Lyft background check

Before you can start driving for Lyft, you need to pass a background check as part of the application process. Here’s everything you need to know about the requirements and what can disqualify you.

Lyft background check requirements

There are a few different requirements to become a Lyft driver, including:

• A current and valid driver’s license
• Valid plates
• Current registration
• An auto insurance policy with your name on it 

Individual states and cities may also have additional requirements for drivers. 

In addition to confirming these qualifications, Lyft also performs a background check using third party services. There are three components:

• National Sex Offender Registry database
• Criminal convictions
• DMV driving record check 

While Lyft looks at just the last seven years of your driving record, some criminal convictions may disqualify you regardless of when they happened.

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Lyft background check disqualifiers 

Applicants with the following items revealed on their background check will likely be disqualified from driving with Lyft.

Driving-related disqualifiers

These records will typically disqualify your Lyft application.

• Invalid license, such as suspended, surrendered, or expired
• Four or more moving violations within the last three years (including accidents and running traffic lights)
• One major moving violation within the last three years (including reckless driving or driving on a suspended license)
• DUI or drug-related driving violation within the last seven years
• Serious driving-related conviction in the last seven years (including hit and run)

Other disqualifiers

Criminal records also matter when applying to be a Lyft driver. This list is a starting point of convictions that can stop your application from moving forward.

• Listed on the National Sex Offender Registry database
• Convicted of the following crimes: Violent crime, sexual offense, act of terror, fraud-related offense within seven years, drug-related offense within seven years, theft or property damage offense within seven years

This is a general overview of disqualifiers but different locations may have different rules. Also note this process doesn’t stop once you become a driver: Lyft runs ongoing background and driving record checks for active drivers.

How long does a Lyft background check take

A Lyft background check is initiated once you provide consent and your Social Security number. The process takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The driving record check is completed first and assuming you pass, Lyft then initiates the background check.

If your application is taking longer than expected, there could be a couple of potential reasons for the delay:

• More information is needed from you
• The company is waiting for information from courts
• There is a court backlog
• They may need to contact other parties to verify information

Once the background check is complete, you’ll receive an email with your results.  

How to track your Lyft background check status

Lyft uses two different vendors: Safety Holdings Inc. completes the driving history check, while Checkr performs the criminal background check. You can track your application status for this portion of the application by logging into Checkr’s candidate portal using personal information like your Social Security number and date of birth. 

In addition to your background check status, you can also see any action items you need to take care of to move your application forward.

What to do if you’re disqualified

You may be able to dispute the results of your Lyft background and driving checks if you disagree with the findings. There are separate processes depending on why your application was disqualified.

For background check results from Checkr, you can dispute inaccurate information directly with them. If the information is accurate, you could potentially have your application reconsidered by supplying  Lyft with additional details, such as:

• Certificate of Rehabilitation
• Certificate of Relief from Disabilities
• Court-approved dismissal or expungement document
• Recent name change

For driving violations, you must visit your DMV directly to get violations removed or receive a valid license. Then you’ll need to provide Lyft with an updated motor vehicle report or other details to show what disqualifiers have been removed from your driving record.