Lyft is the second-largest rideshare platform in Philadelphia and maintains a strong rider base, particularly among younger professionals, university students, and riders who prefer Lyft's brand. Many Philadelphia drivers work both Uber and Lyft simultaneously to maximize trip frequency and earnings. Here's how to get started with Lyft specifically in the Philadelphia market.
Step-by-Step Guide
Confirm you meet Lyft's basic eligibility in Pennsylvania
You must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver's license valid in Pennsylvania, and have at least 1 year of U.S. licensed driving history (3 years if under 23). Your driving record must be clean of major violations in the past 7 years — DUI, reckless driving, and license suspensions are disqualifying.
Verify your vehicle meets Lyft's Philadelphia requirements
For Lyft Standard (the main tier), your vehicle must be 4 doors, model year 2007 or newer (this is slightly more lenient than Uber), have fewer than 350,000 miles, and pass a valid PA inspection. The vehicle cannot have salvage or rebuilt title. For Lyft XL, you need 7 or more seats. For Lyft Lux, the vehicle must be 2013 or newer and a luxury make.
Apply through the Lyft driver website or app
Visit drive.lyft.com or download the Lyft Driver app. Create an account, enter your city (Philadelphia), and follow the prompts to upload your documents: driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. You'll also submit personal details for the background check.
Complete the background check
Lyft uses Checkr for background checks, similar to Uber. It reviews your driving record and criminal history. Processing takes 3–10 business days in Pennsylvania. You'll receive an email notification when it's complete.
Get a vehicle inspection if required
New Lyft drivers in Philadelphia may need to complete a vehicle inspection at a Lyft-approved location. The Lyft driver app will tell you if this step is required. Lyft also accepts valid PA state inspection stickers in lieu of a separate Lyft inspection in some cases.
Set up your payment method (direct deposit)
Lyft pays weekly via direct deposit to a linked bank account, or you can cash out earnings instantly (with a small fee) using Lyft's Express Pay feature. Set up your bank account during the application process so payments are ready from your first trip.
Go online and complete your first ride
Once approved, open the Lyft Driver app, make yourself available, and accept your first ride request. Lyft shows you the destination before you accept (unlike Uber's standard mode), which some drivers prefer for planning their route.
Driving Both Uber and Lyft at the Same Time
Most Philadelphia gig drivers operate both platforms simultaneously using two phones or a phone mount that lets them switch between apps. When one platform is slow, the other typically picks up the slack. This strategy significantly increases earnings compared to running a single platform. Tools like Mystro (an Android app) can help automate switching between platforms.
Lyft vs. Uber in Philadelphia — Which Pays More?
Earnings on Lyft vs. Uber in Philadelphia vary by time of day, zone, and demand patterns. Many drivers report similar earnings per hour across both platforms when working them simultaneously. Lyft tends to have higher tips on average in Philadelphia, while Uber often has higher base trip volume. The best approach is to drive both and let the data from your own experience guide where you focus.
What Happens If You Don't Own a Qualifying Vehicle?
If your vehicle doesn't meet Lyft's requirements, a rideshare rental is the simplest solution. PhillyRideshare Rentals provides weekly rentals with vehicles that qualify for both Lyft Standard and Lyft XL in Pennsylvania. Insurance is included, and we deliver the vehicle to your location in Greater Philadelphia. You can apply online and have a vehicle within 24 hours of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to drive Lyft or Uber in Philadelphia?
Most full-time drivers run both simultaneously. Philadelphia has strong demand on both platforms, and working both maximizes trip frequency and earnings. If you had to choose one to start, Uber typically has slightly higher trip volume in Philadelphia, but Lyft's destination preview feature is preferred by many drivers.
How old does my car need to be for Lyft in Philadelphia?
Lyft Standard requires a vehicle from 2007 or newer in Philadelphia. Lyft XL requires 7+ seats from 2007 or newer. Lyft Lux requires a 2013 or newer luxury vehicle. These requirements may update — always verify on Lyft's driver website.
Can I rent a car and drive Lyft in Philadelphia?
Yes — Lyft allows drivers to use rental vehicles as long as the rental agreement doesn't prohibit rideshare use and the vehicle meets Lyft's requirements. PhillyRideshare Rentals vehicles are specifically cleared for Lyft use.
What is Lyft's background check process in Pennsylvania?
Lyft uses Checkr to run both a motor vehicle record check and a criminal background check. The process takes 3–10 business days in Pennsylvania. Disqualifying factors include DUI convictions, reckless driving in the past 7 years, and certain criminal history.