Does Dollar General do background checks?

Yes, Dollar General conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening company. The check includes criminal history at the county, state, and federal levels, plus a Social Security number trace. Results typically come back within 2-5 business days for store-level positions.

How far back does Dollar General's background check go?

Dollar General's background check generally goes back 7 years for criminal convictions. However, this varies by state — some states restrict how far back an employer can look for hiring purposes. In states with 7-year lookback limitations, older convictions will not appear on the report.

Does Dollar General drug test?

Dollar General does not typically drug test for store-level positions (sales associate, lead associate) during the hiring process. However, drug testing may be required for distribution center roles, truck driving positions, and after workplace accidents. Policies can vary by state and location, and the company reserves the right to conduct random testing.

Can I work at Dollar General with a theft conviction?

It depends on how recent the conviction is and what role you're applying for. Theft convictions are viewed more seriously at Dollar General because store employees handle cash and merchandise. However, older theft convictions (5+ years) may still be accepted, particularly if you can demonstrate rehabilitation. Distribution center roles may be more accessible if you have a theft-related record.

How long does Dollar General take to hire?

Dollar General is known for a relatively fast hiring process. Many applicants report going from application to offer within 3-7 days. The background check typically takes 2-5 business days. Some stores, especially those with urgent staffing needs, may conduct same-day interviews and extend conditional offers pending the background check.

What does Dollar General pay?

As of 2026, Dollar General sales associates typically earn between $10-$14 per hour depending on location and experience. Lead sales associates earn $11-$15 per hour. Assistant store managers earn $13-$18 per hour, and store managers earn a salary typically ranging from $40,000-$55,000 per year. Distribution center workers generally earn $15-$20 per hour. Wages vary significantly by region and local cost of living.

Can I get promoted at Dollar General with a felony?

Yes, Dollar General promotes from within regularly, and your on-the-job performance becomes the primary factor in promotion decisions. Many people with records have advanced from sales associate to store manager. Additional background checks may be conducted for management positions, but your internal track record and the recommendation of your current manager carry significant weight.

Does Dollar General Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Sometimes

Dollar General hires people with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Non-violent felonies are often accepted, especially for store-level positions in high-turnover locations.

Dollar General is one of the largest retailers in the United States, with over 20,000 stores — many located in rural and underserved communities where they are often the primary employer. The company conducts background checks on all applicants but is known for being more willing than many retailers to hire people with non-violent felony records. Dollar General's rapid hiring process and high turnover rate work in favor of applicants with records, as stores frequently need to fill positions quickly. The company uses an individualized assessment approach, weighing the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the job. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, and recent theft convictions are more likely to be disqualifying, while older non-violent felonies — particularly drug possession or non-theft property crimes — are often accepted.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Sales Associate	Yes	Yes — standard criminal background check	Most accessible role. High turnover means frequent openings. Non-violent records often accepted.
Lead Sales Associate	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal background check	Key holder position with register responsibilities. Theft convictions may be more closely scrutinized.
Store Manager	Case-by-case	Yes — comprehensive background check	Responsible for cash handling, deposits, and inventory. Financial crimes and theft are more likely to disqualify.
Assistant Store Manager	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal background check	Similar scrutiny to store manager but slightly more flexible. Internal promotion from sales associate is a strong path.
Distribution Center Worker	Yes	Yes — standard criminal background check	Warehouse roles including picking, packing, and loading. Generally the most felon-friendly positions at Dollar General.
Truck Driver	Case-by-case	Yes — includes DOT screening, MVR check, and drug test	Requires CDL and clean driving record. DUI and moving violations are closely reviewed. Non-driving felonies may be accepted.

Dollar General's Background Check Process

Dollar General conducts background checks on all prospective employees through a third-party screening provider. The check typically includes a county, state, and federal criminal records search along with a Social Security number verification. For store-level positions, the process is generally fast — many applicants report receiving results within 2-5 business days. Dollar General follows FCRA requirements, meaning if a background check results in an adverse hiring decision, the applicant receives a pre-adverse action notice, a copy of the background check report, and a summary of their rights before the decision is finalized. The company generally looks back 7 years for criminal convictions, though state laws may further restrict this timeframe. In states like California, New York, and others with ban-the-box or fair chance hiring laws, Dollar General delays criminal history inquiries until later in the hiring process.

Why Dollar General Is More Accessible Than Many Retailers

Several factors make Dollar General more accessible to people with records than many other large retailers. First, the sheer volume of hiring — with over 20,000 stores and consistently high turnover, Dollar General is almost always hiring somewhere nearby. Second, many Dollar General locations are in rural and lower-income communities where the labor pool is smaller, which means hiring managers may be more flexible. Third, the rapid hiring timeline — it's common to go from application to offer within a week — means there is less bureaucratic screening compared to larger retailers. Fourth, store managers often have significant discretion in hiring decisions. A manager who needs to fill a position quickly may be more willing to consider someone with a record, especially if the applicant presents well in person and demonstrates reliability.

Which Felonies Are Most Likely to Be Accepted?

Based on widely reported hiring experiences, non-violent drug possession convictions are the most commonly accepted felonies at Dollar General, particularly when they are more than 3-5 years old. Non-violent property crimes (excluding retail theft) and older DUI convictions also have reasonable acceptance rates. Traffic-related felonies that don't involve the position's duties are also frequently overlooked. Convictions that are more likely to result in disqualification include theft or shoplifting (given the retail environment), violent felonies such as assault or robbery, sexual offenses, and any conviction within the past 1-2 years. Fraud and embezzlement convictions can also be problematic given the cash-handling responsibilities of most store positions.

Store Manager Discretion

One important thing to understand about Dollar General's hiring process is that individual store managers have significant influence over hiring decisions. While corporate policy sets the framework, store managers often have the final say on whether to hire someone with a record, particularly for sales associate positions. This means your experience can vary significantly from one location to another. If you're turned down at one Dollar General, it may be worth applying at another nearby location with a different manager. Building a rapport with the store manager by visiting in person, being polite and professional, and expressing genuine interest in the position can make a meaningful difference. Many Dollar General employees with records report that the store manager's personal impression of them was the deciding factor.

Advancement Opportunities

Dollar General has a strong track record of promoting from within, which can be a significant advantage for people with records who are looking to build a career. The typical advancement path goes from Sales Associate to Lead Sales Associate (key holder) to Assistant Store Manager to Store Manager. This progression can happen relatively quickly — some employees report moving from associate to store manager within 1-2 years. As you advance, your criminal record becomes less of a factor because your job performance and internal track record speak for themselves. Store managers at Dollar General can earn $40,000-$55,000+ per year, making it a viable career path. The company also offers benefits including health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off for eligible employees.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online at dollargeneral.com/careers or through the Dollar General app. The application is straightforward and does not ask about criminal history upfront in most states.
2.After submitting your online application, visit the store in person within a day or two. Ask to speak with the store manager and let them know you've applied. A good in-person impression can be decisive.
3.Target stores that have 'Now Hiring' signs in the window — these locations have immediate needs and managers may be more flexible about records to fill positions quickly.
4.If you have a theft conviction, consider applying to distribution center positions instead of store-level roles. Warehouse positions involve less cash handling and may be less affected by theft-related records.
5.Be honest if asked about your record during the interview. Prepare a brief, positive statement about what you've learned and how you've changed. Dollar General managers value reliability and a good attitude above all else.
6.Apply to multiple Dollar General locations simultaneously. Different store managers have different levels of flexibility, and staffing needs vary from store to store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dollar General hire felons?: Yes, Dollar General does hire people with felony records, though it's done on a case-by-case basis. The company conducts background checks but uses individualized assessment. Non-violent felonies, especially those older than 3-5 years, are frequently accepted for store-level positions. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, and recent theft convictions are more likely to be disqualifying.
Does Dollar General do background checks?: Yes, Dollar General conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening company. The check includes criminal history at the county, state, and federal levels, plus a Social Security number trace. Results typically come back within 2-5 business days for store-level positions.
How far back does Dollar General's background check go?: Dollar General's background check generally goes back 7 years for criminal convictions. However, this varies by state — some states restrict how far back an employer can look for hiring purposes. In states with 7-year lookback limitations, older convictions will not appear on the report.
Does Dollar General drug test?: Dollar General does not typically drug test for store-level positions (sales associate, lead associate) during the hiring process. However, drug testing may be required for distribution center roles, truck driving positions, and after workplace accidents. Policies can vary by state and location, and the company reserves the right to conduct random testing.
Can I work at Dollar General with a theft conviction?: It depends on how recent the conviction is and what role you're applying for. Theft convictions are viewed more seriously at Dollar General because store employees handle cash and merchandise. However, older theft convictions (5+ years) may still be accepted, particularly if you can demonstrate rehabilitation. Distribution center roles may be more accessible if you have a theft-related record.
How long does Dollar General take to hire?: Dollar General is known for a relatively fast hiring process. Many applicants report going from application to offer within 3-7 days. The background check typically takes 2-5 business days. Some stores, especially those with urgent staffing needs, may conduct same-day interviews and extend conditional offers pending the background check.
What does Dollar General pay?: As of 2026, Dollar General sales associates typically earn between $10-$14 per hour depending on location and experience. Lead sales associates earn $11-$15 per hour. Assistant store managers earn $13-$18 per hour, and store managers earn a salary typically ranging from $40,000-$55,000 per year. Distribution center workers generally earn $15-$20 per hour. Wages vary significantly by region and local cost of living.
Can I get promoted at Dollar General with a felony?: Yes, Dollar General promotes from within regularly, and your on-the-job performance becomes the primary factor in promotion decisions. Many people with records have advanced from sales associate to store manager. Additional background checks may be conducted for management positions, but your internal track record and the recommendation of your current manager carry significant weight.

Take Action — Direct Links

Dollar General Careers Portal
Official job search portal for all Dollar General store, distribution center, and corporate positions.
EEOC Guidance on Criminal Records in Employment
Federal guidelines on how employers should evaluate applicants with criminal records.
National HIRE Network
National organization focused on employment for people with criminal records. Provides state-by-state resources.
Dollar General Store Locator
Find Dollar General locations near you to apply in person after submitting your online application.

Related Resources on This Site

Also about this company

Drug TestingDoes Dollar General drug test?

Similar companies

Helpful guides

Background ChecksWhat shows up on a background check?
Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go?
Background ChecksTypes of background checks
Background ChecksHow to check your own record

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).