Quick Answer

Amazon Flex requires applicants to pass a background check that includes a review of motor-vehicle records. Its official FAQ does not publish a universal felony waiting period or guarantee approval after three or five years. Flex is an independent-contractor delivery opportunity, with onboarding and local availability handled through the app; it is separate from Amazon warehouse employment.

Start your job search

Review the official Flex FAQ, then use the Amazon Flex app to check availability in your area and complete onboarding. Confirm vehicle, license, insurance, and background-check requirements. Compare an offered block's earnings with your mileage and operating costs before accepting it.

Open the official Amazon Flex careers resource.

Compare employers and application help by state.

Official sources for this update

• Amazon Flex U.S. driver FAQ

Quick answer, application links reviewed October 7, 2026. Current employer postings take priority over older pay examples elsewhere in this guide.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Amazon Flex

3. Does Amazon Flex Hire People with Felonies?

4. What Jobs Can Felons Get with Amazon Flex?

5. Instant Offers

6. What to Expect: Amazon Flex Background Check

7. How to Apply to Amazon Flex with a Felony Record

8. Common Questions About Amazon Flex with a Felony

9. Other Gig Economy Delivery Jobs That Hire Felons

10. Final Thoughts

About Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex is Amazon's independent contractor delivery program. Drivers use their own vehicles to deliver Amazon packages, groceries from Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh, and restaurant orders. You choose your own schedule through the Flex app and get paid per delivery block.

Unlike traditional employment, Amazon Flex drivers are independent contractors. You're not an Amazon employee. This creates both advantages (flexibility, tax deductions) and disadvantages (no benefits, vehicle expenses).

For people with records, Amazon Flex matters because gig work can be more accessible than some traditional jobs. You still need to pass Amazon's background check, have a reliable vehicle, and have an acceptable driving record.

Does Amazon Flex Hire People with Felonies?

Yes, with significant consideration of offense type and driving history.

Official Policy

Amazon Flex requires applicants to pass a background check that includes a review of motor-vehicle records. Its official FAQ does not publish a universal felony waiting period or guarantee approval after three or five years. Flex is an independent-contractor delivery opportunity, with onboarding and local availability handled through the app; it is separate from Amazon warehouse employment.

Real-World Practice

Amazon does not publish approval rates or a felony waiting period. In general, older, non-violent offenses combined with a clean driving record put you in a stronger position. The combination of criminal record plus driving record shapes the decision.

Flex screening differs from Amazon warehouse hiring because Flex involves driving, and Amazon's FAQ says its background check includes a review of motor-vehicle records.

What Affects Hiring Decisions

Driving record - CRITICAL: Your driving history matters as much as criminal history. DUIs, suspended licenses, and accidents are major concerns.

Type of offense: Theft may raise concerns because you'll handle packages. Violence may raise concerns because you'll approach customers' homes. Amazon does not publish how each type of offense is weighed.

Time since conviction: More time generally helps, especially for theft or violent offenses. Amazon does not publish a set waiting period.

Vehicle requirements: Amazon's FAQ requires a 4-door midsize sedan or larger vehicle, such as an SUV. Smaller cars, open-bed trucks, motorcycles, and scooters don't qualify. You must also be 21 or older.

Location availability: Amazon Flex operates in select areas. Check the app to see whether it's available where you live.

Disqualifying Factors

• DUI or reckless driving on your record, especially if recent

• Suspended or revoked license

• Theft convictions, especially recent ones (you'll handle packages)

• Violent felonies, especially recent ones

• Sex offenses (you'll go to customers' homes)

• Multiple accidents (insurance concerns)

• No vehicle or insurance

  
  

Time Requirements

Amazon does not publish a felony waiting period. As a general guide, more time since a conviction usually helps:

• 1-2 years: Challenging for theft/violence

• 3-5 years: Better chances, especially with a clean driving record

• 5+ years: Better chances for most offenses

What Jobs Can Felons Get with Amazon Flex?

Package Delivery Driver

Pay: $18-25/hour (varies by location and block type)

Availability: Good in metro areas

Background Check: Moderate (criminal + driving)

Delivering Amazon Prime packages to residential and business addresses. You pick up packages from delivery stations, follow app navigation, and complete deliveries within assigned time blocks (typically 3-4 hours).

This is the primary Amazon Flex opportunity. If you have acceptable criminal and driving records plus reliable vehicle, this is achievable.

Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods Delivery

Pay: $18-25/hour + tips

Availability: Limited to specific metro areas

Background Check: Moderate

Delivering groceries from Whole Foods or Amazon Fresh stores to customers' homes. Includes customer interaction and careful handling of food items.

Similar requirements to package delivery. Tips can increase earnings significantly. Some customers tip $5-20 per delivery.

Restaurant Delivery (Amazon Restaurants - Limited Markets)

Pay: $18-25/hour + tips

Availability: Very limited markets

Background Check: Moderate

Delivering restaurant food orders. Only available in select cities where Amazon offers restaurant delivery.

Less common than package or grocery delivery. Requirements similar to other Flex positions.

Instant Offers

All delivery types can include "instant offers" - immediate delivery opportunities you can claim through the app. Pay rates and requirements are the same.

What to Expect: Amazon Flex Background Check

When It Happens

Background check occurs during application process:

1. Download Amazon Flex app

2. Submit application with personal information

3. Background check begins immediately

4. Motor vehicle report review

5. Approval or denial (typically 2-7 days)

6. Complete onboarding and start working

   
   

What They Check

Criminal Background:

• Felony convictions

• Misdemeanor convictions

• Pending charges

• Sex offender registry

  
  

Driving Records:

• License status and validity

• DUIs and reckless driving

• Accidents and violations

• License suspensions

• Insurance verification

  
  

How Far Back They Look

Criminal: How far back a check can report depends on the type of record and state law

Driving: 3 years for most violations, longer for serious offenses like DUI

Disqualifying criteria: Amazon's FAQ does not publish them; decisions depend on what the check finds

Third-Party Background Check Company

Amazon Flex uses a third-party background check company. If you're denied because of the report, ask for a copy and dispute any errors with the background check company.

Timeline

• Application to background check start: Same day

• Background check completion: 2-7 days

• Approval notification: Usually within 1 week

• Start delivering: Immediately after approval

How to Apply to Amazon Flex with a Felony Record

1. Check if Amazon Flex operates in your area.

Visit flex.amazon.com or download the app to check whether Amazon Flex operates in your area. It is not available everywhere.

2. Ensure your vehicle meets requirements.

• 4-door midsize sedan or larger (such as an SUV)

• No small cars, open-bed trucks, motorcycles, or scooters

• Valid registration

• Insurance meeting state minimums

• Good working condition

  
  

3. Get your driving record cleaned up.

Before applying, obtain your driving record from your state DMV. Address any outstanding tickets or issues. Pay fines. Ensure license is valid.

4. Be honest on the application.

Amazon Flex will discover convictions during background check. Honesty is required.

5. Download the Amazon Flex app and apply.

Available on iOS and Android. Application takes 15-20 minutes. You'll provide:

• Personal information

• Driver's license

• Vehicle information

• Social Security number for background check

• Bank account for direct deposit

  
  

6. Prepare explanation if contacted.

Most applicants don't get phone calls, but if Amazon contacts you about your record:

• "I made a mistake [X] years ago"

• "I've stayed out of trouble since"

• "My driving record is clean"

• "I'm looking for flexible work where I can prove myself"

  
  

7. Consider Amazon warehouse if Flex denies you.

If Amazon Flex rejects you due to background, Amazon warehouse and other Amazon jobs use a separate hiring process with their own screening. Apply at amazon.jobs.

8. Try other gig economy platforms.

If Amazon Flex says no, try DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart. Each has different background policies.

Common Questions About Amazon Flex with a Felony

Does Amazon Flex hire violent felons?

Amazon doesn't publish how it treats violent felonies. Its FAQ says only that applicants must pass a background check that includes a review of motor-vehicle records. Because Flex drivers go to customers' homes, a violent offense may get closer review. Older offenses and a clean driving record are generally viewed more favorably.

How long do I need to wait after my conviction?

Amazon's FAQ does not publish a felony waiting period. More time since a conviction, along with a clean driving record, generally helps. Theft and violent offenses may need more time than other offenses.

Will Amazon Flex hire me with a theft charge?

Challenging but possible. Theft raises concerns because you'll handle packages. More time since the conviction and a clean driving record help, but Amazon doesn't publish a specific waiting period.

Can I do Amazon Flex if I'm on probation?

Yes, if your probation allows you to work as independent contractor and drive for work. Check with your probation officer. Amazon Flex flexible schedule works well with probation requirements.

What if I have a DUI?

A DUI is a serious concern because the background check includes your motor-vehicle record. An older single DUI with an otherwise clean record has a better chance than a recent or repeat DUI. Driving is the job, so driving history gets close review.

Do I need commercial insurance?

In most states, no. Amazon's FAQ says it provides commercial auto insurance at no cost to delivery partners in every state except New York, and it covers you only while you're actively delivering during a block. Drivers in New York may need additional commercial insurance.

How much can I actually make?

Base pay is $18-25/hour depending on location. Tips (for grocery/restaurant delivery) add $5-50+ per shift. Subtract gas, vehicle maintenance, and taxes (you're independent contractor). Realistic take-home: $12-18/hour after expenses.

Can Amazon Flex lead to regular Amazon employment?

Not directly. Amazon Flex is independent contractor work, not employment. However, working Flex demonstrates reliability. You can apply separately to regular Amazon warehouse positions. Some Flex drivers have transitioned to Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Partner) driver roles.

Other Gig Economy Delivery Jobs That Hire Felons

DoorDash - Food delivery. Background check required; requirements differ from Amazon Flex. $15-25/hour.

Uber Eats - Food delivery. Similar requirements to DoorDash. Background check but relatively accessible. $12-20/hour.

Instacart - Grocery shopping and delivery. Case-by-case evaluation. Shopping-only positions don't require vehicle. $15-25/hour.

Grubhub - Food delivery. Background check required. $12-20/hour.

Shipt - Grocery delivery (Target-owned). Similar to Instacart. Background check required. $15-22/hour.

Postmates (now Uber Eats) - Merged with Uber Eats.

Roadie - Package and furniture delivery. Uses personal vehicles. Case-by-case evaluation. Pay varies.

GoShare - Moving and delivery help. Uses trucks/vans. Background check but accessible. $25-40/hour (need larger vehicle).

Final Thoughts

Amazon Flex can be an option for people with felony records who have a qualifying vehicle and a clean driving history. Every applicant must still pass Amazon's background check.

Your criminal record matters, but your driving record matters equally. If both are acceptable, Amazon Flex can provide flexible income while you pursue other opportunities.

Start here: Visit flex.amazon.com to check availability in your area and download the app to apply.