South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
To apply to drive in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina
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
- 2008 or newer
- 4 doors
- 5-8 seats, including the driver's
- Permanent license plate
- 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
- 25 or older
- 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
- Personal vehicle insurance
Vehicle inspection
Drivers are required to pass a vehicle inspection before being approved to drive. 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.
Emblem and placard requirements
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License plate number placard
Approved drivers in South Carolina are required to display their vehicle’s license plate number in a legible font on the front of their vehicles.
You can use this form to create a temporary printable copy of your license plate number to display in your vehicle. Please use this template to write in your active vehicle’s license plate number. Print this template and display it on the front of your vehicle while you are picking up passengers. Applicants must wait to be approved.
A permanent placard will be sent to your shipping address with the current license plate on file and will arrive 1-2 weeks after being approved.
To change your address in the app: In your Lyft app, tap ‘Account’ in the main menu. Tap ‘Personal info,’ then tap ‘Shipping address.’
To update your license plate: Tap ‘Vehicle and Device’ in the main menu, then tap ‘Your Vehicles.’ You can see your vehicle(s) and update your license plate if necessary.
Once you've updated your license plate and/or shipping address, or if you need a placard for an additional vehicle, reach out to our Support team.
Lyft trade dress emblem
Drivers are required to display the Lyft emblem while in driver mode. Check the image below for where to place your Lyft emblem. Be sure to display it correctly to avoid citations and fines.
The Lyft emblem and placard 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 and placard 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, place an order in the Vehicles tab of the Lyft Driver app or Driver Dashboard.
South Carolina driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in South Carolina, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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Hourly driver mode limits
In South Carolina, 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
- 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 South Carolina
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to South Carolina, send us a message with the following info:
- The date you're moving
- Your new shipping address
- A clear photo of your South Carolina vehicle inspection
- A clear photo of your permanent license plate
If you plan to drive in North Carolina, you’ll need to upload your vehicle registration. See our North Carolina article to read more about rules and regulations you'll need to follow while driving there.
Moving from South Carolina to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you'll need to take.