Lyft
Ride-hailing app · Nationwide (US), fewer cities than Uber
Gross, before car costs. Lyft promises drivers at least 70% of rider fares, after external fees, each week.
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- Worker
- Contractor (1099)
- Vehicle
- Own car, or rent through Lyft's rental program in select cities
- License
- Regular driver's license
- Min. age
- 21+
- Schedule
- Flexible / on-demand
- Home time
- Home every night
- Benefits
- Some state-mandated protections (CA, MA, WA, MN, NY)
- Paid
- Weekly; instant Express Pay
- Tips
- Yes, 100% of tips
- You cover
- Gas, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, phone
- Upfront
- $0 to sign up
Requirements to drive for Lyft
- Age 21+ (25+ in a few markets)
- Valid license and 1+ year of driving history
- 4-door vehicle meeting local model-year rules
- Personal auto insurance
- Background and driving record check
- Vehicle inspection where required
Experience needed
1+ year licensed (3 years in some markets if under 25)
Pros
- Weekly earnings guarantee (70% of fares)
- Easy to run alongside Uber
- Flexible hours
Cons
- Fewer riders than Uber in many cities
- Same car-cost math as Uber
- No benefits in most states
Who it suits best
Rideshare drivers who want a second app to cut down on waiting time
Figures are typical reported ranges in U.S. dollars, reviewed September 2026. Pay and requirements change often and vary by location. Confirm with Lyft before applying. The Apply button may be an affiliate link.
Articles about Lyft
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On its November 4 earnings call, Uber said it is moving incentive dollars away from riders and toward drivers, and that fares may sometimes rise. Here's what was actually said, what it could mean for U.S. drivers this holiday season, and how to cash in.
Taxes & insuranceYear-End Tax Checklist for Gig Drivers: 1099-K vs 1099-NEC, the $20,000 Rule and What to Do Before December 31
Fewer drivers will get a 1099-K this year, but every dollar is still taxable. Here's which forms to expect in January, the deadlines that matter, and a checklist to finish 2026 without a tax-time surprise.
Taxes & insuranceHealth Insurance for Gig Drivers in 2027: Higher Premiums, a Shorter Sign-Up Window and No Safety Net on Repayments
Open enrollment for 2027 Marketplace plans runs November 1 to December 15 in most states, insurers want about 15% more, and the extra ACA subsidies are gone. Here's how Uber, DoorDash and Amazon Flex drivers can avoid overpaying.
Laws & rulesWill Robotaxis Take Your Rideshare Job? What the Minneapolis Waymo Fight Means for Drivers
Minneapolis tried to require a human inside every robotaxi to protect rideshare jobs. The mayor vetoed it and the override failed on October 15. Here's where Waymo runs today, how fast it's growing, and what drivers can do.
Laws & rulesUber and Lyft Drivers Now Have Unions in Massachusetts and California: What It Means for Your Pay
Massachusetts drivers are already bargaining with Uber and Lyft, California certified a union for about 800,000 drivers in September, and Illinois just passed its own law. Here's what could change, what won't, and when.
Rideshare & deliveryDriving Uber or Lyft in a Tesla: Is It Possible, Is It Profitable, and How Much Range Do You Need?
Yes, a Tesla qualifies for Uber and Lyft, and Model 3 is on Uber's Comfort Electric list. We break down charging cost per mile, the daily range a full-time driver needs, and when renting beats buying.
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