How often does Lyft do background checks? Lyft’s answer is not a fixed date on a calendar. Its driver requirements page says Lyft requires an up-to-date background check to remain on the platform, and that it also conducts continuous criminal and driving record monitoring of active drivers.[1] This guide explains what that means in practice, how far back the checks look, what they review and what to do if something is flagged.
How often does Lyft run a background check?
There are two parts to the answer. The first check happens when you apply: Lyft runs a criminal background check as a part of the application process, and a separate driving record check next to it. The second part is ongoing. Lyft states that active drivers must keep an up-to-date background check and an up-to-date DMV check, and that it monitors criminal and driving records continuously, which notifies Lyft of new records.
Lyft does not publish how often a full re-run happens, and this guide does not guess at one. Treat any claim of a fixed yearly or twice-yearly schedule as unconfirmed, because the official page speaks only of continuous monitoring. Lyft also says it may disqualify a driver at any time, in compliance with applicable law, if a check reveals a disqualifying offense.
What does Lyft’s background check look for?
Lyft says U.S. drivers must give consent and a valid Social Security number, and that the check is run by a third-party company, Checkr, Inc. Lyft then views and assesses the results to decide eligibility. The driving record side is run by Safety Holdings Inc. and compared with Lyft’s internal safety criteria and applicable regulations.
| Check | What Lyft lists as possible grounds for ineligibility |
|---|---|
| Criminal background | National Sex Offender Registry listing; a disqualifying violent crime; a sexual offense; an act of terror |
| Criminal background, past 7 years | DUI; disqualifying fraud-, drug-, theft- or property damage-related offense |
| Driving record | Invalid license status; 4 or more moving violations in 3 years; a single major moving violation in 3 years |
| Driving record, past 7 years | DUI or drug-related driving violation; serious driving-related conviction such as hit-and-run |
Compare car rental
500+ rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
How far back does a Lyft background check go?
For the categories above that carry a time limit, Lyft names the past seven years for DUI, fraud, drug and theft offenses and for serious driving convictions, and the past three years for moving violations. It adds that the time frame may vary based on the law in your region. Violent crime and sexual offense convictions are listed without a time limit.
Lyft also stresses that its list is not exhaustive and that requirements can vary by location. A state or city can add its own rules, so check the driver information page for your area rather than relying on one national number. For the other platform, see Uber background check disqualifiers.
How long does a Lyft background check take?
Lyft says most background checks are completed in a few days but some take several weeks. Its application guide gives the reason: many agencies are involved. Lyft support cannot see the details of your check, only whether you were cleared, so asking support why a check is slow will not reveal more.[2] You can follow the status in the Checkr applicant portal, and check your application status on Lyft’s driver site.
Tip: If you recently changed your legal name, tell Lyft support early. Lyft lists a name change as one case where background check problems can need support help.
What happens if your Lyft background check is flagged?
Lyft describes two routes, depending on whether the report is right or wrong.
If you believe the report is inaccurate or incomplete, you can dispute it with Checkr through its applicant portal, and Checkr may update the report through the dispute process.
If the report is accurate, you may give Lyft support information for review. Lyft’s examples are a certificate of rehabilitation, a certificate of relief from disabilities, and a court-approved dismissal or expungement document.
For a driving record flag, Lyft names different steps: ask your local DMV to remove violations or update your license status, then send Lyft support your updated motor vehicle report. Lyft says it does not accept receipts showing a ticket was paid, or completion of a defensive driver course.
Paying a ticket or taking a defensive driving course does not clear a driving record flag with Lyft. Lyft accepts an updated record from the DMV.
What rights do you have under federal law?
The Federal Trade Commission publishes guidance for job applicants on the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It says employers must get your written permission before running a background check through a background reporting company. If an employer decides against you because of the report, the FTC says the employer must give you a copy of the report and a summary of your rights first, and must tell you afterward that you can dispute inaccurate or incomplete information with the reporting company and ask for an additional free report within 60 days.[3]
That guidance is written for employers and applicants. Whether and how each step applies to a driver application is a question for Lyft and its screening company, so read the notices they send you. The FTC also points out that some cities and states have their own rules about what can be asked and when.
How can you avoid a surprise?
Nothing here guarantees an approval, but a few habits remove the common delays. Check your own driving record before you apply and fix errors with your DMV. Make sure the name and Social Security number on your application match your records. Keep any court documents for old offenses ready, because Lyft says support can review them when you send them. After approval, keep your license, registration and insurance current, since the monitoring Lyft describes is continuous rather than annual. To see the full application, read about Lyft driver qualifications.
