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Illinois Driver Information

If you're a driver (or are applying to drive) in Chicago, visit this page instead.
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 Illinois.
To apply to drive in Illinois, 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 Illinois
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: Bloomington
  2. 2010 or newer: Decatur, Kankakee
  3. 2009 or newer: Chicago
  4. 2008 or newer: All other cities
  5. 4 doors
  6. 5-8 seatbelts, including the driver's
  7. Not a taxi, stretch limousine, or non-Express Drive rental vehicle
  8. 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. Out-of-state licenses are also acceptable, but we don't accept temporary licenses.
  2. Bloomington and Peoria only: Valid Illinois driver's license. Temporary licenses aren't accepted.
  3. 25 or older
  4. Pass a driver screening, which reviews your driving history and criminal background check
  5. Any smartphone that can download and run the Lyft Driver app
Document requirements
  1. Driver profile photo: Learn how to take the best photo
  2. Vehicle registration
  3. Personal vehicle insurance
  4. Bloomington vehicle inspection: See how to get yours
Bloomington vehicle inspection
If you're applying to drive in Bloomington, print this form and bring it to an ASE certified mechanic for your vehicle inspection. Upload a photo of the completed form in the Lyft Driver app. To add documents in the app, tap 'Account' in the main menu, then 'Documents.
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.
Illinois driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in Illinois, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In addition to Lyft's mandatory break requirement, Chicago regulations state that you cannot be in driver mode for more than 12 hours within a 24-hour period. After spending 12 consecutive hours in driver mode, you must take a break for at least 8 consecutive hours.
Disclosures
  1. Your automobile insurance policy might not provide any coverage while you're logged in as a driver and are available to receive ride requests, or while engaged in a Lyft ride, depending on its terms.
  2. Using a vehicle with a lien against the vehicle to provide transportation network services may violate your contract with the lien holder.
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. Do not stop, park, load, or unload passengers in a travel lane or in an officially designated bus or taxi stop.
Know your insurance
Review Lyft's coverage here.
Moving to or from Illinois
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to Illinois, send us a message with the following info. If you're moving to Chicago, follow the steps here instead.
  1. The date you're moving
  2. Your new shipping address
  3. A clear photo of your vehicle registration*
If you're moving to Bloomington, you'll need a vehicle inspection, and your vehicle must be from 2009 or newer (more info below).
If you're moving to Decatur or Kankakee, your vehicle must be from 2005 or newer.
*If you were already required to upload your vehicle registration when you became a driver, you do not need to send it in again.
Moving from Illinois to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you'll need to take.

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