Uber launches St. Louis rider verification program

Joey Schneider
·2 min read

ST. LOUIS – Uber has launched a new rider verification program in St. Louis that aims to make the experience safer for drivers and passengers alike.

The pilot program will allow riders to earn a badge of verification on the Uber app to help drivers confirm that they are picking up riders who are who they say they are. The badge ensures that the rider has undergone additional verification steps to confirm their identity.

Some Uber riders around the St. Louis-area will be sent an email or app alert as soon as Thursday to earn a verification badge.

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“Strengthening rider verification has been a top request from drivers across the country,” said Roger Kaiser, Head of Safety at Uber via a news release. “This new verification process and verified rider badge are important steps to help provide drivers with more peace of mind while they are out on the road. We are committed to making Uber an even safer and more trusted place to ride and drive, and we look forward to hearing feedback on this pilot from users.”

For riders who are verified, drivers will see the verified badge when deciding to accept a trip, which Uber considers an opportunity for drivers to make an informed decision.

Uber says the verification process was built with privacy in mind. The company says it will securly store verification data and encrypt ID documents.

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Drivers will only see a verified rider’s first name, star rating, trip details and verified rider badge. Uber says they will not see their last name or phone number.

Uber offers the following steps for the verification process:

  • Uber reviews account details such as names and phone numbers, cross-checking these with a trusted third-party database.

  • Most rider accounts will become verified using account details, with no additional action needed from riders.

  • Riders will also have the option to upload government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or other official documentation, to become verified.

  • Once verified, a “Verified” badge will be added to the rider’s profile, visible to them on their “Account” page.

  • Drivers will see the verified rider badge when deciding to accept a trip, adding another tool that empowers them to make an informed decision.

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