The latest vehicle requirements for Lyft: Does your car qualify?

Using a vehicle you already own is one of the best ways to drive for Lyft.

But Lyft has a strict list of vehicle requirements that you car must meet before you can sign in and start giving rides.

This guide covers the most up-to-date Lyft vehicle requirements for 2026. And if your car doesn’t qualify, learn how you can rent one that does!

Article Contents

• Lyft Vehicle Requirements
  • Requirements for Lyft XL, Extra Comfort, Lux Black
• The Lyft Vehicle Inspection
• Vehicle Requirements FAQ
• How to Rent a Car for Lyft
• Full List of Vehicle Model Year Requirements

Apply without a car and rent with Lyft Express Drive

You can complete the Lyft application even if you don’t have access to a qualifying vehicle.

To apply without a car, visit the Lyft application and select “I need a car” on the application page.

That will allow you to complete the background screening process without listing a car. If you are approved, Lyft will send you information about the Lyft Express Drive rental car program.

Vehicle requirements for different Lyft services

Lyft offers several different levels of service, each with different vehicle requirements.

Generally, you can earn more if your vehicle has a larger capacity, or if it is a newer luxury model.

Learn the difference between the Lyft services, then use this article to see which service your vehicle qualifies for.

Lyft XL vehicle requirements — Minivans and SUVs for groups of five or more

A Lyft XL vehicle must fit at least six people total to accommodate groups of five passengers.

Minivans, SUVs, and vehicles with a large third row typically qualify for XL.

• Must seat six passengers (five passengers + driver)
• Same model year requirements as regular Lyft
• Lyft XL drivers receive ride requests for both XL and regular Lyft rides. You can’t choose to only receive XL requests

Lyft XL costs around 1.5x the price of a regular Lyft, so a vehicle that qualifies for XL has higher earning potential than a regular Lyft car.

Your driver profile will automatically allow Lyft XL ride requests if your car qualifies.

If you think your car qualifies for XL but you’re not getting XL requests, contact Lyft and ask to receive XL requests.

List of SUVs and minivans that qualify for XL

Note: This is not a complete list

Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Uplander, Chevrolet Suburban, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Durango, Dodge Caravan, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Buick Enclave.

Extra Comfort vehicle requirements

Lyft Extra Comfort is a ride in a newer car with more legroom and highly-rated drivers.

Extra Comfort is more expensive than a regular Lyft. Expect rides to pay around 10% more than Lyft.

• Model year 2017 or newer and an eligible vehicle
• Completed at least 100 trips
• Maintain a minimum rating of 4.85
• No safety flags in the past 20 rides
• No more than 1 cleanliness flag in the past 20 rides

Lyft Lux Black and Lux Black XL vehicle requirements

Lyft Lux Black and Black XL are high-end services that compete with Uber Black.

They are the most expensive services and have the potential for higher earnings than any other Lyft service.

Vehicle requirements are the most strict for Lux Black and Lux Black XL, and to be eligible, you must maintain an average driver rating of 4.7 or higher.

• 2018 or newer
• Black exterior
• Leather or leather-like material only. No cloth interiors.
• Driver must maintain an average rating of 4.7 or higher.

Lyft Lux, Lux Black, and Lux Black XL drivers can limit ride requests to the higher-end services by going to the Vehicles and Devices area of the Lyft Driver app and changing the Ride Preferences setting.

List of cars that qualify for Lux Black and Lux Black XL

Note: This is not a complete list. See the full list of vehicles at Lyft.com

BMW 5 series and up, Mercedes CLS-Class and up, all Tesla models, Audi 6 series and up, Cadillac CT-6, GMC Yukon, Range Rover, Lexus ES and up, Lincoln Continental, Lincoln Aviator & Navigator, Toyota Land Cruiser, Infiniti QX60 and 80

The Lyft vehicle inspection

In most cities and states, your vehicle must pass an inspection. You can do the inspection at a Lyft Driver Center, locations listed in the Lyft driver app, or at any state-certified mechanic.

Read more: See the full Lyft vehicle inspection criteria

The Lyft inspection checks for the following:

• Tires: Need sufficient tread. On a US penny, tread must reach Lincoln’s head
• Windows: Free of major cracks, no cracks in driver’s field of vision. Windows must roll up and down
• A/C and heat: Must be present and functioning
• Wipers: Functioning and in good condition
• Lights: All must function. Headlights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights
• Horn: Must function
• Seat belts: All must be present and functional
• Seats: Front seats must move forward and backward
• Body: Free of major damage or dents
• Tailpipe/muffler: Must meet state standards

Lyft vehicle requirements FAQ

My car is too old for Lyft but it’s nice. Will Lyft accept it?
Lyft makes no exceptions to model year requirements. Even if your older car is in pristine condition, Lyft will not accept it.

Does Lyft accept paper plates (temporary registration)?
Many drivers can add their cars to the Lyft system with temporary registration documents. Just make sure that the VIN on the temporary documents matches the VIN on your insurance information. If you’re having issues with having temporary documents accepted, contact Lyft.

Do I need any special permits to drive with Lyft?
Most cities and states don’t require special permitting to drive with Lyft, but some do. To see the exact requirements for your area, head to this page and scroll down to your state. Lyft will give you instructions on how to obtain any necessary permits.

My car qualifies now, but can it become too old later on?
Lyft typically updates its model year requirement yearly and disqualifies cars that become too old.

For example, if the model year requirement in your city is 2010 or newer this year, next year it might become 2011.

In that scenario, a model year 2010 vehicle would become too old for the Lyft platform and no longer qualify. Lyft will typically warn you a few months in advance that your car is aging off of the platform.

How to rent a car for Lyft: The Express Drive program

If you don’t currently have access to a vehicle that qualifies for Lyft, you can rent a car from the Lyft Express Drive program or from one of several other rideshare rental companies.

Rideshare rentals include insurance and unlimited rideshare miles, so they’re a good way to get started with Lyft without purchasing a vehicle.

• The Express Lyft Drive program
• List of the top rideshare rental options
• HyreCar has rideshare-ready rentals for Uber and Lyft drivers

Find out if your car qualifies by applying!

Still not sure whether your car qualifies? You can apply to drive with Lyft and find out during the application process, or you can contact Lyft.

There’s no perfect online tool that can tell you for sure if your car qualifies or not. The only way to be certain is to apply and find out!

Complete list of Lyft model year requirements

Find the oldest car that Lyft will accept. Updated January 2026.

Use the search bar to find your state.

State	Oldest Vehicle Year
Alabama	2011
Alaska	2014
Arizona	2010
Arkansas	2010
California	2013
Colorado	2010
Connecticut	2014
Delaware	2010
Florida	2010
Georgia	2010
Hawaii	2010
Idaho	2010
Illinois	2010
Illinois - Bloomington	2016
Indiana	2010
Iowa	2010
Kansas	2010
Kentucky	2010
Louisiana	2010
Maine	2010
Maryland	2015
Massachusetts	2010
Michigan	2010
Minnesota	2010
Minnesota - Minneapolis/St. Paul	2011
Mississippi	2010
Mississippi - Gulfport-Biloxi	2012
Missouri	2010
Montana	2010
Nebraska	2010
Nevada	2010
New Hampshire	2010
New Jersey	2010
New Mexico	2010
New Mexico - Roswell, Las Cruces, Taos	2012
New York State	2010
New York City	2014
North Carolina	2010
North Dakota	2010
Ohio	2010
Oklahoma	2010
Oregon	2010
Oregon - Portland and Eugene	2011
Pennsylvania	2010
Rhode Island	2014
South Carolina	2010
South Dakota	2016
Tennessee	2010
Texas	2010
Utah	2010
Vermont	2011
Virginia	2010
Washington D.C.	2016
Washington	2011
West Virginia	2010
Wisconsin	2010
Wyoming	2010