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Virginia 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 Virginia.
To apply to drive in Virginia, 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 Virginia
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. 2010 or newer: Fredericksburg
  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
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
You'll need to:
  1. Have a valid driver’s license. Temporary or out-of-state licenses are also acceptable.*
  2. Be 25 years or older to drive.
  3. Pass a driver screening, which reviews your driving history and criminal background check.
  4. Have less than 3 minor violations in the last 3 years.
  5. Have any smartphone that can download and run the Lyft Driver app. See phone software recommendations.
*Only drivers with a non-temporary DC, MD, or VA driver's license are eligible for pickups originating in DC. Temporary licenses will not be accepted.
Document requirements
  1. Driver profile photo: Learn how to take the best photo
  2. Vehicle registration
  3. Personal vehicle insurance
  4. Virginia, Maryland, or D.C. State Vehicle Inspection Certificate
  5. Business license
  6. Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (vehicles with for-hire license plates only)
Virginia, Maryland, or D.C. State Vehicle Inspection Certificate
Drivers are required to upload a copy of their state vehicle inspection before becoming approved to drive. It can be from Virginia, Maryland, or D.C.
Inspections are valid until the marked expiration date. If no expiration date is marked, Lyft requires a new inspection one year after the inspection date.
Here is an example of the Virginia state inspection certificate:
This image is an example of an inspection certification for Virginia.
Lyft also accepts state inspections from Maryland or from Washington, D.C. For more information on these inspections, learn more:
Business license
A business license may be required for Lyft drivers based on your locality. Please contact your local City department to inquire if one is needed.
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.
This image shows where to place the Lyft emblem in the windshield for DMW drivers.
The Lyft emblem should be displayed in the lower corner of the rear passenger side window. 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.
Virginia driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in Virginia, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In Virginia, Lyft’s standard time limit for driver mode applies. See Lyft's mandatory break and time limits for more information.
Pickups in D.C.
Drivers are required to have a valid Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia driver's license in order to pick up passengers in Washington, D.C. proper. If your license was issued elsewhere, you will not receive pickup requests in Washington, D.C. You may, however, drop off passengers.
Driving safety
Never use your mobile device to enter information or communicate with a passenger in any way while your vehicle is in motion. If you need to enter an address, place a call, write a text message, or adjust a setting in your phone, do so when your vehicle is at a complete stop in a legal parking spot or turnout. Help us keep Virginia's roads safe and friendly!
Zero-tolerance policy
We have a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for drivers — in Virginia and nationwide. To report suspicions that a Lyft driver in Virginia may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact law enforcement immediately by dialing 911. You may also contact the Virginia DMV at 804-367-6504.
Background information
If you have been charged or arrested for a crime or driving offense, Virginia law requires you to let us know.
Off-app activity
As a Lyft driver, you are only permitted to conduct commercial transportation activity through our digital platform. Transporting passengers for pay without the ride being logged in our system is not only illegal, it presents a serious safety hazard. Digital tracking of app activity acts as a strong safety provision for drivers and passengers, and insurance coverage extends only to the activity taking place on the digital platform.
If a curious party asks you about Lyft, or wants a ride, take the opportunity to help them set up an account so they can experience the Lyft platform as it is intended to be. Thank you for helping keep the Lyft platform safe for all users.
Taxes
In Virginia and elsewhere, we recommend drivers consult with a tax professional regarding possible financial or contractual consequences of operating as a Lyft driver when it comes to matters such as tangible personal property tax liabilities, personal auto liability insurance coverage, and financing agreements with vehicle lien holders.
Vehicle title limitations
Lyft vehicles in Virginia must not be titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt or any other equivalent classification.
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 Virginia
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to Virginia, contact us with the following info:
  1. The date you're moving
  2. Your new shipping address
  3. A clear photo of your vehicle registration*
  4. A clear photo of your Washington D.C., Virginia, or Maryland vehicle inspection**
  5. Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (vehicles with for-hire license plates only)***
*If you were already required to upload your vehicle registration when you became a driver, you do not need to send it in again.
**If you were already required to upload a Washington D.C., Virginia, or Maryland inspection when you became a driver, you do not need to send it in again. Scroll up for details and a sample image.
***If you have a for-hire license plate in Virginia (license plate starting with 'H', 'HAE' or 'HAD'), you're required to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity as a common carrier and commercial insurance (minimum of $350k) in order to operate on the Lyft platform.
Moving from Virginia to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you'll need to take.

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