New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
To apply to drive in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey
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:
- 2009 or newer
- 4 doors
- 5-8 seats, including the driver's
- Not a taxi, stretch limousine, or non-Express Drive rental vehicle
- 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
- Valid driver’s license — Temporary or out-of-state licenses are also acceptable*
- You must be 25 years or older to drive.
- Pass a driver screening, which reviews your driving history and criminal background check. Learn more about driver screenings.
- Any smartphone that can download and run the Lyft Driver app. See phone software recommendations.
*If license was issued less than 1 year ago, please include another document in your photo to show additional driving record. For example, you can include an expired driver’s license. More info from the NJ DMV here.
Document requirements
- Driver profile photo: Learn how to take the best photo
- Vehicle registration
Personal vehicle insurance
Your personal vehicle insurance card must include your name and the make, model, and VIN of your vehicle (see sample here). Note: If your name is not on this document, please include in the photo a declaration page from your insurance company that includes your name.
Emblem requirements
Lyft trade emblem
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 your front and rear windshield on the passenger side every time you enter driver mode. Make sure to remove the emblem when you are not in driver mode.
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.
New Jersey placard
As of March 20, 2020, New Jersey law requires drivers to display a placard containing driver and vehicle information, as well as a unique barcode that riders can scan to confirm their ride.
Temporary placards
A link to a printable temporary placard will be emailed to all new New Jersey drivers. Permanent placards will be mailed to the driver's shipping address. If you haven’t received a placard or a temporary placard email, please reach out to support.
If you update your existing vehicle information or add a new vehicle to your account, we’ll mail you a new placard with your new information.
You can print a temporary placard at any time using the link in your email.
How to display your placard
New Jersey law requires that drivers display a placard on each of their rear passenger windows. To display your placards:
- Separate each placard from the instructions;
- Place one placard on each rear passenger window of your car, facing out; and
- Ensure placards are clearly visible from sidewalks
How it works
- Placards will display your driver and vehicle information, as well as a unique barcode riders can scan to confirm their ride
- Once you tap to arrive, your passenger will have the option to scan the barcode on your window
- If your passenger decides to scan the barcode, they’ll see confirmation in their app
- Tap 'Pick up (passenger's name)' when the rider gets in to start the ride
New Jersey driver regulations
If you are a New Jersey driver, you agree to notify Lyft if you are convicted, charged or arrested for a violent crime, felony, sexual offense, driving offense, or drug-related offense.
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in New Jersey, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In New Jersey, Lyft’s standard time limit for driver mode applies.
Best practices
- Display all required emblems and placards
- Always have your driver’s license and insurance document
- Follow all airport rules
- Don't accept street hails
- Don't accept cash for rides
- Don't wait in taxi lines
Know your insurance
Review Lyft's coverage here.
Moving to or from New Jersey
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to New Jersey, send us a message with the following info. Please note, you will be required to have your vehicle registered in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or New York.
- The date you're moving
- Your new shipping address
*If you were already required to upload your vehicle registration when you became a driver, you do not need to send it in again.
Please note: if you are a driver in New Jersey, you are not able to receive ride requests in New York City. If a passenger ride has brought you into New York City, you will need to return to New Jersey in order to receive another ride.
If you would like to switch to New York City, or you're moving from New Jersey to a different state, find your new market in the list here to see what steps you'll need to take.