Alaska 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 Alaska.
To apply to drive in Alaska, 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 Alaska
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
- 2012 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.
Document requirements
- Driver profile photo: Learn how to take the best photo
- Vehicle registration
- Personal vehicle insurance
- Annual vehicle inspection
- Juneau business registration: Learn more
Annual vehicle inspection
Drivers in Alaska must get an annual vehicle inspection. Print this form and bring it to a mechanic for an inspection.
Passed inspection forms from other rideshare companies may also be accepted.
To prevent delays in the inspection approval process, make sure your inspection meets the following criteria when you upload it in the 'Documents' tab of the Lyft Driver app:
- Passed inspection
- All fields are filled in
- Matches the vehicle(s) on file with Lyft
- Images and text are clearly legible in the photo
Virtual inspections
You’ll receive an email or notification when a virtual inspection is available. Follow the instructions to set up your virtual appointment.
Before your scheduled inspection time, you’ll need to be outside of your vehicle and have:
- A friend
- A penny
- Your keys
- Your vehicle
- VIN (on your registration in vehicle)
To complete an inspection, you'll need:
- Zoom app. Either download the mobile app and create an account, or sign in to an existing one.
- Seat belts buckled.
- Headlights and hazard lights on.
- To turn off Bluetooth.
- A mobile device charged to at least 20% or more, with good signal strength or W-iFi connection.
- A penny to measure the tread on your tires.
- A friend. Your virtual appointment includes a brake light inspection. You’ll need a friend or a way to prop up your phone to see the lights.
If you have any questions about virtual inspections, contact Rideshare Mechanic.
Juneau Business registration
After being approved to drive, drivers in the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) must register with the CBJ's sales tax office. For information regarding registration, please click here. If you no longer wish to drive for Lyft, please contact the CBJ sales tax office to close your account.
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.
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.
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.
Alaska driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in Alaska, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In Alaska, 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 Alaska
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to Alaska, send us a message with the following info:
- The date you're moving
- Your new shipping address
- A clear photo of your vehicle registration*
*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 Alaska to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you'll need to take.