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Minnesota 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 Minnesota.
If you're a driver or are applying to drive in Minneapolis/St. Paul, visit this page instead.
To apply to drive in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota
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: Rochester, Duluth, Minneapolis/St. Paul (Vehicles from 2009-2014 must have less than 150K mileage.)
  2. 2008 or newer: All other cities
  3. 4 doors
  4. 5-8 seats, including the driver's
  5. Not a taxi, stretch limousine, or non-Express Drive rental vehicle
  6. Not titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt or any other equivalent classification
For all Minneapolis/St. Paul 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
*Drivers are required to have a valid 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.
  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. Vehicle registration
  3. Personal vehicle insurance
  4. Vehicle inspection
Vehicle registration
Drivers in Duluth are required to upload a photo of their vehicle registration.
Vehicle inspection
Drivers in Duluth are required to have their vehicle inspected by an ASE certified mechanic.
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.
Drivers in Mankato may visit any mechanic with Lyft's inspection form.
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.
Minnesota driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in Minnesota, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In Minnesota, Lyft’s standard time limit for driver mode applies.
Disclosures
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. 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. Don't wait in taxi lines
Minnesota driver benefits
The following benefits apply to rides in Minnesota, including Minneapolis/St. Paul.
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Minimum earnings
Minnesota drivers get guaranteed minimum earnings.
You’ll get paid an adjustment if you earn less than the guaranteed minimum earnings over a 14-day period.
You’ll get an email when you receive your adjustment. You can see the adjustment amount in your Earnings tab.
The guaranteed minimum earnings include:
  1. 31¢ per minute plus $1.28 per mile for time spent with a rider in your vehicle.
  2. $5 minimum trip fare for every ride.
  3. 80% of any cancellation fees from passengers who cancel a ride after you depart to pick them up.
Note: These rides must originate in Minnesota to receive guaranteed minimum earnings.
Eligible earnings only include earnings from giving rides, and are calculated before:
  1. Tips.
  2. Tolls.
  3. Select bonuses (such as referring other drivers).
  4. Express Drive rental fees.
  5. Other fees and additional earnings.
Your guaranteed minimum earnings are calculated over a 14-day period.
The Lyft week starts and ends on Monday at 5 AM. You’ll be paid an adjustment for the difference the following Wednesday.
You’ll get an email when you receive your adjustment. You can see the adjustment in your Earnings tab.
Notice of Compensation
Select your preferred language to go to each Notice of Compensation document:
  1. English (PDF)
  2. Spanish (PDF)
  3. Hmong (PDF)
  4. Oromo (PDF)
  5. Somali (PDF)
  6. Arabic (PDF)
  7. Aramaic (PDF)
Deactivation Notice
Select your preferred language to go to each Deactivation Notice document:
  1. English (PDF)
  2. Spanish (PDF)
  3. Hmong (PDF)
  4. Oromo (PDF)
  5. Somali (PDF)
  6. Arabic (PDF)
  7. Aramaic (PDF)
Know your insurance
Review Lyft's coverage here.
Moving to or from Minnesota
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to Minnesota, send us a message with the following info. If you're moving to Minneapolis or St. Paul, follow the steps here instead.
  1. The date you're moving
  2. Your new shipping address
  3. A clear photo of your 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. A clear photo of your vehicle inspection (Duluth and Mankato only)*
  5. A clear photo of your vehicle registration (Duluth only)**
*If you are moving to Duluth or Mankato, you must obtain a vehicle inspection.
In Duluth, have your vehicle inspection by an ASE certified mechanic using this form, and your vehicle must be from 2009 or newer.
In Mankato, you may visit any mechanic and have your vehicle inspected using this form.
** 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 Minnesota to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you'll need to take.

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