Driving & delivery · Checked November 2026
Lyft requirements
Rideshare driving. Lyft raised its minimum age to 25 in most markets.
At a glance
Source: Gridwise 2026, gross, excludes wait time. Gas and wear typically cut this 25–40%.
Minimum age
25 (19 in NYC)
Background check
Background check
Vehicle
Car required
Payout
Instant
Reported pay
$22.45/active hr
Worker type
Contractor
Minimum age. 25 in most markets; 19 in New York City.
Where rideshare pay floors apply. Washington, Minnesota, Massachusetts ($34.48 per engaged hour), New York City, and California (Prop 22) all set minimum pay for rideshare drivers. See the Washington, Minnesota, Massachusetts, New York City, and California guides.
Lyft questions
How old do you have to be to work for Lyft?
25 (19 in NYC).
Does Lyft require a background check?
Yes. Lyft runs a background check before you can start.
How fast does Lyft pay?
Lyft pays with an instant or same-day cashout option.
How much does Lyft pay?
$22.45/active hr (source: Gridwise 2026, gross, excludes wait time). Vehicle costs like gas and wear typically cut that by 25–40%.
Do you need a car for Lyft?
Yes. Lyft requires a car.
Is Lyft a W-2 job or independent contractor work?
No. Lyft workers are independent contractors, so you cover your own expenses and set aside money for self-employment taxes.
Similar driving & delivery
DoorDash$12.43/hr avgUber Eats$18.06/hr avgUber (rides)$23.88/active hrInstacart$10–30/hr reportedShipt$15–25/hr reportedWalmart Spark$23/hr avgAll platforms44 listed
Sources
Last checked November 2026. Requirements change often, so confirm with Lyft before you rely on them.