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Texas 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 Texas.
To apply to drive in Texas, 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 Texas
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
Different regions in this state have specific vehicle age requirements. Click here to see if your vehicle qualifies. All vehicles must meet the following criteria:
  1. 2010 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.
Document requirements
  1. Driver profile photo: Learn how to take the best photo
  2. Texas vehicle registration sticker (see example)
  3. Personal vehicle insurance
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.
Shows where to place Lyft emblem on front windshield.
The Lyft emblem should be displayed in the lower corner of your windshield on the passenger side every time you enter driver mode. Make sure to remove the emblem when you are not in driver mode.
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, order one in your Lyft Driver app or Dashboard. While waiting for it to arrive, you may print a temporary emblem.
Texas driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in Texas, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In Texas, Lyft’s standard time limit for driver mode applies.
State vehicle inspection
Vehicles registered in Texas must pass an annual inspection in order to get or renew a Texas Registration sticker. While safety inspections are required throughout the state, emissions testing is only required in 17 Texas counties.
If your vehicle is registered in a county that doesn’t require the test, but you take your vehicle for testing to a county where an emissions test is required, your vehicle will automatically have emissions testing performed.
Counties in Texas that require emissions testing include: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson.
You must provide proof of insurance before an annual state safety inspection.
If something fails during your inspection you will need to have the item(s) repaired.
Vehicle state safety inspections tests your vehicle's:
  1. Horn
  2. Windshield wipers
  3. Mirror
  4. Steering
  5. Seat belts
  6. Brakes
  7. Tires
  8. Wheel assembly
  9. Exhaust system
  10. Exhaust emission system
  11. Beam indicator
  12. Tail lamps
  13. Stop lamps
  14. License plate lamp
  15. Rear red reflectors
  16. Turn signal lamps
  17. Headlamps
  18. Motor, serial, or vehicle identification number
  19. Gas caps
  20. Window tint
Phone use while driving
  1. Under Texas law, texting while driving is now a misdemeanor.
  2. This law does NOT prohibit you from using your phone as a Lyft driver.
  3. The law includes an exception that allows Lyft or other TNC drivers to use their phones for work, so long as they are permanently or temporarily mounted on their vehicles.
  4. Under the law, all drivers may still use their phones to navigate, to report illegal activity, or in an emergency.
  5. Lyft drivers should ensure that their phones are mounted while driving on the platform.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles
To see city-specific resources for wheelchair accessible vehicles, click here.
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 Texas
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to Texas, send us a message with the following info:
  1. The date you're moving
  2. Your new shipping address
  3. A clear photo of your Texas vehicle registration sticker (sample image below)
This is an example of the Texas Registration Sticker
Moving from Texas to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you’ll need to take.

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