Make sure to follow these rules when giving rides in New York City, and to keep an eye on your email for important news and updates from Lyft.
If you're a driver in any other city in New York State, visit this page instead.
Jump to:
- Apply to drive
- Insurance information
- Tips and best practices
- Driver mode limits
- Document renewals
- Required documents
- Required documents
- Moving to or from New York City as an existing Lyft driver
Apply to Drive
If you're applying to become a driver in New York City, check out the application steps.
Know Your Insurance Coverage
- Review Lyft's insurance policy here.
- View your insurance in the app: Settings > Car > Lyft insurance.
Tips and Best Practices
- Follow all airport rules.
- Do not accept street hails.
- Do not accept cash for rides.
- Do not wait in taxi lines.
- If you run into any issues on the road, let us know.
Driver Mode Limits
New York City regulations require that drivers:
- Provide rides for no more than 10 consecutive hours
- Provide rides for no more than 60 total hours within a 7-day period
Only time spent in actual rides count toward these limitations.
Updating Your Driver Profile
Document Renewals
Drivers on the Lyft platform are required to maintain current documents. Always update your documents via the Dashboard when they expire.
Required Documents
See details and sample images of each required document below. For additional information, you can call our automated information number at 855-NYC-LYFT.
- Driver's license - Issued by DMV
- Vehicle registration - Issued by DMV
- TLC Inspection
- TLC License - Issued by Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)
- Vehicle insurance
Driver's License
Driver's license can be from any state, as long as you have a current TLC license.
Registration
Issued by the New York DMV
TLC Inspection
You must submit one of these three:
- TLC inspection card
- Base sticker
- TLC inspection certificate
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.
TLC Driver License
Drivers must have a TLC Driver License issued by the Taxi and Limousine commission (TLC). Current (not expired) For-Hire Vehicle License or a Medallion FHV License are also acceptable:
Vehicle Insurance
All drivers must have a valid vehicle insurance in their Lyft Driver app. Upon expiration, all drivers must upload their new vehicle insurance.
Which documents do you need to update your vehicle insurance?
| You own your car | You rent your car | |
| FH-1 Insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Certificate of Liability insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Declaration Page (or "Driver List") | No | Yes, if your name is NOT on the Certificate of Liability |
What happens if you do not update your insurance documents by the expiration date? Your vehicle will be deactivated until you update the required documentation.
How and when do you renew your vehicle insurance?
| You own your car | You rent your car | |
| Where do you renew your insurance? | Go to your insurance broker to renew your policy | Ask the vehicle/fleet owner for the updated insurance documents |
| When? |
At least 1 week before the expiration date. Check the expiration date on your FH-1 to know when it's time to renew |
At least 1 week before the expiration date. Check the expiration date on your FH-1 to know when it's time to renew. |
| Which documents do you need? |
FH-1 Insurance
What is this document? Standard driver insurance certificate
Who needs it? All TLC vehicle drivers (you!)
Who’s name is on the document? The owner of the car
Certificate of Liability Insurance
What is this document? The proof of insurance coverage and policy limit
Who needs it? All TLC vehicle drivers (you!)
Who’s name is on the document? The owner of the car
Note: If your name does not appear on the document, you must provide a Declaration Page (or Driver’s List) listing your name and matching policy number.
Declaration Page - Driver’s List
What is this document? A list of drivers covered under the insurance
Who needs it? A renter who’s name is not on the Certificate of Liability
Who’s name is on the document? Authorized drivers associated with the vehicle
Note: If the policy numbers on the Certificate of Liability and Declaration Page (or Driver’s List) do not match, you must provide a Policy Cover Sheet.
How to upload your vehicle insurance documents
When should I upload my vehicle insurance documents? Before your policy expiration date
Moving to or from New York City as an existing Lyft Driver
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to New York City, send us a message with images of all the documents above, or visit us in person at our Long Island City Hub.
31-00 47th Ave., 4th floor
Long Island City, NY 11101
Monday through Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM
All hours in Eastern Time
Moving from New York City to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you'll need to take.