Lyft driver & vehicle requirements

Before you can start earning money for rideshare, you must meet the numerous Lyft driver and vehicle requirements, have sufficient vehicle insurance coverage and pass a background check. In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know about qualifying as a Lyft driver and completing the application process.

Basic driver requirements

Here are the basic driver requirements to sign up for Lyft:

• Meet your location’s Lyft age requirement, which ranges from 21 to 25 years old 
• Have a valid driver’s license (may also be out-of-state or temporary)
• Have an Android or iPhone that has a data plan and supports the Lyft Driver app
• Be able to pass a criminal history and driving record background check
• Meet any additional local driver requirements, such as a commercial license

If you’re in one of these states, you’ll also need at least one year of driving experience:

• California
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Vermont

To get specific information for drivers, check Lyft’s state and city requirements for your location.

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Required documentation

When you apply, Lyft will ask for the following documents to verify your identity and eligibility:

• Valid driver’s license
• Proof of current vehicle insurance coverage
• Vehicle registration document (for owners)
• Vehicle inspection report (if required in your location)
• Driver profile photo

You’ll need to upload clear and complete photos, and you can’t use any expired documents. Your documents must also match your application information.

Lyft background check process

Lyft requires passing a third-party driving record and criminal history background check, which involves providing your Social Security number. Learn more in our Lyft background check guide.

Lyft car requirements

Lyft vehicle requirements can depend on your city and state. The company will use your license plate number and your provided vehicle information to determine whether your model qualifies. 

Here are the minimum requirements to drive for the platform:

• You must have a four-door vehicle with five to eight seatbelts.
• Your vehicle can’t be older than a 2004 to 2014 model, depending on your location.
• You can’t use a taxi or a limo.
• The car must have a valid title (not salvaged or rebuilt).
• Your vehicle must pass any required state or city inspection.
• You must use the required Lyft emblem when driving for the platform. 

Lyft rental requirements

The ridesharing company allows you to use a vehicle you own, lease or borrow with the owner’s permission. If you want to rent a car, you must get it through Lyft’s rental platform, which is available in several major cities. Lyft car rental requirements include being at least 25 years old and giving 20 to 40 weekly rides to qualify for renewal.

Be sure to document your Lyft driving expenses so you can claim mileage deductions.

Specific ride type requirements

Meeting the basic requirements allows you to offer Lyft Standard rides. Here are the extra criteria for other popular Lyft ride types: 

• Green: Drive a hybrid or fully electric vehicle.
• XL: Use an SUV that has seats for five passengers.
• Extra Comfort: Have an eligible premium vehicle that is a 2017 or newer model and meet the driver performance criteria.
• Black: Have an eligible 2018 or newer premium vehicle with a black exterior and interior and seats for at least four passengers, plus meet the driver performance criteria.
• Black SUV: Have an eligible 2018 or newer premium SUV model that has a black exterior and interior and seats for at least six passengers, plus meet the Lyft Black driver performance criteria.
• Access: Use a vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair and has room for two more passengers.

Ride type availability will depend on your location. You can view and opt into available ride types from your Lyft account after you’ve signed up.

Personal insurance requirements

To become a Lyft driver, you’ll need a personal car insurance policy that meets your state’s minimum requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. Your insurance company may require a rideshare endorsement, and some locations require commercial coverage. 

Your personal coverage will be in full effect when you’re not logged in to the Lyft app. Once you log in, the rideshare company provides some extra insurance coverage as follows:

• When you’re waiting for rides, you get third-party liability coverage of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injuries and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
• When you’re traveling to get passengers or actively giving rides, Lyft typically offers $1 million or more in third-party liability coverage, secondary physical damage coverage for your car’s actual cash value and first-party coverages (such as personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance).

Ensure you have enough financial protection through your policy and Lyft’s coverage. You might qualify to write off car insurance premiums related to your Lyft rides to make up for the expense.

How to sign up as a Lyft driver

If you meet the Lyft driver, vehicle and insurance requirements, you can follow these steps to sign up:

1. Go to the signup page or download the Lyft Driver app for Android or iOS.
2. Provide some basic contact details and confirm your phone number to get started.
3. Continue on the Lyft Driver app to provide details about your driving plans and vehicle.
4. Upload your documents for verification and consent to the background check.
5. Wait for the background check results and account approval.
6. Complete the Lyft Community Safety Education program to start driving.

Note: While you can fill out the application in 30 minutes or less, it can take several days or weeks before approval due to the background check. 

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