Does Amazon Hire Felons?

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Amazon's Fair Chance Hiring Commitment

Amazon has been a vocal supporter of fair chance hiring. The company signed the Obama-era Fair Chance Business Pledge and has continued to expand its second chance initiatives. In practice, this means Amazon does not ask about criminal history on the initial application. Background checks are run after a conditional offer of employment is made. Amazon uses an individualized assessment process as recommended by the EEOC, weighing the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the offense or completion of sentence, and the nature of the job held or sought. Amazon has also partnered with organizations like the Safer Foundation and the National HIRE Network to connect people with records to employment opportunities. Their workforce of over 1.5 million employees in the US includes a significant number of people who have successfully navigated the background check process with a criminal record.

Background Check Process at Amazon

Amazon uses Accurate Background (formerly known as Accurate Background Inc.) as their primary background check provider. The check typically includes a 7-year criminal history search at the county, state, and federal level, a Social Security number trace, and a sex offender registry check. For driving positions, a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check is also included. The background check process usually takes 2-5 business days, though it can take longer if records need to be retrieved from courts that are slow to respond. You will receive a conditional job offer before the background check begins. If something concerning appears on your record, Amazon will send you a pre-adverse action notice, giving you the opportunity to dispute the findings or provide context before a final decision is made. This is required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

What Disqualifies You from Working at Amazon

While Amazon is generally felon-friendly, certain convictions can be disqualifying depending on the role. Convictions for violent crimes (assault, robbery, murder) within the past 7 years are more likely to disqualify, especially for roles that involve interacting with the public. Sex offenses are typically disqualifying for all roles. Theft-related convictions are assessed on a case-by-case basis but can be an issue for warehouse roles where you handle valuable merchandise. For driving positions, DUI/DWI within 3-5 years, suspended license, or reckless driving are common disqualifiers. Drug-related felonies — particularly possession charges — that are older than 3-5 years are generally not disqualifying for warehouse roles. Amazon also follows state and local ban-the-box laws, which in some jurisdictions prohibit considering convictions older than 7 years. Pending charges can also delay or prevent hiring.

Ban the Box and State-Specific Policies

Amazon complies with all state and local ban-the-box laws. In states like California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts, Amazon cannot ask about criminal history until after a conditional offer has been made. In these jurisdictions, Amazon must also follow specific procedures before rescinding an offer based on a background check, including providing written notice and allowing time for the applicant to respond. Because Amazon operates in all 50 states, your experience may vary depending on where you are applying. States with stronger fair chance hiring laws (like California's Fair Chance Act) provide additional protections for applicants with records. Even in states without ban-the-box laws, Amazon's corporate policy is to delay the background check until after a conditional offer is extended.

Tips for Getting Hired at Amazon with a Record

The best strategy for getting hired at Amazon with a felony record is to apply directly through Amazon's jobs website (amazon.jobs) or at a hiring event. Fulfillment center and sortation center roles have the highest volume of openings and the most straightforward hiring process. If you have a driving record that might be an issue, consider starting with a warehouse role to build tenure before moving to a delivery position. For DSP driver roles, research the specific DSP in your area — some are more felon-friendly than others. Be honest about your record; Amazon will find it during the background check, and dishonesty is a separate disqualifier. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with any documentation that supports your case — certificates of rehabilitation, letters from parole officers, or evidence of community involvement can all help. Peak season (October through December) is the easiest time to get hired, as Amazon needs hundreds of thousands of temporary workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Amazon hire felons?

Yes. Amazon is one of the most felon-friendly large employers in the United States. They conduct background checks but use an individualized assessment process, considering the nature of the offense, how long ago it happened, and its relevance to the position. Many people with felony convictions work at Amazon fulfillment centers, sortation centers, and as delivery drivers.

Does Amazon do background checks?

Yes. Amazon runs background checks through Accurate Background after extending a conditional job offer. The check typically covers 7 years of criminal history at county, state, and federal levels, plus a Social Security trace and sex offender registry check. Driving positions also include a Motor Vehicle Records check.

How far back does Amazon's background check go?

Amazon's standard background check covers 7 years of criminal history. In some states like California, they are legally prohibited from considering convictions older than 7 years. In states without such limits, older convictions may still appear but Amazon's individualized assessment focuses more heavily on recent history.

Can I work at Amazon with a drug felony?

In most cases, yes — especially if the conviction is more than 3-5 years old. Drug possession charges are generally not disqualifying for warehouse roles. Drug trafficking or manufacturing convictions are assessed more carefully. Amazon does not currently conduct pre-employment drug tests for marijuana in most states, though they do test for other substances for safety-sensitive roles.

Can I be an Amazon delivery driver with a felony?

It depends on the felony and the specific Delivery Service Partner (DSP). DSPs are independent contractors who hire their own drivers, and each sets its own hiring standards. Many DSPs will hire people with non-violent felonies. DUI/DWI convictions within the past 3-5 years, suspended licenses, and violent felonies are more likely to be disqualifying for driving roles.

Does Amazon drug test?

Amazon eliminated pre-employment marijuana testing for most non-DOT positions in 2021. However, they still test for other controlled substances for safety-sensitive roles (including CDL drivers, which is required by federal DOT regulations). Post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing may still occur for all positions.

What if Amazon rescinds my job offer after the background check?

If Amazon decides not to hire you based on the background check, they are required by the FCRA to send you a pre-adverse action notice first. This gives you the opportunity (usually 5 business days) to dispute any inaccuracies or provide additional context. If the decision stands, they must send a final adverse action notice with information about your rights, including how to get a free copy of the report and how to dispute it.

How long does Amazon's background check take?

Amazon's background check typically takes 2-5 business days. In some cases, it can take up to 2 weeks if court records are difficult to retrieve or if there are multiple jurisdictions to check. You can usually track the status through the Accurate Background candidate portal.