Does McDonald's do background checks?

Most McDonald's locations run some form of background check, but the scope and thoroughness vary by franchise. Corporate-owned stores typically use a third-party provider for a standard criminal history check. Some franchise locations run only basic checks, while others conduct more comprehensive reviews. In states with Ban the Box laws, the background check happens after a conditional job offer.

Can I work at McDonald's with a misdemeanor?

Yes, misdemeanor convictions are generally much less of a barrier than felonies at McDonald's. Most franchise owners and corporate locations will hire applicants with misdemeanor records, especially for entry-level crew positions. The exception may be misdemeanors directly related to the job, such as theft for a cash-handling role.

How far back does McDonald's background check go?

The lookback period varies. In states that follow the EEOC guidance or have their own laws limiting background check lookback periods, checks typically cover 7 years. In other states, franchise owners may see records going back further. Some states, like California and New York, limit reporting to 7 years for convictions and prohibit reporting of non-conviction records.

Can I get promoted at McDonald's with a felony record?

Yes. Once you are hired and establish a positive work record, internal promotions are based primarily on job performance, reliability, and leadership ability. Many McDonald's managers and supervisors have criminal records. The company culture values loyalty and hard work, and franchise owners frequently promote from within regardless of background.

Will a drug conviction prevent me from working at McDonald's?

Not necessarily. Many franchise owners are willing to hire people with drug possession convictions, especially if the offense is not recent. Drug distribution or trafficking convictions may be viewed more seriously. Some locations may require a pre-employment drug test, but this varies by franchise and state.

Does McDonald's corporate have a fair-chance hiring policy?

McDonald's Corporation has publicly supported fair-chance employment principles and complies with Ban the Box laws where applicable. However, because most restaurants are franchise-operated, corporate policy provides guidance rather than mandates. Individual franchise owners make the final hiring decisions for their locations.

What should I do if McDonald's denies me because of my background check?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), if you are denied employment based on a background check, the employer must provide you with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. Review the report for errors — background check mistakes are common. If the information is accurate, you can write a brief explanation of the circumstances and any rehabilitation efforts. You also have the right to dispute inaccurate information with the background check company.

Does McDonald's Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Sometimes

McDonald's is roughly 90% franchise-owned, so hiring decisions for applicants with criminal records vary dramatically by location and franchise owner.

McDonald's does hire people with felony records, but there is no single company-wide policy that applies to every location. Because approximately 90% of McDonald's restaurants are independently owned and operated by franchisees, each franchise owner sets their own hiring standards. Many franchise owners are willing to hire people with criminal backgrounds, particularly for crew member and kitchen positions. Corporate-owned locations tend to follow more standardized background check procedures, but even those locations use individualized assessment rather than blanket disqualification. Your best approach is to apply to multiple McDonald's locations in your area, as policies can differ significantly even between restaurants a few miles apart.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Crew Member	Case-by-case	Varies by franchise	Most accessible role; many franchisees hire people with records
Kitchen Staff / Cook	Case-by-case	Varies by franchise	Back-of-house roles may be more lenient than customer-facing ones
Shift Manager	Case-by-case	Yes, standard background check	Possible after demonstrating reliability as a crew member; promotion path is common
Maintenance / Custodial	Case-by-case	Varies by franchise	Lower customer interaction; some franchisees are more flexible for this role
General Manager	Case-by-case	Yes, thorough background check	Requires cash handling responsibility; violent and theft convictions weighed more heavily
Corporate Office	Case-by-case	Yes, comprehensive background check	Corporate roles in Chicago HQ follow McDonald's Corporation policy; more standardized review

How McDonald's Background Checks Work

Background check procedures at McDonald's depend on whether the location is corporate-owned or franchise-owned. Corporate locations typically use a third-party background check provider that looks at criminal history going back 7 years in most states. Franchise owners may use different providers or have different lookback periods. Some franchisees run only basic county-level checks, while others run more comprehensive national checks. In states with Ban the Box laws, McDonald's cannot ask about criminal history on the initial application — the question comes later in the process, typically after a conditional offer. Not every franchise location even runs a formal background check, though most do for management positions.

The Franchise Factor: Why Location Matters

The single most important thing to understand about McDonald's hiring is the franchise model. Each franchise owner is an independent business operator who makes their own hiring decisions. Some franchise owners actively participate in second-chance hiring programs and work with local reentry organizations. Others may have stricter policies, especially in areas with high applicant volume where they can be more selective. If one McDonald's turns you down, apply to others — the next franchise owner may have a completely different approach. You can often tell if a location is corporate-owned by checking the McDonald's website, but it is usually more effective to simply apply widely.

What Types of Convictions Are Most Problematic

While policies vary by franchise, certain types of convictions tend to be more challenging across the board. Violent felonies, particularly assault or robbery, raise the most concern because of customer and coworker safety. Theft and fraud convictions can be problematic because crew members handle cash and inventory. Sex offenses are typically disqualifying at most locations, especially given the number of minors who work at and visit McDonald's restaurants. Drug possession convictions, particularly older ones, tend to be the least concerning to most franchise owners. DUI convictions are mainly relevant for delivery or driving-related positions. The age of the conviction and evidence of rehabilitation matter significantly.

McDonald's and Second-Chance Hiring Programs

Several McDonald's franchise organizations have partnered with local workforce development programs, reentry nonprofits, and state programs that provide incentives for hiring people with records. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) gives franchisees a financial incentive to hire people who have been convicted of a felony — this tax credit can be worth $2,400 or more per qualifying employee. Some McDonald's operators in major cities have been recognized for their commitment to second-chance hiring. McDonald's Corporation has also participated in broader industry discussions about fair-chance employment, though the decentralized franchise model means corporate statements do not always translate to uniform local practice.

Career Growth Opportunities

One of the strengths of McDonald's as an employer for people with records is the potential for advancement. Many general managers and even franchise owners started as crew members. McDonald's Archways to Opportunity program offers eligible employees access to educational resources including high school completion, college tuition assistance, and English language courses. Once you are hired and establish a track record of reliability, your criminal history becomes less relevant for internal promotions. Building a strong work history at McDonald's can also serve as a stepping stone to other employment opportunities.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply to multiple McDonald's locations — franchise owners have different hiring policies, so a rejection at one location does not mean you will be rejected everywhere.
2.Visit the restaurant in person during non-peak hours (mid-afternoon on weekdays) and ask to speak with the manager. A positive first impression can influence the hiring decision more than a background check.
3.Be upfront about your record if asked, but do not volunteer information before a background check is initiated. In Ban the Box states, they legally cannot ask until later in the process.
4.Emphasize reliability, willingness to work any shift (including nights, weekends, and holidays), and a positive attitude — these matter enormously in fast food hiring.
5.If you have a certificate of rehabilitation, completion of a reentry program, or letters of reference, bring them to the interview. Franchise owners appreciate evidence of personal growth.
6.Ask the hiring manager whether the franchise participates in any second-chance hiring programs or works with local reentry organizations — some do but do not advertise it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does McDonald's hire felons?: Many McDonald's locations do hire people with felony records. Because roughly 90% of McDonald's restaurants are franchise-owned, each location sets its own hiring standards. There is no blanket corporate policy that automatically disqualifies applicants with felony convictions. Your chances depend heavily on which franchise you apply to, the nature and age of your conviction, and local labor market conditions.
Does McDonald's do background checks?: Most McDonald's locations run some form of background check, but the scope and thoroughness vary by franchise. Corporate-owned stores typically use a third-party provider for a standard criminal history check. Some franchise locations run only basic checks, while others conduct more comprehensive reviews. In states with Ban the Box laws, the background check happens after a conditional job offer.
Can I work at McDonald's with a misdemeanor?: Yes, misdemeanor convictions are generally much less of a barrier than felonies at McDonald's. Most franchise owners and corporate locations will hire applicants with misdemeanor records, especially for entry-level crew positions. The exception may be misdemeanors directly related to the job, such as theft for a cash-handling role.
How far back does McDonald's background check go?: The lookback period varies. In states that follow the EEOC guidance or have their own laws limiting background check lookback periods, checks typically cover 7 years. In other states, franchise owners may see records going back further. Some states, like California and New York, limit reporting to 7 years for convictions and prohibit reporting of non-conviction records.
Can I get promoted at McDonald's with a felony record?: Yes. Once you are hired and establish a positive work record, internal promotions are based primarily on job performance, reliability, and leadership ability. Many McDonald's managers and supervisors have criminal records. The company culture values loyalty and hard work, and franchise owners frequently promote from within regardless of background.
Will a drug conviction prevent me from working at McDonald's?: Not necessarily. Many franchise owners are willing to hire people with drug possession convictions, especially if the offense is not recent. Drug distribution or trafficking convictions may be viewed more seriously. Some locations may require a pre-employment drug test, but this varies by franchise and state.
Does McDonald's corporate have a fair-chance hiring policy?: McDonald's Corporation has publicly supported fair-chance employment principles and complies with Ban the Box laws where applicable. However, because most restaurants are franchise-operated, corporate policy provides guidance rather than mandates. Individual franchise owners make the final hiring decisions for their locations.
What should I do if McDonald's denies me because of my background check?: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), if you are denied employment based on a background check, the employer must provide you with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. Review the report for errors — background check mistakes are common. If the information is accurate, you can write a brief explanation of the circumstances and any rehabilitation efforts. You also have the right to dispute inaccurate information with the background check company.

Take Action — Direct Links

McDonald's Careers
Official job search portal for McDonald's corporate and franchise positions
McDonald's Archways to Opportunity
Education and career development benefits for eligible McDonald's employees
EEOC Guidance on Criminal Records in Hiring
Federal guidance on how employers should consider criminal records — useful to understand your rights
National HIRE Network
Resources for people with criminal records seeking employment, including state-by-state legal guides

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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).