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Minneapolis/St. Paul 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 Minneapolis/St.Paul.
If you’re a driver or are applying to drive in Minnesota, visit this page instead.
To apply to drive in Minneapolis/St.Paul, 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 Minneapolis/St.Paul
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. 2009 or newer (Vehicles from 2009-2014 must have less than 150K mileage.)
  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
For all Minnesota information, see this page.
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 Minnesota or Wisconsin driver’s license*
  2. 25 or older
  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.
*If you only have a temporary license, take a side-by-side photo of your old driver's license next to the temporary license. See example.
Document requirements
  1. Driver profile photo: Learn how to take the best photo
  2. Vehicle registration
  3. Personal vehicle insurance
  4. Vehicle inspection
Vehicle inspection
Drivers are required to pass a vehicle inspection before being approved to drive. Approved drivers will need an updated vehicle inspection annually.
When visiting an approved inspection location, use this form. Inspection cost varies depending on the area and facility. Once completed, upload your inspection form to the Lyft Driver app. Keep a current inspection form in your vehicle at all times while in driver mode.
To upload your inspection form:
1. Open the menu
2. Tap on 'Account'
3. Tap 'Documents'
Inspections are valid until the marked expiration date. If no expiration date is marked, Lyft will require a new inspection to be done one year after the inspection date.
Emblem requirements
Local regulations require that all Lyft drivers display two Lyft emblems while in driver mode. One goes on the lower corner of your windshield, another one in the lower corner of your rear windshield. Make sure yours are always visible to your passengers.
Example of front and rear windshields for purpose of illustrating emblem placement.
If you’ve just been approved to drive, you should receive your Lyft emblems 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.
Minneapolis/St.Paul driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in Minneapolis/St.Paul, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In Minneapolis/St.Paul, Lyft’s standard time limit for driver mode applies.
Background Consent
By submitting an application to drive in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, you consent to a criminal history and driving record background check conducted on an audit basis by the City of St. Paul or the City of Minneapolis.
Best practices
  1. Display all required emblems and placards
  2. Always have your driver’s license, insurance document, and completed inspection form
  3. Learn how to get around Minneapolis with this downloadable pdf
  4. Follow all airport rules
  5. Don't accept street hails
  6. Don't accept cash for rides
  7. Don't wait in taxi lines
Know your insurance
Review Lyft's coverage here.
For Lyft drivers in the state of Minnesota, from the time you turn on the app, until you accept a ride, Lyft provides primary liability coverage with a $50,000 maximum limit for per person, $100,000 maximum limit for per accident, and $30,000 maximum limit for property damage. From the time you accept a ride until you drop off a passenger, Lyft’s primary liability coverage covers up to $1.5 million. That’s at a combined single limit, including bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Lyft also provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) from the time you turn on the app until you drop off a passenger.
Your personal auto insurance policy may not provide coverage while you are giving Lyft rides or logged into the app in driver mode, depending on the terms of the policy.
Using a vehicle with a lien against it to give rides on the Lyft platform may violate your contract with the lienholder.
Moving to or from Minneapolis/St.Paul
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to Minneapolis/St.Paul, contact us with the following info. If you're moving to any other city in Minnesota, follow the steps here instead.
  1. The date you're moving
  2. Your new shipping address
  3. A clear photo of your Minnesota or Wisconsin driver's license (If you only have a temporary license, take a side-by-side photo of your old driver's license next to the temporary license. See example.)
  4. Vehicle insurance*
*If you originally submitted vehicle insurance when you became a driver, you do not need to send it again.
Moving from Minneapolis/St.Paul to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you’ll need to take.

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