Lyft Driver Requirements: Qualifications and Rules

Lyft driver qualifications: The basics

Getting approved as a Lyft driver is not an especially complicated process. Here are some requirements you'll need to meet:

Age and experience

You need to be at least 21 years old, though in some states the age limit for rideshares is 25. Type in your city and state on the Lyft website to check.

These states require at least 1 year of driving experience:

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

Insurance and registration

You need to carry a current state-issued driver's license and an insurance policy with your name and the vehicle's VIN number on it. Lyft also requires that you have up-to-date, valid plates and proper registration.

Lyft vehicle requirements

For Lyft, vehicle requirements vary from location to location, but your car must have at least four working doors and five seatbelts and generally be in safe working condition (no salvage titles, cosmetic or mechanical damage, etc).

Many states also require you go through a safety inspection before beginning rideshare work. Once you sign up, you should be able to see a list of available inspection locations in the app.

Find your state on this list for a full overview of all the different vehicle requirements. In most states, there are also restrictions on vehicle age (usually no more than 15 yrs old).

Qualifying for premium service rides

Premium rides (like Lyft Extra Comfort, Lyft Black, or Black SUV) are usually higher paid, but to qualify you'll need to meet more stringent requirements.

That usually means driving a newer, larger vehicle, AND you'll have to earn a high driver rating, along with successfully completing a certain number of drives.

So if you're brand new to Lyft, getting Premium rides may take some time. Check out the list of Premium-eligible models if you're aiming for the higher-paid gigs.

Lyft safety inspection requirements

Most states require some form of vehicle inspection. This can mean:

• A physical inspection done at a mechanic's shop or
• A virtual inspection over Zoom with a mechanic

The Lyft driver app will let you know which vehicle inspection type (if any) is required in your state, along with a list of suggested locations and a form to fill out. During the inspection, the mechanic will check your lights, brake functionality, and other safety features, like seatbelts.

Some states require that you complete another inspection after driving a certain amount of miles.

You'll need to cover any repairs and other costs, which you may be able to deduct as a business expense.

Once your inspection form is ready, you can upload a photo back into the Lyft app.

Driving record and background check

Lyft requires a driving history and criminal record background check during sign-up. So be prepared to upload a photo of your driver's license, and add your SSN through Checkr (a third-party used by Lyft for background checks).

Certain convictions (including DUIs, reckless driving, violent crimes, and sexual offenses) will disqualify you from driving for Lyft.

Tips for getting approved faster

Need to start earning quickly? Follow these tips for smoother onboarding:

• Schedule an inspection right away: You don't need to sign up to download the form.
• Review your drive record: If you have concerns, request a copy from your state agency (e.g. DMV).
• Figure out local requirements: These should be listed on the Lyft website.
• Make sure your document photos aren't blurry: You'll need to take photos of your license and proof of insurance.

As a bonus tip, start tracking your mileage right away! Remember those drives are tax-deductible and tracking them right away means you won't miss out on savings.