Lyft Background Checks: What Drivers Need to Know And What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If you're applying to drive for Lyft, passing a background check is one of the most important steps in the onboarding process. Designed to protect riders and ensure safety on the platform, this screening can sometimes cause frustration, especially when mistakes or unexpected results occur.
Whether you're still waiting, have had your Lyft background check failed, or are wondering how to dispute a Lyft background check, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Common Lyft Background Check Disqualifiers
If your Lyft background check failed, it's important to understand why. Lyft has strict standards regarding safety and trust. Below are some of the most common Lyft background check disqualifiers:
Criminal Convictions (Assault, Theft, Fraud, etc.) Lyft disqualifies applicants with certain types of criminal convictions, especially those involving violence, theft, or fraud. Unfortunately, background checks sometimes report old, irrelevant, or even dismissed charges, causing drivers to be unfairly disqualified.
DUIs or Reckless Driving Violations. Driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or hit-and-run offenses are red flags for Lyft, as they pose significant risks to passenger safety. These violations often lead to immediate rejection or deactivation.
Outdated or Incorrect Information (e.g., Dismissed or Expunged Charges). Checkr sometimes includes outdated or expunged criminal charges that should no longer appear. Charges that were dismissed, sealed, or legally removed can still show up due to system errors or reporting delays, leading to wrongful disqualifications.
How Long Does Lyft Background Check Take?
One of the most common questions new drivers ask is: How long does the background check for Lyft take?
Typically, the process takes 3 to 10 business days. However, depending on your location, court system delays, or identity verification issues, it can take longer. Lyft partners with Checkr, a third-party background screening company, to perform these checks.
You can track your background check status through the Checkr Candidate Portal at candidate.checkr.com. If it’s been more than 10 days with no update, you should reach out to Checkr or Lyft support.
Sometimes, your Lyft account is deactivated after a background check, even if you’ve been driving for a while. This often happens when Lyft runs periodic rechecks, which can uncover new information or old records previously missed. In many cases, drivers aren’t even notified before they’re deactivated.
If your Lyft account was deactivated, don’t panic. You have the right to know what information led to the decision and to correct any mistakes that may have caused it.
How to Dispute Lyft Background Check
If you’re facing a denial or deactivation due to an inaccurate report, here’s how to start the Lyft background check dispute process.
Request and Review Your Background Check
After a failed check, you should receive a copy of your Checkr background report. Examine it for any mistakes, such as Incorrect criminal charges, misreported traffic violations, or wrong personal details (name, address, SSN).
File a Dispute With Checkr
Start your Lyft background check dispute by contacting Checkr online or by mail. Explain the error and include documentation to support your case, like: Court documents showing a dismissal or expungement, DMV records, proof of identity (to fix mix-ups)
Talk to an FCRA Attorney Before You File
In many cases, it’s better to speak with a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) attorney before filing your dispute. Why? They can advise if your situation qualifies for immediate legal action without a dispute. If Checkr ignores or mishandles your case, your attorney can file a lawsuit and seek compensation.
If your Lyft background check failed or your Lyft account was deactivated, it can feel devastating, but you’re not without options. Understanding the Lyft background check disqualifiers, knowing how long the background check for Lyft takes, and taking the right steps to dispute a Lyft background check can make all the difference in getting back on the road.
Mistakes happen often in automated background screening systems like Checkr. Don’t let a system glitch or outdated record block your income. Fight back with documentation and legal support if needed.
What If My Lyft Background Check Failed?
Request a Copy of Your Background Check.
You are entitled to a free copy of your background report. You can request it from Checkr or find it in your email if Lyft sent a pre-adverse action notice.
Review the Report for Errors.
Carefully review each section of your report and identify any errors or discrepancies, such as unrecognized criminal records, misreported information, or other issues.
Dispute the Error.
You can file a dispute directly through Checkr, but results vary. Disputes are not always effective, especially if the source of the error is a third-party data vendor.
Contact an FCRA Attorney.
If your Lyft account was deactivated due to a background check mistake, a Fair Credit Reporting Act attorney can help you correct the report and pursue legal compensation for lost income and emotional distress. You may be eligible for statutory damages, and you don’t pay legal fees out of pocket.
