Does Amazon Flex Hire Felons in 2026? What You Must Know

Wondering if Amazon Flex hires felons before you apply to be a delivery driver? With a criminal record, securing employment can be tough. But gig economy roles like Amazon Flex provide new opportunities if you meet the qualifications.

Let’s explore how felonies impact your chances of getting approved for Amazon Flex in detail so you know what to expect.

TLDR: Amazon Flex typically rejects applicants with felonies on their record, especially recent convictions. The company is very risk averse. However, for felonies older than 7-10 years, you have better odds since background checks narrowly focus on that time period. There are steps felons can take to boost their chances of getting hired by Amazon Flex as well.

Driving for Amazon Flex offers felons the flexibility, decent pay, and low barrier to entry they need. But first you’ll have to make it through Amazon’s screening.

Below we’ll cover:

• What Amazon Flex is and who’s eligible
• Why felons want to drive for Amazon Flex
• Specific felonies likely to cause rejection
• Amazon’s background check process
• Tips to get hired with a record
• Approval timelines
• Alternatives like Uber and rideshares

Let’s start by understanding the Amazon Flex program, requirements, and appeal for felons seeking income opportunities.

What is Amazon Flex and Who Can Become a Driver?

Amazon Flex enables regular people to use their own cars and spare time to deliver packages for Amazon in their local area. You get to operate as an independent contractor picking up blocks that fit your schedule.

It‘s an attractive opportunity for anyone looking for side income in a flexible role. To be eligible you need:

• Valid driver’s license and insurance
• Age 21 years or older
• Mid-size or larger vehicle
• Smartphone to use the Flex app
• Ability to lift and carry packages up to 49 pounds
• To pass Amazon‘s background check
• Residence in a region where Flex operates

As an Amazon Flex driver you can earn $18-25 per hour on average depending on your location and demand. You also keep 100% of tips offered by customers.

It provides a solid payout for easy work on your own time. But first you have to get approved.

Why Do Felons Seek Amazon Flex Opportunities?

For felons and others with criminal records, the ability to earn money in a flexible role with Amazon appeals strongly for a few reasons:

• Independence – You work for yourself rather than reporting to an employer. Amazon doesn‘t directly hire drivers.

• Flexible schedule – Choose delivery blocks that fit your availability without needing to work fixed shifts.

• Easy to get started – Can sign up and start delivering in just 1-2 weeks if approved.

• Strong payout – Earn up to $25 per hour plus tips. Unlimited earning potential.

• Driving jobs tend to be felon-friendly – Many gig economy and delivery roles are open to felons unlike corporate office-type jobs.

• Fast payouts – Get paid every week rather than waiting 2 weeks or monthly.

When you‘re starting over with a criminal record, quickly earning income is crucial. Amazon Flex delivers exactly that. But first you must pass the background checks required.

Amazon Flex Background Check Requirements

All prospective Amazon Flex drivers must complete (and pass) a two-part background screening process assessing:

Criminal History – Your past convictions, if any, are reviewed to identify felonies or misdemeanors.

Driving Record – Your DMV report is checked for any infractions, accidents, DUIs, etc.

This rigorous screening is why felons often struggle to get approved for Amazon Flex roles. Let‘s look at each check more closely.

Criminal History Check

A comprehensive multi-state search is done looking for any felony or misdemeanor crimes in national criminal record databases.

The lookback period is typically only 7-10 years1 though. So older felonies often don’t show up.

But if you have a felony within the past decade, especially for a serious offense, it will likely appear and cause issues. Violent crimes like robbery, theft, assault, and fraud are especially concerning.

Also, because the role involves driving, any recent DUI felonies will almost certainly lead to disqualification.

Driving Record Check

Your full DMV driving history is retrieved to check for:

• License status, violations, and points
• Past accidents
• Traffic infractions like speeding or reckless driving
• DUIs
• History of revocation/suspension

Clean, violation-free records are expected. Anything that suggests risky driving could get you rejected. And again, DUIs are the biggest liability for Amazon when considering delivery drivers.

Now that you know what Amazon Flex looks for on background checks, let‘s explore specific convictions that may prevent felons from getting approved.

Felonies That Are Most Concerning for Amazon Flex

Based on the background screening process, the following types of felonies are most likely to frustrate a felon‘s chances of driving for Amazon Flex:

• Theft
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Assault
• Identity theft
• Fraud or embezzlement
• Distribution of controlled substances
• Grand theft auto
• DUI (driving under the influence)

Essentially any felony tied to violence, deception, distribution of drugs, or operating vehicles illegally or unsafely will make approval very difficult due to the delivery driving nature of the Flex role.

You may be thinking “My felony conviction was years ago, surely that won’t matter to Amazon Flex since it was so long ago, right?”

Maybe not. Here’s why:

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go for Felonies?

While logic suggests very old felonies shouldn’t impact your candidacy, legally background checks only extend back 7 years for criminal records in most states.

Beyond 7 years, criminal offenses cannot be reported or considered by employers in hiring decisions.

However, some companies like Amazon Flex use background check firms that search public records beyond just the legally regulated databases.

So in practice, Amazon often looks up to 10 years back for criminal history depending on your locations lived.

The implications?

If your felony conviction occurred more than 10 years ago, it likely won’t appear on the background check.

But if within the past 7-10 years, then it probably will show up and negatively impact your chances.

For felons, the longer ago the offense the better when it comes to passing a background check like Amazon Flex’s.

Misdemeanors and Driving Infractions That Also Cause Problems

Felonies aren‘t the only records hurting approval odds. Many rideshare and delivery driving gigs also disqualify candidates over:

• Recent DUIs – Almost always rejected regardless of whether it‘s a misdemeanor or felony DUI.

• Multiple traffic violations – Points and citations for speeding, reckless driving, etc.

• License suspension – Suspended licenses are red flags even if later reinstated.

• Accidents – Especially at-fault wrecks with injuries/damage.

• Unpaid parking tickets – Makes you appear negligent.

While these aren‘t as bad as violent felonies, they still signal potential risk for gig employers like Amazon Flex. Several within a short period seriously jeopardizes your chances.

How Long Does Amazon Flex Usually Take to Approve New Drivers?

Once you submit your application and onboarding documents to Amazon Flex, how long until you get approved?

Amazon estimates 2 to 5 days for the standard review process. However, many drivers report waiting 2 to 4 weeks for final approval notification.

Delays result from needing extra time to:

• Do multi-state criminal searches

• Retrieve and assess driving records

• Make judgment calls for borderline candidates with questionable records

• Clear high application volumes being processed

So for clean records, Amazon Flex approval can be as quick as 2 days. But those with criminal histories should expect 1-3 week wait times as Amazon vets your background thoroughly.

Tips to Improve Your Chances as a Felon Applying for Amazon Flex

With a felony or questionable history, what steps can you take to boost your chances of successfully getting approved for Amazon Flex?

👉 Let time pass after your conviction – The older your felonies and misdemeanors, the better. Give it 3-5 years.

👉 Clear your record if possible – Consult an attorney on options to expunge or seal eligible past crimes to pass checks.

👉 Be open if asked directly – Don‘t volunteer info, but don‘t hide past crimes if application questions ask.

👉 Highlight rehabilitation – Share education, training, community service, recovery meetings that prove you’ve changed.

👉 Get strong references – Have past employers/supervisors vouch for your work ethic and reliability.

👉 Perfect your driving record – No DUIs, tickets, violations. Prove you‘re a safe driver.

👉 Apply in a less competitive market – Try smaller cities where felons have better chances competing against fewer applicants.

👉 Try an alternative like rideshares first – Build up clean driving history doing Uber or Lyft before Amazon Flex.

👉 Don‘t give up! – If denied, wait 6 months and reapply focusing on self-improvement.

With persistence, taking the right steps, and letting some time pass, felons absolutely can get hired doing Amazon Flex eventually.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Amazon Flex with a Felony?

Given the extra precautions taken by Amazon Flex when reviewing felons, expect the approval process to take longer if you have a criminal record.

Whereas clean background candidates get approved in 2-5 days, felons often wait 3-4 weeks to get fully cleared for Flex.

Amazon will be extra thorough researching your history across states, assessing the severity of crimes, and determining your risk level.

Their priority is safety of customers and minimizing liability. So regrettably if you have recent or serious felonies, you may get rejected entirely.

But if your offenses are older and relatively minor, taking the extra time to review is better than an outright denial.

Will Amazon Flex Approve Applicants with a DUI or Misdemeanor?

Besides felonies, many potential Flex drivers also worry:

• Can you deliver for Amazon Flex with a DUI?

• What if I only have misdemeanors on my record?

Let‘s unpack how DUIs and misdemeanors factor into Amazon‘s decisions.

For DUIs, the chances are very low you‘ll get approved if within the past 5-7 years. DUIs are one of the biggest red flags for delivery and rideshare platforms. Too much liability.

That said, some drivers report getting hired with a 7-10 year old DUI, indicating it may not have appeared on their driving record. But it‘s still highly risky.

For misdemeanors, you have better chances than with felonies or DUIs. Most misdemeanors by themselves are not concerning if older than 5 years.

Just be aware that multiple recent misdemeanors related to driving, dishonesty, or violence will require deeper review and still jeopardize your odds.

Alternatives to Amazon Flex for Felons Seeking Work

If getting hired for Amazon Flex seems too difficult, what other options exist for felons in need of work?

Rideshare driving for Uber or Lyft is more feasible. Those companies are slightly more open to felons and give you a similar independent contractor arrangement.

You still need a clean driving record, but the criminal background checks are a bit less stringent in most cases. The application process is also much faster.

Other gigs like Instacart, DoorDash, GrubHub are possibilities too if you have a car. There’s strong demand for delivery drivers across apps.

Many let you sign up and start within days if you pass the checks. Each company has their own criteria though, so research specific policies.

Warehousing and manual labor roles in distribution centers or manufacturing plants tend to be felon-friendly as well if you’re able-bodied.

Key Takeaways – Can Felons Get Hired by Amazon Flex?

Given the intensive background checks required by Amazon Flex and hesitancy to take risks, it‘s challenging for felons to get approved as delivery drivers.

But it comes down to these key factors:

✅ Felons with older crimes (7-10+ years ago) have better chances since records don’t always go back that far.

✅ Recent felonies and DUIs almost always lead to rejection. Too much liability for Amazon.

✅ Expunging eligible past crimes helps improve your chances if possible.

✅ Building up clean driving history and strong references will boost your odds.

So it‘s not impossible for felons if you take the right steps. Don‘t get discouraged by initial rejections. Persistence and patience pays off!

1. Source: Backgroundchecks.com – https://www.backgroundchecks.com/resource/background-check-timeline