Quick answer: The Lyft vehicle inspection form is an official safety checklist that a certified mechanic must complete and sign before you can drive for Lyft. It's a 19-point inspection covering brakes, tires, steering, lights, seat belts, glass, and mirrors each marked pass or fail. Your vehicle must pass every point, and the signed form expires one year from the inspection date. You can complete it at a shop, a Lyft Hub, or online from your phone in about 15 minutes.
Whether you're a new driver getting approved or an existing one facing an annual renewal, this guide covers exactly what's on the Lyft inspection form, how to pass it on the first try, what it costs, and how to submit it. You can also download a free Lyft inspection form PDF below.
What is the Lyft vehicle inspection form?
The Lyft vehicle inspection form is a standardized document certifying that your car is safe and roadworthy for rideshare driving. A certified mechanic or approved inspector checks each required component, marks it Pass or Fail, and signs and dates the form. Lyft won't activate your vehicle until a passing form is on file.
You'll also see it called the Lyft inspection form, Lyft car inspection form, Lyft driver inspection form, or Lyft inspection sheet, all the same document. Every applicable point must pass. One fail means your car isn't approved until it's fixed and re-inspected.
Important: the form expires one year from the inspection date, not from the date Lyft approves it. Note the date on your copy so you can renew before it lapses.
Do you need a Lyft inspection in 2026?
Yes. A passing vehicle inspection is required in two situations:
- New drivers — before your vehicle is approved and you can accept your first ride.
- Existing drivers — on renewal, typically every 12 months. A few markets run on a biennial (two-year) cycle.
Your renewal interval, approved inspection locations, and the exact form all depend on your city and state. In some states, the requirement is set by state TNC (Transportation Network Company) regulation rather than by Lyft directly, which is why rules can change the moment you cross a state line. Always confirm the rules where you'll actually be driving.
The Lyft 19-point inspection checklist
Most Lyft markets use a 19-point safety inspection. Some states require a longer 22- or 25-point version. The inspection isn't a full mechanical teardown it confirms your car is safe to carry passengers. Here's what a standard Lyft inspection checklist covers:
| Inspection Point | What the Inspector Checks |
|---|---|
| Foot brakes | Pad/shoe thickness and stopping ability |
| Emergency / parking brake | Holds the vehicle securely |
| Steering mechanism | Responsive, no excessive play |
| Windshield | No large cracks or obstructions |
| Rear window & other glass | Intact and clear |
| Windshield wipers | Clear the glass effectively |
| Headlights | High and low beams work |
| Tail lights | Fully functional |
| Turn signal lights | Front and rear both work |
| Brake lights | All illuminate when braking |
| Hazard / emergency flashers | Operate correctly |
| Reverse lights | Work when in reverse |
| Front seat adjustment | Adjusts and locks properly |
| Doors (driver & passenger) | Open and close from inside and out |
| Horn | Functional |
| Speedometer | Accurate and working |
| Bumpers | Securely attached, no sharp edges |
| Muffler & exhaust system | No leaks or excessive noise |
| Tires (incl. tread depth) | Adequate tread, no visible damage |
| Interior & exterior mirrors, seat belts, body condition | Present, secure, undamaged (22/25-point states) |
Pass-first-try tip: the most common failures are worn tires, worn brakes, and a burned-out bulb, all cheap to fix and easy to check yourself the day before. Walk around the car with the lights and signals on, and check tread depth with a penny before you book.
Lyft car requirements you need to meet first
Passing the inspection also means meeting Lyft's baseline vehicle standards. In most markets, your car must:
- Meet your city's vehicle age limit (limits vary widely by market).
- Have 4 doors and seat at least 5 people, including the driver.
- Have no salvage, rebuilt, or branded title.
- Carry valid registration and in-state insurance.
- Be free of major body damage (cosmetic standards are stricter for Lyft Lux).
Requirements differ from city to city, so check your local rules before you book an inspection.
How to complete your Lyft inspection form (step by step)
You have two routes. Both end with a signed form you upload in the Lyft Driver app.
Option 1: In person at a shop or Lyft Hub
- Download the correct Lyft inspection form for your state and print it.
- Book an appointment at a Lyft Hub (free where available, but locations are limited) or a partner shop like Jiffy Lube or Pep Boys.
- Bring your vehicle, driver's license, registration, and the printed form.
- Wait while the inspector checks each point and marks it pass or fail.
- Collect the signed, dated form and upload it to your Lyft account.
Downside: limited Hub locations, appointment waits, and travel time. Some Hubs only handle re-inspections, not new drivers. Expect the trip to take a half-day, even though the inspection itself takes about 30 minutes.
Option 2: Complete your Lyft inspection online with Chex.AI
With Chex.AI's online Lyft inspection, you skip the shop entirely and do it from your phone:
- Open Chex.AI and start your Lyft vehicle inspection.
- Follow the guided prompts to capture each required component with your camera.
- Your vehicle is checked against Lyft's official 19-point inspection list.
- Receive a completed, signed inspection form accepted by Lyft.
- Upload it to your Lyft Driver app in minutes.
The whole thing takes around 15 minutes, wherever your car is parked. No appointment, no drive across town, no printing.
Driving for both platforms? You generally need a separate signed form on file with each app. Many drivers knock out both in a single session — see our Uber inspection form guide for the Uber side.
How to upload the Lyft inspection form to the app
Once your form is signed:
- Open the Lyft Driver app and go to Account → Documents (or Menu → Documents).
- Select Vehicle Inspection.
- Take a clear photo of the full form, or upload the PDF. Make sure all four corners are visible, and every field is legible.
- Submitting and waiting for review approval usually takes 24–48 hours.
Blurry photos, cut-off corners, and missing mandatory fields (VIN, plate number, inspector signature, and certification number) are the top reasons uploads get rejected. Check the image before you submit.
Lyft inspection form by state
The core 19 points are consistent, but the form and rules vary by location. A few examples:
| State / City | What's Different |
|---|---|
| California | Uses a state-specific form; strict vehicle-age rules |
| Texas | Standard rideshare inspection form accepted statewide |
| Chicago, IL | Uses the RASIER/Chicago inspection form; annual requirement |
| Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN | Dedicated annual vehicle inspection form |
| North & South Carolina | Shared Uber inspection form for driver-partners |
| DMV (DC/MD/VA) | Deadlines vary VA within 30 days, DC within 90 days of activation |
Using the wrong state's form is one of the most common causes of rejected uploads. Always download the version that matches where you'll be driving.
How much does a Lyft inspection cost in 2026?
| Method | Typical Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lyft Hub | Often free (limited locations; some Hubs only do re-inspections) | Appointment-dependent |
| Local mechanic / partner shop (Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys) | $20–$50 | ~30 min + travel and wait |
| Online inspection (Chex.AI) | Comparable, often cheaper | ~15 minutes, from anywhere |
If a Lyft Hub is nearby and accepts new drivers, that's your cheapest route. If not — which is the case for most drivers — an online inspection is typically faster and cheaper than a shop visit once you factor in travel time.
Free Lyft inspection form download
Need the blank PDF to take to a mechanic? Download a free, printable Lyft inspection form here: Download the Lyft inspection form (PDF)
Rather skip the printout and the shop trip entirely? Complete your Lyft inspection online with Chex.AI and get a signed, Lyft-accepted form sent straight to your phone.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lyft inspection form valid?
The Lyft vehicle inspection form expires one year from the inspection date shown on the form, not from when Lyft approves it. A few markets run on a two-year cycle. Renew before it lapses, or you'll be taken offline.
Can I fill out the Lyft inspection form myself?
No. It must be completed and signed by a certified mechanic or approved inspector, who also provides their name, company, and certification number. You can complete it remotely with a certified inspector online instead of visiting a shop, but you can't self-certify.
What happens if my car fails the Lyft inspection?
You'll need to fix the failed item and pass a re-inspection before your vehicle is approved — every applicable point must pass. In some states (California, for example), a failed inspection has to be remedied the same day or you'll need to book a new appointment. Common failures are worn tires, worn brakes, and non-working lights.
Where do I get the Lyft inspection form?
Download it as a state-specific PDF, pick one up at a Lyft Hub, or have it generated automatically when you complete an online inspection with Chex.AI.
Can I use the same inspection form for Uber and Lyft?
The checklists overlap almost entirely, but you generally need a separate signed form on file with each platform, uploaded through that platform's own app. Whether one app accepts the other's form varies by market don't assume it. If you drive for both, get both forms completed.
Is the Lyft inspection free?
It can be. Lyft Hubs offer free inspections in some cities, but Hub locations are limited, and some only handle re-inspections. Outside of Hubs, expect $20–$50 at a shop.
How do I submit my Lyft inspection form?
Upload a clear photo or PDF of the signed form through Documents → Vehicle Inspection in the Lyft Driver app. Review typically takes 24–48 hours.
The bottom line
The Lyft vehicle inspection form is a quick but mandatory step to get and stay on the road in 2026. Meet your city's car requirements, check your tires, brakes, and bulbs beforehand, get all 19 points signed off by a certified inspector, and upload a clean, legible copy to the app. Then diary the expiry date, because it's one year from the inspection, not from approval.
The fastest way to get it done is online start your Lyft inspection with Chex.AI and have a signed, accepted form ready to upload in about 15 minutes, without leaving your driveway.