Just like a UPS personal vehicle driver, Amazon Flex is a program that allows Amazon to pay independent drivers to distribute their products to customers using personal vehicles.
While this driving job may be exactly what you have been looking for, there is a process you should go through before qualifying.
So, who meets the eligibility criteria to become an Amazon Flex driver? Amazon Flex usually conducts a background check before selecting its drivers.
Keep reading to discover more about this background check and the kind of individuals Amazon Flex hires.
Does Amazon Flex Hire Felons?
Amazon’s company policy states that it doesn’t discriminate against felons. The company understands that ex-convicts have paid their price to society, and the last thing they deserve is coming back to an unforgiving society. In fact, over the years, Amazon has hired several felons. Most of them hold entry-level positions, including delivery drivers.
So, yes. Felons have a chance of employment at Amazon Flex. However, there are exceptions.
For instance, your chances will be considerably lower if you were arrested within the last seven years. Also, Amazon Flex doesn’t hire violent felons.
Thus, if you were convicted of manslaughter, violent assault, or murder, your chances are thin. Similarly, the company has a zero-tolerance policy for sex offenders.

Can I Work At Amazon If I Have A Felony?
Yes, felons can work at Amazon, but there are exceptions. Felonies such as theft, violent crime, drugs, and sexual assault disqualify you from working at Amazon.
How Strict Is Amazon Flex’s Background Check?
Amazon Flex carries out a rigorous background check on its potential employees. Amazon uses a third-party agency called Accurate Background to perform these background checks.
However, it is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) that limits the contents of a background check report. For instance, no negative marks (arrest records, civic suits, judgment, or other offenses) older than seven years or bankruptcies greater than ten years old can be on that list.
The Amazon Flex background check constitutes two stages that search for criminal activity such as violence or prior theft. The first stage involves scouring up to seven years of your personal history. So, if you committed a felony seven years ago, the record will probably show up.
The second stage of the background check process checks your driving record for moving violations or other citations. Depending on the nature of your offense, you may or may not meet the eligibility criteria for driving for Amazon Flex.
What Happens After The Background Check?
If you pass the background check, you can start scheduling your deliveries. You should let Amazon know your availability and plan your “shifts or blocks.”
The good part of working with Amazon Flex is that you get to decide whether to accept the shift. Typically, drivers make $18-$25 hourly plus tips and even more when they make specific deliveries or take special shifts.
What Kind Of Felons Does Amazon Hire?
Amazon is one of the companies that doesn’t judge people based on their criminal records. However, they choose not to work with some felons due to certain factors:
Nature of Conviction
Felons convicted for theft, drugs, violent crimes, and sexual assault may find it challenging to secure a job at Amazon.
However, this isn’t to say that you won’t get a job at all. No matter the nature of your conviction, you can always try your luck. Given the many open slots at Amazon, they may consider you.
One thing you can do to increase your chances of getting hired is apply for multiple positions.
Duration of Criminal Record
Most states do not permit accessing criminal records older than seven years. For instance, the Amazon application form will ask you if you were convicted of any felon within the past seven years.
This way, if you were worried about having to lie about your conviction, this won’t be necessary if your felony is older than seven years. This means Amazon will never learn of your felony charges.
Previous Work Experience
Your experience and skills are significant aspects that Amazon considers while hiring.
Suppose you have some experience in jobs similar to the ones being offered by Amazon, your chances of securing the job increase automatically.
On the other hand, if you lack experience, you can always rely on good recommendations.
Honesty
As a felon, it isn’t uncommon to be embarrassed to talk about your felony.
Remember that if you are dishonest during the interview or while filling your form, Amazon will still know about the felony after running a routine background check on all its employees.
If your conviction were less than seven years, it would come up during this background check.
So, lying about it only lowers your chances of securing a job.
How Do You Become An Amazon Flex Driver?
Below are the qualification for becoming an Amazon Flex driver:
- Be 21 years old and above
- Live in an area with access to Amazon Flex
- Have a valid social security number and driver’s license
- Own a van, SUV, sedan, or truck with a covered bed to handle all-size packages
- Possess a smartphone
- Have motor vehicle insurance
Want to learn more about Amazon? Check out these articles to learn if you can use Google Pay on Amazon, what to do if your Amazon order says delivered but you haven’t received it, and can you return opened items to Amazon?
Conclusion
Many ventures shun felons, but not Amazon. The company has a strict policy that doesn’t discriminate against convicts.
Besides, Amazon Flex hires criminals for driver roles. However, your conviction has to be older than seven years to qualify.
Also, the company doesn’t hire felons convicted of theft, violent crimes, drugs, or sexual assault.