If you’re interested in becoming an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare or delivery driver in the U.S., it all starts with one simple thing, a Social Security Number (SSN).
Without that, you have no shot at passing the mandatory background check these companies will run before hiring you.
Learn about the importance of having your Social Security Number with RSG contributor Xylon Zara.
Do You Need a Social Security Number to Apply for Gig Jobs?
All gig jobs such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart require a Social Security Number (SSN) to work.
These companies perform background checks on every person who applies, and this step is required before they start working.
A Social Security Number is needed to perform a background check on the individual.
Whether you are a U.S. citizen, international student, political refugee, and/or asylum seeker, you can apply for gig work as long as you have a Social Security Number.
Related:
- How to Become an Uber Driver
- How to Become an Uber Eats Driver
- Lyft Driver Requirements
- DoorDash Driver Review
- Instacart Driver Review
Who is Eligible for an SSN?
Refugees and asylum seekers are eligible to apply for an SSN so that they can find work in the U.S. This allows them to work for gig jobs such as Uber and Lyft legally.
International students are also able to work if they are approved for an SSN.
Some international students have student visas that differ. Some have the opportunity to work with their visa while others don’t have that option in their work visa.
Each work visa varies depending on the status of that international student.
Can I Use an ITIN Instead of an SSN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a number that is issued to individuals needing to report their income.
However, these individuals are ineligible to apply for a Social Security Number from the Administration of Social Security.
Therefore, they are unable to work gig jobs such as Uber and Lyft because they are unable to obtain a Social Security Number.
Can I Use My Business EIN Instead of an SSN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is another type of number that is issued by the IRS for those that have a business.
This number is solely for tax reporting purposes and does not grant eligibility to work for gig jobs such as Uber and Lyft.
Whether you have an EIN or not, you still need to have a Social Security Number so that these companies can run a background check on you.
Final Thoughts
Before you can become a rideshare driver or delivery driver, or any kind of gig worker in the United States, you need to have your Social Security Number.
There aren’t workarounds or other numbers you can use in its place.
It is your own personal identification number that allows companies like Uber and Lyft to run a background check on you as an individual before making the choice of hiring you.
So, before you attempt to apply for one of these jobs, make sure you have your Social Security Number on hand.