Quick Answer

Yes, Amazon Flex does hire people with felony convictions, but requirements are stricter than Amazon warehouse positions. As Amazon's gig economy delivery service operating in 50+ metro areas, Amazon Flex evaluates each driver applicant individually. Starting pay is $18-25/hour for independent contractor delivery drivers. Your driving record matters as much as your criminal record. Non-violent felonies from 3+ years ago with clean driving histories have reasonable chances. Theft and violent offenses face more scrutiny since you'll deliver packages to customers' homes.

Last Verified: October 2025

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 economy work is often more accessible than traditional employment. The company focuses on delivery performance more than perfect backgrounds. However, you need a reliable vehicle and acceptable driving record.

Does Amazon Flex Hire People with Felonies?

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

Official Policy

Amazon Flex evaluates applicants case-by-case. The company doesn't have a blanket ban on felonies. However, delivery driver positions have stricter requirements than warehouse work because you'll interact with customers and drive for extended periods.

Real-World Practice

Drivers with non-violent, non-theft felonies from 3+ years ago get approved regularly, especially if driving records are clean. The combination of criminal record plus driving record determines approval.

Amazon Flex is more accessible than traditional delivery driving jobs (UPS, FedEx drivers) but stricter than warehouse work. It's middle ground.

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 is problematic because you'll handle packages. Violence raises concerns because you'll approach customers' homes. Drug offenses are viewed more leniently.

Time since conviction: 3+ years significantly improves chances. 5+ years is better for theft or violence.

Vehicle requirements: You need reliable, insured vehicle meeting Amazon's standards. Vehicle must be 1999 or newer.

Location availability: Amazon Flex operates in major metro areas only. Rural areas have no access.

Disqualifying Factors

• DUI or reckless driving (within 3 years)

• Suspended or revoked license

• Recent theft convictions (you'll handle packages)

• Violent felonies (within 5 years)

• Sex offenses (customer interaction concerns)

• Multiple accidents (insurance concerns)

• No vehicle or insurance

  
  

Time Requirements

Amazon Flex has moderate time requirements:

• 1-2 years: Challenging for theft/violence

• 3-5 years: Good chances with clean driving record

• 5+ years: Strong 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: 7 years in most states

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

Sex offender registry: Permanent disqualification

Third-Party Background Check Company

Amazon Flex uses Sterling Infosource or similar companies. You'll receive pre-adverse action notice if something concerning appears, giving you chance to dispute errors.

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 and enter your zip code. Amazon Flex only operates in major metro areas. Rural areas don't have access.

2. Ensure your vehicle meets requirements.

• 1999 model year or newer

• Midsize sedan or larger (some delivery types)

• 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, regular Amazon warehouse positions have more lenient requirements. Apply at amazon.jobs instead.

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?

Sometimes, if the violence is old (5+ years) and driving record is spotless. Recent violence (within 3 years) is very difficult. Customer safety concerns make violence more problematic than for warehouse work.

How long do I need to wait after my conviction?

3+ years for non-violent offenses with clean driving record. 5+ years for theft or violence. Amazon Flex is more lenient about timing than traditional delivery driver jobs but stricter than warehouse positions.

Will Amazon Flex hire me with a theft charge?

Challenging but possible with 5+ years since conviction and clean driving record. Theft raises concerns because you'll handle packages. However, many drivers with old theft convictions get approved.

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?

DUI is problematic. One DUI from 3+ years ago might be acceptable if everything else is clean. Recent DUI (within 2 years) or multiple DUIs likely disqualify you. Driving is the job - they take driving history seriously.

Do I need commercial insurance?

No commercial insurance required for Amazon Flex. Your personal auto insurance covers you. However, check your policy - some insurers exclude coverage for delivery driving. Amazon provides supplemental insurance during active deliveries.

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. More lenient than Amazon Flex about criminal records. Case-by-case evaluation. $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 but many drivers with records. $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 offers opportunities for people with felony records who have reliable vehicles and clean driving histories. The gig economy model focuses more on performance than perfect backgrounds.

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.