash with an ITIN?

Short answer

Uber, Lyft and DoorDash ask new drivers and couriers for a Social Security number to run their identity and background checks, and their requirement pages don't offer an ITIN instead. The IRS also says an ITIN doesn't authorize work in the US. To drive or deliver, you need US work authorization and, on these platforms, an SSN.

Checked against 10 official sources
AT

By · Founder of ITIN Club

Updated

What each platform asks for

These are the platforms' own pages for the US. None of them lists an ITIN as a substitute for the Social Security number.

PlatformSocial Security numberOther checks
UberDrivers submit their SSN before the first trip, and Uber says it's validated directly with the IRSDriving record check, then a criminal background check. Delivery people are screened too. A valid US driver's license and one year of US driving experience are required
LyftUS drivers must give consent and a valid Social Security number for the background checkCriminal background check by Checkr and a driving record check
DoorDashSignup asks for a Social Security number, and the background check includes an SSN traceA current US government-issued ID. Non-US IDs aren't accepted

Why an ITIN doesn't fill the gap

The IRS issues an ITIN for federal tax purposes only. It says an ITIN doesn't authorize you to work legally in the US, doesn't give you immigration status, and doesn't serve as ID outside the federal tax system.

The tax side also has to match IRS records. DoorDash asks Dashers to resubmit their tax ID when the name and number don't match the IRS database, and the account can be suspended. Lyft says a mismatch brings an IRS backup withholding notice, and 24% of earnings may be withheld if you don't correct it.

What about a regular job?

Employers check identity and work authorization on Form I-9, and an ITIN isn't on its list of acceptable documents. E-Verify says ITINs and ITIN cards don't prove employment authorization and aren't acceptable for Form I-9 or E-Verify.

Want the full picture?

ITIN

What you can do with an ITIN, and what you can't

What you can do with an ITIN is file US taxes and claim some credits. It does not let you work at Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Amazon, or anywhere else.

Updated 6 min read

Read guide →

Related questions

Sources

  1. Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) — IRSirs.gov
  2. Uber: how driver screenings workuber.com
  3. Uber: driver requirementsuber.com
  4. Lyft Help: driver requirementshelp.lyft.com
  5. Lyft Help: tax information for US drivershelp.lyft.com
  6. DoorDash: Dasher requirementsdasher.doordash.com
  7. DoorDash Help: Dasher identity verification FAQhelp.doordash.com
  8. DoorDash Help: TIN re-verificationhelp.doordash.com
  9. USCIS: Form I-9 acceptable documentsuscis.gov
  10. E-Verify: ITIN entered in the SSN field on Form I-9e-verify.gov

Join ITIN Club — it's free

Ask members who've already done it, follow the first-year course step by step, and message other members directly. No SSN needed.

Founding 100