Uber and Lyft Driver Requirements 2022

Looking to join the on demand movement and work for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft? Here are the requirements to become an Uber or Lyft driver.

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Step 1: The first step to becoming an Uber or Lyft driver is to make sure you meet their required driver criteria. 

The criteria include:

• A minimum age requirement of 21 years old for both Uber and Lyft
• Must be licensed in the US for at least one year, or three years (for Uber) if you're under 23.
• Car insurance under your name. (Keep in mind, the insurance must also be in the same state you'll be driving in and meet that state's minimum requirements)
• A Social Security number.
• Have a valid driver’s license issued by the USA
• Agree to a background check. The background check will look for any criminal history, car accidents, reckless driving charges, suspended licenses, DUIs, and history of operating a vehicle without insurance. The background checks are given by third parties. In New York City, DMV and criminal background checks are conducted by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) according to their licensing standards, not by Lyft.

Step 2: The next step you need to take is to make sure your vehicle meets a certain set of criteria as well. 

To meet the requirements for driving UberX, Uber’s basic service, the car must be a 2007 model or newer for most cities. The minimum seating requirement is 4 passengers, not including the driver. The car must have state-issued license plates and cannot have been used previously for a different taxi-related service. Keep in mind, some cities have stricter requirements for vehicles.

To meet the vehicle requirements for Lyft’s basic service, the car must be a 2006 model or newer, unless listed on this list of acceptable models for certain cities.

Both Uber and Lyft require cars to have 4 doors.

Step 3: After you satisfy both step 1 and 2, you can start the application process.

The Uber driver application can be found here.

The Lyft driver application can be found here.

Step 4: Your vehicle also needs to be inspected prior to being accepted as a driver. 

Uber has inspection stations, as well as a list of approved third parties that can issue the inspection for you. Lyft also has vehicle inspection requirement that is illustrated in detail through the online application.

Step 5: Submit the paperwork online for your background check. 

When filling out the online application, you will be prompted to give information for Uber or Lyft to do a background check before they can hire you as a driver. If you do not pass your background check, you'll get a copy via email and instructions on how to dispute the results. Keep in mind background checks may take a few weeks to process.

Once you pass all these steps, you will be allowed to use the Uber or Lyft application and start picking up passengers. This may go without saying, but also make sure you have a cellular device that is supported by Uber or Lyft. The companies require that the device have a cellular connection, and they do not support devices that only operate through Wi-Fi.

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Happy Rideshare Driving!