Can a Felon Work for the Post Office?
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Yes, in many cases felons can work for the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS does not have a blanket ban on hiring people with felony convictions. Each application is evaluated individually, considering the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, rehabilitation evidence, and the requirements of the specific position. However, certain convictions are effectively disqualifying: violent crimes, sexual offenses, theft-related offenses (especially mail theft), drug trafficking, and any conviction related to the postal service. The USPS conducts a criminal background check on all applicants, and the hiring decision involves a suitability determination. The USPS is the second-largest civilian employer in the U.S. with approximately 630,000 employees and hires tens of thousands of people each year, making it a realistic employment opportunity for many people with records.
You CAN likely get a USPS job if you...
- ✓Convicted of a non-violent, non-theft felony that occurred 7+ years ago with a clean record since
- ✓Single drug possession conviction with completed treatment and sustained sobriety
- ✓DUI/DWI conviction (non-driving positions or sufficient time elapsed with clean driving record)
- ✓Financial crimes unrelated to postal service or mail — evaluated case-by-case with restitution and rehabilitation
- ✓Felony conviction that has been expunged or pardoned
- ✓Conviction occurred before age 18 (juvenile adjudication) — generally not considered for USPS employment
You CANNOT get a USPS job if you...
- ✗Convicted of mail theft, mail fraud, or crimes against the postal service
Convictions for stealing mail, tampering with mail, mail fraud, or any crime committed against the USPS or using the postal system are essentially permanently disqualifying. These offenses go to the core trust required for postal employment — handling the nation's mail. (18 U.S.C. § 1708 (mail theft) / 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (mail fraud))
- ✗Convicted of treason or sedition
Federal law specifically prohibits the USPS from employing anyone who advocates the overthrow of the U.S. government by force or who has been convicted of treason or sedition. (39 U.S.C. § 1001(f))
- ✗Recent violent felony conviction
Recent violent felony convictions (generally within the last 7 years, though no fixed rule exists) are strong disqualifiers for USPS employment. Postal workers interact with the public daily, enter private property, and work in shared facilities. The USPS takes a dim view of recent violence. Older violent convictions may be evaluated more favorably. (USPS suitability standards)
- ✗Sexual offense conviction, especially involving minors
Sexual offense convictions are effectively permanent disqualifiers for USPS employment. Postal workers have unsupervised access to neighborhoods, homes, and public areas. The USPS will not place individuals with sexual offense convictions in these positions. (USPS suitability standards)
- ✗Currently on parole or felony probation (in most cases)
The USPS generally requires that applicants have completed their full sentence, including probation and parole, before being considered for employment. Exceptions are rare. (USPS hiring policies)
Gray areas — it depends on your state and circumstances
Non-violent drug offenses
Drug possession convictions — particularly older ones — do not automatically disqualify. The USPS considers the nature of the drug offense, how long ago it occurred, whether treatment was completed, and evidence of sustained sobriety. Drug trafficking convictions face much higher scrutiny because postal workers have access to mail that could be used for drug distribution. The USPS also conducts pre-employment drug testing.
Theft or dishonesty crimes (non-mail-related)
Theft and dishonesty crimes unrelated to mail are evaluated carefully because postal workers handle mail, packages, and financial instruments (money orders, stamps). These convictions are not automatic bars, but the USPS weighs them heavily. Older convictions with full restitution and no subsequent dishonesty offenses have the best outcomes. Recent theft convictions are very difficult to overcome.
DUI/DWI convictions for driving positions
Many USPS positions require driving (mail carriers, truck drivers). DUI convictions are evaluated in the context of driving safety. A single, older DUI may not disqualify, but multiple DUIs or recent DUIs are problematic for driving positions. Non-driving USPS positions (mail processing clerk, custodian) are less affected by DUI history. The USPS requires a clean driving record for carrier positions.
Assault or domestic violence convictions
Simple assault convictions are reviewed case-by-case. Domestic violence misdemeanors may be disqualifying if the position requires carrying a firearm (USPS Postal Police). For standard postal positions, domestic violence convictions are evaluated based on severity and recency. Older convictions with rehabilitation evidence have better outcomes.
Felony convictions older than 10 years
Time is a significant positive factor in USPS hiring decisions. Convictions older than 7-10 years with a completely clean record since are viewed much more favorably. The USPS considers the entire picture: the nature of the offense, time elapsed, subsequent conduct, stability of employment, and character references. Many people with older felony convictions work successfully for the USPS.
USPS Positions — Accessibility with a Felony
| Type | Difficulty | Details |
|---|---|---|
| City Carrier Assistant (CCA) / Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) | Moderate | Letter carriers deliver mail to homes and businesses. These positions require a clean driving record, passing a drug test, and clearing a background check. Non-violent, non-theft felonies that occurred several years ago may not disqualify. DUI history is relevant because carriers drive postal vehicles. These are the most common entry-level positions and hire the most people. |
| Mail Processing Clerk / Mail Handler | Moderate | Processing clerks and mail handlers work in postal facilities sorting and processing mail. These positions do not require driving but still involve handling mail — so theft-related convictions are scrutinized. Non-theft, non-violent felonies have better outcomes for these positions. These are good alternatives if your driving record is a concern. |
| Custodial / Maintenance | Most Accessible | Custodial and maintenance positions in postal facilities involve cleaning, building maintenance, and equipment repair rather than direct mail handling. While still subject to background checks, these positions may be more accessible because they involve less direct contact with mail. Drug and violent offenses are still evaluated, but theft concerns are lower. |
| USPS Postal Police / Office of Inspector General | Virtually Impossible with Felony | Postal Police Officers are armed federal law enforcement. Like all federal law enforcement, a felony conviction is an absolute bar due to the federal firearm prohibition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)). USPS Office of Inspector General positions also have strict background requirements similar to other federal law enforcement. |
How to Apply — Step by Step
Create an account on usps.com/careers
All USPS job applications are submitted online through the USPS careers website. Create an account, complete your profile, and search for open positions in your area. The most common entry-level positions are City Carrier Assistant (CCA), Rural Carrier Associate (RCA), Mail Handler Assistant (MHA), and PSE (Postal Support Employee) Mail Processing Clerk.
Take the required postal exam (Exam 474, 475, 476, or 477)
Most USPS positions require passing a postal exam. The exams test workplace scenarios, personality traits, and work ethic (they are not knowledge tests). You can retake exams after a waiting period if you do not pass. The exam is administered online. A score of 70+ is passing, but competitive scores are typically 80+. The exam does not ask about criminal history.
Apply for specific positions in your area
Once you have a passing exam score, apply for specific posted positions. Apply broadly — different facilities and positions may have different hiring needs and flexibility. Rural areas and facilities with high turnover may be more willing to hire people with records. Apply for positions that match your strengths (non-driving positions if DUI is a concern, non-mail-handling if theft is a concern).
Complete the application honestly — disclose your record
The USPS application asks about criminal history. Answer honestly and completely. The USPS conducts thorough background checks and will discover unreported convictions. Nondisclosure is grounds for termination even after being hired. You may include a brief explanation of your rehabilitation. The USPS values honesty in the application process.
Pass the background check and drug test
The USPS conducts a criminal background check (typically going back 7-10 years, though all convictions may be considered) and a pre-employment drug test (5-panel urine test). If the background check reveals concerns, you may be given an opportunity to explain or provide additional information before a final suitability determination is made.
Complete orientation and begin work
If hired, you will complete a multi-day orientation and training program. Most entry-level USPS positions start as non-career (temporary) appointments with a path to career (permanent) status after 12-24 months. Career positions include full benefits, retirement, and union protection. Perform well during your probationary period — this is when you prove yourself.
Take Action — Direct Links
- USPS Careers — Job search and application
Official USPS career portal — create an account, search for open positions in your area, and submit applications
- USPS Postal Exam preparation
Information about USPS hiring exams (474, 475, 476, 477) including what to expect and how to prepare
- National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
The union representing city letter carriers — information about carrier positions, pay, benefits, and worker protections
- American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
The union representing postal clerks, maintenance employees, and other USPS workers — information about non-carrier positions
- USPS OIG — Office of Inspector General
USPS oversight body — information about postal employment standards and conduct requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a felon work for the post office?
- Yes, in many cases. The USPS does not have a blanket ban on hiring felons. Each application is evaluated individually based on the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, rehabilitation, and the specific position requirements. Non-violent, non-theft felonies that occurred several years ago have the best chances. Convictions involving mail theft, mail fraud, sexual offenses, and recent violence are effectively disqualifying.
- Does USPS do background checks?
- Yes. The USPS conducts criminal background checks on all applicants. The check typically covers national criminal databases, sex offender registries, and may include state-level checks. The USPS also conducts a pre-employment drug test (5-panel urine screen). Background check results are evaluated through a suitability determination process, not an automatic pass/fail based on criminal history.
- How far back does the USPS background check go?
- The USPS background check can go back your entire criminal history, but the focus is typically on the last 7-10 years. Older convictions are given less weight, especially if you have maintained a clean record. Recent convictions (within the last 3-5 years) face the most scrutiny. Expunged records may not appear in the background check, depending on the state and the database used.
- What disqualifies you from working at USPS?
- Effectively disqualifying factors include: mail theft or mail fraud convictions, treason or sedition, sexual offense convictions, recent violent felonies, drug trafficking convictions, current drug use (pre-employment drug test failure), and dishonesty on the application. Active warrants, current incarceration, and being on active parole are also disqualifying in most cases. DUI convictions can disqualify for driving positions specifically.
- How much does a USPS job pay?
- USPS pay varies by position and career status. Entry-level non-career positions (CCA, RCA, MHA, PSE) typically start at $19-$21 per hour. Career (permanent) positions earn more: city carriers earn $55,000-$75,000+ annually with experience, mail processing clerks earn $50,000-$65,000+, and custodial workers earn $45,000-$60,000+. All career positions include health insurance, retirement (FERS), paid leave, and union representation. USPS benefits are among the best available for people without college degrees.
- Can a felon be a mail carrier?
- Yes, if the felony is not directly related to mail handling/theft, is not a violent or sexual offense, and sufficient time has passed. Mail carrier positions (CCA/RCA) also require a clean driving record and passing a drug test. DUI convictions are particularly relevant for carrier positions. Non-driving postal positions (mail processing, custodial) may be better options if your driving record is a concern.
- Should I mention my felony in the USPS application?
- Yes — always disclose honestly. The USPS application asks about criminal history, and the background check will reveal any convictions you fail to disclose. Nondisclosure is treated as dishonesty, which is grounds for rejection or termination even after being hired. Honest disclosure with an explanation of your rehabilitation demonstrates the integrity the USPS values. Many people with disclosed felonies have been hired; virtually no one survives a discovered cover-up.