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Washington D.C. Driver Information

This page provides information about vehicle, driver, and document requirements, state regulations, insurance coverage, and city-specific requirements, needed to drive with Lyft in the state of Washington D.C.
To apply to drive in Washington D.C., submit an application online or in the Lyft Driver app –– download it from the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play store. To be approved to drive, applicants must meet these requirements.
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What you need to drive with Lyft in Washington D.C.
Drivers are required to maintain current documents. Failing to update a required document before the expiration date results in temporary deactivation.
Use your Lyft Driver app to upload your documents. To add documents in the app, tap 'Account' in the main menu, then 'Documents.
Vehicle requirements
  1. 2014 or newer
  2. 4 doors
  3. 5-8 seats, including the driver's
  4. Not a taxi, stretch limousine, or non-Express Drive rental vehicle
  5. Not titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt or any other equivalent classification
See if your vehicle qualifies for premium ride types to earn more on each ride.
In select cities, you can rent a car through Express Drive with standard insurance included. Rental vehicles must be rented through the Express Drive program to be approved for use on the Lyft platform.
Driver requirements
  1. Valid driver’s license — Temporary or out-of-state licenses are also acceptable*
  2. You must be 25 years or older to drive.
  3. Pass a driver screening, which reviews your driving history and criminal background check. Learn more about driver screenings.
  4. Any smartphone that can download and run the Lyft Driver app. See phone software recommendations.
Valid driver’s license
Drivers without a Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia driver's license will not be dispatched for pickups in DC proper.
*Drivers with Express Drive vehicles must have a valid DC, MD, or VA driver’s license.
Active Military members and their families stationed in MD, VA or D.C. can drive with Lyft by obtaining a DFHV non-MSA decal. Apply for your free DFHV non-MSA decal here.
Document requirements
  1. Driver profile photo: Learn how to take the best photo
  2. Vehicle registration
  3. Personal vehicle insurance
  4. Virginia, Maryland, or D.C. State Vehicle Inspection
  5. TNO License
Virginia, Maryland, or D.C. State Vehicle Inspection
If your car is registered in Washington D.C., you should already have a safety inspection sticker on your windshield. See examples:
This is a DC Vehicle Inspection Sticker Example.
This is a DCA Temporary License Plate Example.
Inspections are valid until the marked expiration date. If no expiration date is marked, Lyft requires a new inspection one year after the inspection date.
Lyft also accepts state inspections from Maryland or from Virginia. For more information on these inspections, learn more:
TNO License
All Maryland drivers must apply for a TNO (Transportation Network Operator) license. You'll be prompted to give consent in the Driver app, and Lyft will apply for a TNO license on your behalf.
Emblem requirements
Drivers are required to display the Lyft emblem while in driver mode. The Lyft emblem is Lyft’s official trade dress. It helps passengers and law enforcement identify your vehicle.The Lyft emblem should be displayed in the lower corner of the rear passenger side window. Make sure to remove the emblem when you are not in driver mode.
This image shows where to place the Lyft emblem in the windshield for DMW drivers.
Image of the Lyft emblem.
If you’ve just been approved to drive, you should receive your Lyft emblem shortly. If you didn't get one or need a new one, place an order in your Lyft Driver app or Dashboard. While waiting for it to arrive, you may print a temporary emblem.
Washington D.C. driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in Washington D.C., and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In Washington D.C., Lyft’s standard time limit for driver mode applies. See Lyft's mandatory break and time limits for more information.
Bicycle and pedestrian safety
It's important to be aware of bicycles and pedestrians when you're on the road. See the video below for tips on bike and pedestrian safety.
Zero-tolerance policy
The Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) requires a zero-tolerance policy for refusal of service based on the pickup or drop-off location of the passenger. Passengers may register a complaint or concern with the DFHV using this form.
Best practices
  1. Display all required emblems and placards
  2. Always have your driver’s license and insurance document
  3. Follow all airport rules
  4. Don't accept street hails
  5. Don't accept cash for rides
  6. Don't wait in taxi lines
Know your insurance
Review Lyft's coverage here.
Moving to or from Washington D.C.
Moving to or From Washington, D.C. as an Existing Lyft Driver
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to Washington D.C., send us a message with the following info:
  1. The date you're moving
  2. Your new shipping address (must be in Washington D.C., Virginia, or Maryland)
  3. A clear photo of your Washington D.C., Virginia, or Maryland driver's license*
  4. A clear photo of your vehicle insurance*
  5. A clear photo of your vehicle registration* — please note: Lyft vehicles in Washington D.C. must be from 2013 or newer.
  6. A clear photo of your Washington D.C., Virginia, or Maryland vehicle inspection*
*If you were already required to upload these documents when you became a driver, you do not need to resubmit them.
Active Military members and their families stationed in MD, VA or D.C. can drive with Lyft by obtaining a DFHV non-MSA decal. Apply for your free DFHV non-MSA decal here.
Moving from Washington D.C. to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you’ll need to take.

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