Does Del Taco do background checks?

Background check policies vary. In California, checks happen after a conditional offer under the Fair Chance Act. Franchise locations outside California set their own policies.

Does Del Taco drug test?

Drug testing policies vary by location and franchise owner. Many locations do not drug test for crew positions.

Is Del Taco owned by Jack in the Box?

Yes, Del Taco became part of Jack in the Box Inc. (now Dine Brands) in 2022. However, franchise locations still operate independently with their own hiring policies.

How much does Del Taco pay?

Del Taco team members earn $16-$20/hour in California and $9-$14/hour in other states, depending on location and minimum wage laws.

Does Del Taco Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Sometimes

Del Taco hires some people with records. Franchise-dependent with many locations in California where fair chance laws apply.

Del Taco hires some people with felony records depending on the franchise location. The chain operates over 600 locations, concentrated in California and the Southwest. Del Taco is a mix of corporate and franchise locations. In California, where most locations are, the Fair Chance Act provides strong protections for applicants with criminal records. Many franchise owners are willing to hire people with non-violent records for crew and kitchen positions.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Team Member	Sometimes	Varies — after offer in CA	Entry-level role. California fair chance protections apply.
Cook / Kitchen Staff	Sometimes	Varies	Food preparation. Kitchen roles may be more accessible.
Cashier	Sometimes	Varies	Customer-facing with cash handling.
Shift Leader	Sometimes	Usually yes	Promoted from within based on performance and reliability.
General Manager	Rarely	Yes	Comprehensive background review for management.

Del Taco Hiring Practices

Del Taco is a fast food chain specializing in Mexican-inspired food and burgers, with over 600 locations primarily in California, Nevada, Arizona, and other Western states. The chain became part of Jack in the Box Inc. in 2022. Del Taco operates through a mix of corporate-owned and franchise locations. In California, where the majority of locations are situated, fair chance hiring laws provide significant protections for applicants with criminal records.

Background Check Process

Background check policies vary between corporate and franchise Del Taco locations. In California, all locations must comply with the Fair Chance Act, which delays criminal history inquiries until after a conditional offer. Some franchise locations outside California may have more relaxed or more strict background check policies depending on the franchise owner.

What Disqualifies You

In California, Del Taco must conduct individualized assessment of criminal records. Violent felonies and sex offenses are most likely to disqualify. Theft convictions are evaluated for job relevance. Drug offenses, especially older ones, are typically not disqualifying for crew positions. Outside California, disqualification depends on the franchise owner and local laws.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply online through Del Taco's career page or in person during slower hours. In California, the application cannot ask about criminal history. Emphasize availability for all shifts. Prior fast food experience is helpful but not required. Apply to multiple locations for the best chances.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online at deltaco.com or in person during off-peak hours.
2.In California, employers cannot ask about criminal history before a conditional job offer.
3.Emphasize availability for late-night shifts — Del Taco locations often stay open late.
4.Prior food service experience is a plus but not required.
5.Apply to multiple locations if one declines your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Del Taco hire felons?: Some Del Taco locations hire people with felony records. Policies vary by franchise. In California, fair chance hiring laws require individualized assessment.
Does Del Taco do background checks?: Background check policies vary. In California, checks happen after a conditional offer under the Fair Chance Act. Franchise locations outside California set their own policies.
Does Del Taco drug test?: Drug testing policies vary by location and franchise owner. Many locations do not drug test for crew positions.
Is Del Taco owned by Jack in the Box?: Yes, Del Taco became part of Jack in the Box Inc. (now Dine Brands) in 2022. However, franchise locations still operate independently with their own hiring policies.
How much does Del Taco pay?: Del Taco team members earn $16-$20/hour in California and $9-$14/hour in other states, depending on location and minimum wage laws.

Take Action — Direct Links

Del Taco Careers
Official career page.
California Fair Chance Act
California fair chance hiring rights.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).