What You Need Before You Start

Lyft requires you to meet several conditions before you can drive. You must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver's license from any U.S. state, have a Social Security number, and pass a background check. You also need a vehicle that meets Lyft's requirements — generally a 2007 model year or newer for most markets, though some cities accept older cars. Your vehicle must have valid registration, insurance, and a valid inspection sticker.

Lyft does not require you to own the car outright. You can drive a financed vehicle, a leased vehicle, or even a car registered to someone else, as long as you can provide proof of insurance and the vehicle passes inspection. However, the person on the insurance policy must give you permission to use the vehicle for commercial rideshare work, since standard personal auto insurance typically does not cover it.

You will also need a smartphone with data service to run the Lyft driver app. The app works on both iOS and Android. Have your documents ready before you begin: your driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18, have a valid driver's license, a Social Security number, and pass a background check that includes a driving record review.
  • Your vehicle must be registered, insured, and inspected; Lyft accepts financed or leased cars as long as you have permission from the owner or lender.
  • The sign-up process happens entirely online through the Lyft driver portal, and you upload documents there rather than visiting an office.
  • Background checks and vehicle inspections can take one to two weeks, and Lyft will notify you by email when you are cleared to drive.
  • Some states and cities have additional requirements — commercial driver endorsements, TLC licenses, or local permits — that you must complete before Lyft will set up your account.

The Online Sign-Up Process

Go to lyft.com/drive and select your city from the dropdown menu. Enter your email address and phone number, then create a password. Lyft will send you a verification code to your phone; enter it to confirm. You will then be asked to provide your first name, last name, date of birth, and Social Security number. This information is used for the background check.

Next, you upload your driver's license photo and the front and back of the license itself. Lyft's system reads the license automatically, so make sure the images are clear and well-lit. You then provide your vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN. Upload a photo of your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Both documents must show your name or the name of someone who has given you permission to drive the vehicle.

After you submit these documents, Lyft sends them for review. You will receive an email confirming receipt. At this stage, you have not yet passed the background check or vehicle inspection — those happen next.

Background Check and Driving Record Review

Lyft uses a third-party background check company to review your criminal history and driving record. The company pulls your record from the state where your driver's license is issued. The background check typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if there are delays in retrieving your records.

Lyft looks for serious criminal convictions, DUI or DWI convictions within the past seven years, and major driving violations. A single speeding ticket will not disqualify you, but multiple violations or at-fault accidents in a short period may. If you have a conviction or violation that concerns you, contact Lyft support before you sign up; they can tell you whether it will block your account.

If the background check clears you, Lyft will send you an email saying so. If there is an issue, Lyft will also notify you by email and explain what was found. You can dispute inaccurate information through the background check company's dispute process, which Lyft will explain in the email.

Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Once your documents are uploaded, Lyft arranges a vehicle inspection. In most cities, you can schedule this inspection at a Lyft-approved inspection center, which is usually a local mechanic or service station. Lyft provides you with a list of approved locations near you. The inspection checks that your vehicle is safe, has no major damage, and meets emissions standards. The inspection typically costs between $20 and $50, depending on your location.

You drive to the inspection center with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The inspector checks the brakes, lights, tires, windshield, and overall condition. They also verify the VIN matches your registration. The inspection takes about 15 minutes. Once it passes, the inspector submits the results to Lyft electronically.

If your vehicle fails inspection, the inspector will tell you what needs to be fixed. Common failures include worn tires, broken lights, or a cracked windshield. You can fix the issues and return for a re-inspection, which usually costs less than the initial inspection.

State and Local Requirements You May Need to Complete

Some states and cities require additional licenses or permits before you can drive for Lyft. New York City requires a TLC (Taxi and Limousine Commission) license, which involves a separate process, background check, and medical exam. California requires a commercial driver endorsement in some cases. Illinois, Massachusetts, and a few other states have their own rideshare regulations.

When you enter your city during sign-up, Lyft will tell you if your area has additional requirements. If it does, you must complete those steps before Lyft will set up your account, even if you have passed the background check and vehicle inspection. Contact your city or state transportation department to find out what is required in your area.

Some cities also have local caps on the number of rideshare drivers allowed, or require you to register with the city before you begin. Lyft's sign-up process will flag these requirements, but it is your responsibility to complete them. Lyft will not set up your account until you have done so.

From Approval to Your First Ride

Once you have passed the background check, completed the vehicle inspection, and met any state or local requirements, Lyft will send you a final approval email. This email confirms that your account is active and you can begin accepting rides. You read the Lyft driver app, log in with your email and password, and toggle your status to "online" to start receiving ride requests.

Your first few rides may come slowly as the app learns your preferences and location. Lyft shows you the pickup location and passenger rating before you accept each ride. You can decline rides without penalty. After each ride, the passenger rates you and you rate the passenger. Ratings below 4.6 stars can eventually result in deactivation, so maintain a professional demeanor and keep your vehicle clean.

Lyft deposits your earnings into your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. You can set up direct deposit during sign-up or change it later in the app settings. You are responsible for tracking your mileage and expenses for tax purposes; Lyft does not withhold taxes.

What Happens If You Are Denied

If Lyft denies your account during the background check, you will receive an email explaining the reason. Common reasons include a disqualifying criminal conviction, a DUI within the past seven years, or a pattern of serious driving violations. You can request a manual review by contacting Lyft support, but the decision is rarely overturned unless there was an error in the background check itself.

If your vehicle fails inspection and you cannot fix the issues, you will need to use a different vehicle that meets Lyft's requirements. You can upload a new vehicle during sign-up or after you have been denied. There is no fee to add a second vehicle or to re-submit after a denial.

If you are denied because of a state or local requirement you did not complete, you can reapply once you have finished that requirement. Lyft will not charge you to reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire sign-up process take?

From the moment you start the online process to the moment you receive approval typically takes one to two weeks. The background check takes three to five business days, and scheduling and completing the vehicle inspection adds another few days. State or local requirements can add more time depending on what your area requires.

Can I drive for Lyft if I have a DUI on my record?

Lyft generally disqualifies drivers with a DUI or DWI conviction within the past seven years. If your DUI is older than seven years, it may not block your account, but Lyft reviews each case individually. Contact Lyft support before you sign up if you have a conviction you are concerned about.

Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Lyft?

Yes. Standard personal auto insurance does not cover rideshare driving. You must have a rideshare insurance policy or a commercial auto policy. Some insurance companies offer rideshare endorsements that are cheaper than full commercial policies. Lyft does provide contingent coverage while you are actively on a ride, but you are responsible for having your own primary insurance.

What if I do not have a smartphone?

You cannot drive for Lyft without a smartphone running the driver app. The app is how you receive ride requests, navigate to passengers, and communicate with them. You need a phone with data service and a working GPS. You do not need an expensive phone, but it must be able to run the current version of the Lyft app.

Can I use a vehicle that is registered to someone else?

Yes, as long as that person gives you permission and the insurance policy covers you as an authorized driver. You will need to upload the registration showing the other person's name and proof of insurance showing your name or listing you as an authorized driver. Lyft will verify this during the vehicle inspection.