Does USPS Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

The Federal Background Investigation

USPS background investigations are conducted by the Postal Inspection Service and are significantly more thorough than typical private-sector background checks. The investigation includes a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check, FBI fingerprint check, county and state criminal records searches, a Social Security number trace, and verification of employment and education history. For positions involving driving, a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check is also included. Unlike private employers, USPS has access to federal criminal databases that may contain records not available to commercial background check companies. The investigation also includes a review of any pending charges, outstanding warrants, and in some cases, credit history. The entire process can take 2-6 weeks. Because USPS is a federal employer, state ban-the-box laws and 7-year lookback limitations generally do not apply — the investigation can look at your entire criminal history.

Suitability Determination Standards

USPS uses a suitability determination process based on federal guidelines (5 CFR 731) to evaluate applicants with criminal records. The key factors considered include: the nature and seriousness of the conduct, how recently the conduct occurred, the circumstances surrounding the conduct, the age of the person at the time of the conduct, whether the conduct was an isolated incident or part of a pattern, the applicant's rehabilitation and employment record since the conviction, and the nature of the position sought. In practice, this means that a single non-violent felony from 15 years ago with clear evidence of rehabilitation has a much better chance than a violent felony from 5 years ago. However, certain offenses — including treason, espionage, mail-related crimes (mail theft, mail fraud), and sexual offenses — are extremely difficult to overcome regardless of how much time has passed. Crimes involving dishonesty or breach of trust are also viewed very seriously given the nature of postal work.

Which Convictions Are Most Problematic?

Certain convictions are particularly difficult to overcome in USPS hiring. Mail theft and mail fraud are at the top of this list — these are crimes directly related to the core function of the Postal Service and are almost always permanently disqualifying. Violent felonies, including assault, robbery, and weapons offenses, are typically disqualifying for 10+ years and may be permanently disqualifying depending on severity. Sexual offenses face extreme scrutiny and are very rarely overcome. Drug trafficking convictions are generally disqualifying for 7-10 years. DUI and reckless driving convictions are particularly problematic for carrier positions that require driving. Financial crimes (fraud, embezzlement, forgery) are viewed seriously given postal workers' access to mail containing financial instruments. The convictions with the best chance of being overcome are older (10+ years) non-violent drug possession charges, minor non-violent property crimes, and other non-violent misdemeanors that have been successfully resolved.

The Application Process at USPS

All USPS positions are applied for through usps.com/careers. You must create an account, search for open positions in your area, and apply to specific job postings. Most entry-level positions require passing one or more postal exams (the 474, 475, 476, or 477 Virtual Entry Assessments). These exams are taken online and assess your suitability for the role through situational judgment questions and personality assessments. After passing the exam and being selected for consideration, you will receive a conditional job offer. It is at this point that the background investigation begins. The conditional offer is contingent on successfully passing the background check, drug screening, and medical evaluation. Criminal history questions are not asked during the initial application — they come up during the background investigation phase. If you do not pass the investigation, the offer will be rescinded. You have the right to appeal this decision through the USPS dispute process.

Alternatives to Consider

If you have a felony record and are interested in mail or delivery work, there are private-sector alternatives that may be more accessible. UPS and FedEx both hire package handlers and some drivers with felony records (see our guides for those companies). Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) vary in their background check requirements and some will hire people with records. DoorDash, Instacart, and other gig delivery platforms have less restrictive background requirements than USPS. If you're determined to work for USPS specifically, your best strategy is to wait until your conviction is at least 7-10 years old, gather strong evidence of rehabilitation (completion of programs, stable employment, community involvement, letters of recommendation), and apply for positions that don't require driving (mail handler, custodian) if you have any driving-related convictions. Expungement or record sealing, where available in your state, can also significantly improve your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USPS hire felons?

USPS does not have an absolute ban on hiring people with felony records, but in practice, most felony convictions are disqualifying — especially those within the past 7-10 years. The Postal Service uses a suitability determination process that considers the nature of the offense, how recently it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. People with very old, non-violent felonies have the best chance, but even then, approval is not guaranteed.

What background check does USPS run?

USPS conducts a comprehensive federal background investigation that includes an NCIC check, FBI fingerprint check, county and state criminal records searches, Social Security number trace, employment verification, and for carrier positions, a Motor Vehicle Records check. This investigation is significantly more thorough than what private employers conduct and can access federal databases not available to commercial screening companies.

How far back does the USPS background check go?

The USPS background investigation can review your entire criminal history — there is no 7-year limitation. As a federal employer, USPS is generally not subject to state ban-the-box laws or lookback period restrictions that apply to private employers. However, older convictions (10+ years) are given less weight in the suitability determination, and the passage of time combined with evidence of rehabilitation can work in your favor.

Does USPS drug test?

Yes, USPS requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions. This is a urinalysis test that screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. A positive drug test will result in the withdrawal of the job offer. USPS also conducts random drug testing for current employees and post-accident testing. As a federal employer, USPS follows federal drug-free workplace requirements, and marijuana use is disqualifying even in states where it is legal.

Can I work at USPS with a DUI?

A DUI conviction makes it very difficult to get a carrier position at USPS because these roles require a clean driving record. A single DUI from 5+ years ago may not be absolutely disqualifying for non-driving positions like mail handler or custodian, but it will still be considered in the suitability determination. Multiple DUIs or a recent DUI (within 3-5 years) will likely disqualify you from all USPS positions. If you have a DUI on your record, focus on non-driving positions.

Can I appeal if USPS rejects me for my background?

Yes, if USPS rescinds a conditional job offer based on your background investigation, you have the right to respond. You will receive a notice explaining the reasons for the decision and an opportunity to provide additional information, context, or documentation. You can submit evidence of rehabilitation, character references, or challenge any inaccurate information in the report. If the initial appeal is unsuccessful, you may have additional avenues through the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) for certain positions.

What postal exams do I need to take?

Most entry-level USPS positions require one of the Virtual Entry Assessments: 474 (City Carrier Assistant), 475 (Rural Carrier Associate), 476 (Mail Handler Assistant), or 477 (Clerk / PSE). These are online assessments that include situational judgment questions, personality questions, and work experience evaluations. You can take the assessment when you apply for a specific job posting on usps.com/careers. Study guides are available online, and scoring well on the assessment increases your chances of being called for the next steps.

Is USPS the same as UPS for hiring purposes?

No, USPS and UPS are completely different organizations. USPS (United States Postal Service) is a federal government agency with strict federal background investigation requirements. UPS (United Parcel Service) is a private company with generally less restrictive hiring policies. People with felony records typically have a much better chance of being hired at UPS than at USPS, particularly for package handler positions. See our UPS guide for more details.