Skip to Content

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
To apply to drive in Massachusetts, 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.
Skip to:
What you need to drive with Lyft in Massachusetts
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:
  1. 2008 or newer: Boston
  2. 2009 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
  1. Valid driver’s license (Temporary or out-of-state licenses are also acceptable).
  2. At least 25 years old with 1 year of driving experience.
  3. Pass a driver screening, which reviews your driving history and criminal background check.
  4. Pass a state-required Massachusetts Background Check.
  5. Any smartphone that can download and run the Lyft Driver app.
Document requirements
Personal vehicle insurance
Drivers are required to have personal vehicle insurance. Proof of insurance needs to be provided by uploading a photo of an insurance policy (sample).
Massachusetts TNC vehicle inspection
Vehicles used for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Lyft, must also complete a TNC Vehicle Inspection. The Massachusetts TNC inspection is a specific type of vehicle inspection for rideshare drivers and is different from other state safety and emissions inspections.
Your TNC inspection is required within 60 days of becoming an approved Lyft driver. If your state inspection expires within those 60 days, you should obtain a TNC inspection when getting your updated state inspection (see below). The TNC inspection costs $15 and is valid for 1 year.
How to get your TNC vehicle inspection
  1. Visit any licensed Inspection Station in Massachusetts when your next state inspection is due.
  2. Let the inspector know you need the TNC Vehicle Inspection, which is different from the standard state inspection.
  3. Once you pass, take a photo of the TNC Vehicle Inspection Report and upload it to your Lyft Driver app. To add documents in the app, tap 'Account' in the main menu, then 'Documents.
  4. If your vehicle fails the TNC inspection, you can be re-inspected for free within 20 days of the initial inspection. After 20 days, you must pay for a re-inspection.
  5. Store your TNC Vehicle Inspection Report in your glove compartment for safekeeping.
Heads up: Please make sure you are uploading your TNC Vehicle Inspection Report for your TNC Inspection document, NOT your State Vehicle Inspection Report.
Here's what the TNC inspection looks like:
Example of a TNC vehicle inspection report for Massachusetts (MA).
State inspection
Vehicles used for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Lyft, must provide proof of their vehicle’s State inspection sticker or document prior to becoming an approved driver. Your State Inspection document should match your registration State.
For Massachusetts registered vehicles, here are some examples of acceptable documents.
Your vehicle’s State Inspection Sticker:
This image is used as an example for MA drivers looking to obtain a State Inspection sticker.
Your vehicle's State Inspection document:
This image is used as an example for MA drivers looking to obtain a Vehicle Inspection Report from the state
Driver ID Certificate
Once your vehicle is approved, you should receive an email from Lyft with your Driver ID Certificate. Print and display your Driver ID certificate in your vehicle so that it is visible to riders. Failure to do so may result in a citation.
Example of the Lyft Driver ID certificate required in Massachusetts (MA).
Emblem requirements
Massachusetts State Law requires drivers in driver mode to always display two Lyft trade dress emblems — one on the passenger side of your front windshield and one on the passenger side of your rear windshield. Failure to display front and rear trade dress emblems may result in citations and fines.
Example of front and rear windshields for purpose of illustrating emblem placement.
Image of the Lyft emblem.
If you haven’t received your front and rear trade dress emblems in the mail, you may order them in the Vehicles tab of the Lyft Driver app or Driver Dashboard. In the meantime, you can print out temporary emblems while you wait for new ones to be shipped to you.
Pro tip: You will still need to display a rear Lyft emblem even if you have a tinted rear windshield.
Massachusetts driver regulations
Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in Massachusetts, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
Skip to:
Hourly driver mode limits
In addition to Lyft's mandatory break requirement, Massachusetts regulations state that drivers must not be in driver mode for more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period.
After 12 consecutive hours in driver mode in a 24-hour period, you must take a break for at least 8 consecutive hours.
Any driver found violating this policy shall be subject to a 24-hour suspension.
Massachusetts Background Check
Massachusetts law requires all TNC drivers to pass a background check performed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The background check reviews driving history and the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). If you pass the Massachusetts (MA) Background Check then you will receive the Background Check Clearance Certificate (BCCC).
Consent to a Massachusetts Background Check:
All applicants and existing drivers need to give their consent to the MA Background Check before Lyft can coordinate their background check with the DPU.
After you’ve consented to run your MA Background Check, Lyft will coordinate your MA Background Check directly with the DPU. Drivers who pass their MA Background Check will receive a Background Check Clearance Certificate from the DPU (example below). The DPU will notify you of your MA background check results by sending you an email to the email address associated with your Lyft account.
For general questions about the MA Background Check process, please contact the DPU by filling out the following form on the agency’s website: Ask the TNC Division your rideshare questions.
Background Check Clearance Certificate:
If you pass your MA Background Check, you will receive a Background Check Clearance Certificate (BCCC) via email attachment from the DPU. An example of the Background Check Clearance Certificate is below. Look for an email to the email address associated with your Lyft account. The email will include the following information:
  1. Sender: “Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities" (donotreply@massdpu.com)
  2. Subject Line: “Background Check Clearance Certificate”
Please note, you must have a digital or printed version of your Background Check Clearance Certificate with you at all times while completing Lyft rides. Failure to have your Certificate when approached by an officer could result in a fine.
This document is an example of a Background Check Clearance Certificate for Massachusetts.
Failed Massachusetts Background Check results:
Any driver who does not pass their MA Background Check has the right to appeal the DPU’s determination. You have 30 calendar days from the date your Background Check Certificate denial was issued to submit a formal appeal, to begin the appeal process please review the steps below.
How to obtain a copy of your driving records and criminal records
To access your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and/or Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Records, please follow these instructions:
In your original denial email, there is a link (Access My CORI and/or RMV Records)that will prompt you to a secure screen where you must enter:
  1. Your email address
  2. Your date of birth
  3. The last four digits of your social security number
  4. A security code
After you submit these 4 pieces of information, you will receive an email with a security code needed to download your CORI and/or RMV Records.
How to dispute the accuracy of records
The DPU cannot correct any error(s) on your criminal or driving record. To review and/or correct any errors on your driving and/or criminal record, please see below.
If you think there is an error on your Massachusetts criminal history, you may contact the Office of the Commissioner of Probation (617-727-5300) or the Chief Probation Officer of the court that charged you. For assistance interpreting entries on your criminal record (CORI), contact DCJIS, Constituent Assistance and Research Unit: 617-660-4640, 8 AM — 6 PM ET, Monday - Friday or via email at iCORI.INFO@state.ma.us.
If you think that there is an error on your Massachusetts driving record, you may contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
More information:
You can find more information on requesting and correcting your driving record here and criminal records here. For information on how to request your driving records by phone, online, in-person or mail, see this page. If you have questions for the DPU, you can contact the DPU by filling out the following form on the agency’s website: Ask the TNC Division your rideshare questions.
How to submit an appeal
Drivers may appeal their MA Background Check results by emailing the required identification information listed below and reason(s) for appeal to the TNC division at dputncappeal@massmail.state.ma.us. See more information here.
  1. Identification Information:
    1. Name
    2. Address
    3. Date of Birth
    4. Email Address
    5. Telephone number
  3. Reason(s) for the appeal:
    1. Be specific. Failure to identify the reason(s) for your appeal may result in the denial of your appeal without a hearing.
    2. Tell the DPU why the decision should be reversed. For example, you may identify errors that you believe are on the records relied upon by the TNC Division in denying your BCCC.
    3. Please include any documentation that you believe will help the DPU understand why the decision should be reversed.
    4. If you are including documentation as part of your appeal (such as a driving record or criminal record), please submit it as an email attachment. If possible, send this documentation as a PDF file.
Once you submit your appeal, you should receive an automatic response from the DPU that your appeal has been received. The DPU may contact you for more information. The DPU will send all email responses, including your notice to appear for a hearing, to the email address that you used to submit your appeal. Be sure to check all of your email accounts, including spam folders for emails from the DPU. If you successfully appeal your background check results and are issued a Background Check Clearance Certificate, the DPU will notify Lyft.
Appeal hearings
The DPU reviews all appeals, but not all appeals receive hearings. In most instances, appeals to mandatory disqualifications will not receive a hearing but appeals to presumptive or discretionary disqualifications usually receive a hearing. It is very important that you describe the reasons for your appeal, such as any errors in your records or compelling reasons for reversing the DPU’s decision.
Hearings:
At the appeal hearing, you have the right to appear on your own behalf, or you may be accompanied, represented, and advised by an Authorized Representative.
An Authorized Representative shall file a written notice with the Transportation Network Company Division that shall contain the name, address, telephone number, as well as fax number and email address (if available), and the name of the Driver or Driver Applicant represented.
You should plan on bringing all documents and information that supports their position.
If you successfully appeal your background check and are issued a Background Check Clearance Certificate, the DPU will notify Lyft directly.
Toll payments
Massachusetts drivers will be reimbursed for applicable tolls at the commercial E-ZPass rate. Drivers will receive an adjustment from E-ZPass to the commercial toll rate on their E-ZPass statement. Drivers with commercial transponders will not see a difference in their E-ZPass statement. Learn more about this on the MassDOT website.
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
  7. Once you’ve received your MA Background Check Clearance Certificate, keep a printed copy in your glove compartment.
Massachusetts driver benefits
The following benefits apply to rides in Massachusetts.
Skip to:
Guaranteed minimum earnings
As a Massachusetts driver, you’ll be paid a minimum of $32.50 per hour for time spent driving to pick up a rider and time spent with a rider in your vehicle (known as booked time).
This minimum earnings standard applies to trips originating in Massachusetts State. Only drivers approved to drive in Massachusetts are eligible for this guarantee.
Your eligible earnings include earnings from giving rides - but are calculated before tips, tolls, select bonuses (such as those for referring other drivers), Express Drive rental fees, etc.
If you earn less than the guaranteed minimum over a 14-day period (starting and ending Mondays at 5am), you’ll be paid an adjustment for the difference on the following Wednesday.
You’ll receive an email every other Wednesday when you’re paid to highlight:
  1. Your earnings for the past two weeks.
  2. How those earnings compare to the minimum guarantee.
  3. The total number of hours of booked time in that earnings period.
  4. Whether you’re receiving an adjustment or not.
Note: These guaranteed earnings are the minimum you can expect to earn. You could earn more depending on how many rides you give.
Deactivation appeals
You can appeal your deactivation if you:
  1. Have been permanently deactivated.
  2. Haven’t already requested an appeal for the same permanent deactivation.
Occupational accident insurance
Drivers are eligible for occupational accident insurance for covered accidents in Massachusetts occurring on or after October 1, 2024. Occupational accident insurance provides medical expense and disability benefits for covered injuries when drivers on the Lyft platform are either online in Massachusetts or are completing trips on the platform that originate in Massachusetts.
Paid sick leave
You’ll accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours of driving to pick up and drop off passengers, up to 40 hours per calendar year.
Up to 40 accrued unused hours will roll over to the next calendar year.
To see the current rate you’ll get paid out:
  1. Select the dollar amount on your home screen.
  2. Select ‘Request paid sick leave.’
Note: This rate gets adjusted annually for inflation or changes to the minimum wage.
Before you submit your first request you must accrue at least 3 hours. After that, you can request paid sick leave in 1 hour increments.
You may use earned sick time if you, your child, spouse, parent, or spouse’s parent:
  1. Suffer from a physical or mental illness, injury, or medical condition that requires home care, professional medical diagnosis or care, or preventative medical care, or
  2. Have a routine medical appointment, or
  3. Need time to deal with domestic violence.
To request paid sick leave, open the Lyft Driver app, then:
  1. Select the dollar amount on the home screen.
  2. Go to ‘Request paid sick leave,’ then select ‘Request paid sick leave.’
  3. Choose the number of hours you want to request.
  4. Select ‘Request.’
If your requested hours are approved, the payment will be added on your Earnings tab.
If your account is deactivated or you don’t give rides for 365 or more consecutive days, you’ll lose any accrued paid sick leave.
Only rides originating in Massachusetts count towards accruing paid sick leave.
Permanently deactivated drivers don’t have access to paid sick leave.
Paid Family Medical Leave
Massachusetts drivers are entitled to Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) stipends. All Massachusetts drivers will automatically receive this quarterly stipend, without the need to enroll in the state Paid Family Medical Leave program.
This means Lyft will automatically pay each Massachusetts driver a stipend equal to a percentage of their earnings (excluding tips) on a quarterly basis.
The PFML stipend rate is equal to one-half of the independent contractor rate for enrolling in the state’s Paid Family Medical Leave insurance program.
These stipends will appear in the Earnings tab.
Drivers began accruing this stipend on October 1, 2024 (the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2024) and will receive their first stipend (for the fourth quarter) on or before January 30, 2025.
All future payments will be made no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter.
These are the date ranges for each quarter:
  1. Quarter 1: January 1–March 31
  2. Quarter 2: April 1–June 30
  3. Quarter 3: July 1–September 30
  4. Quarter 4: October 1–December 31
Note: These payments may arrive up to 30 days after the quarter ends.
You can learn more about the different types of PFML on the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave website.
For information about how to enroll in PFML, visit the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave website.
Portable Health Fund
Beginning March 2025, qualifying drivers will get a cash stipend to help cover the cost of a health plan.
Know your insurance
Review Lyft's coverage here.
Moving to or from Massachusetts
If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to Massachusetts, send us a message with the following info:
  1. The date you're moving
  2. Your new shipping address
  3. A clear photo of your vehicle registration*
  4. Note: If you're younger than 23, you need 3 or more years of driving history. If you're 23 years or older, you need at least 1 year of driving history.
*If you were already required to upload your vehicle registration when you became a driver, you don't need to send it in again.
When you move to Massachusetts, you will be required to consent to a state-run background check.
Moving from Massachusetts to a different state? Find your new market here to see what steps you’ll need to take.

Still need help?