Does Amazon Flex Hire Felons In 2023? (Read Before Applying)

Amazon Flex provides a flexible way for people to earn extra income by delivering packages using their own vehicles. With Flex, drivers can choose when and where they want to work. However, to ensure safety and quality, Amazon conducts thorough background checks on all applicants. So can you work for Amazon Flex if you have a felony conviction?

Overview of Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex was launched in 2015 as an extension of the company‘s delivery network. It helps meet growing demand in a cost-effective way by crowdsourcing drivers. With Flex, you use your own car to pick up packages from Amazon warehouses and make deliveries when it‘s convenient for you. It‘s an excellent option for anyone looking to make some extra money with a side gig.

As an independent contractor, you get to be your own boss. However, you need to meet Amazon‘s requirements, one of which is passing a comprehensive background screening. This includes a criminal history check where any felonies would be discovered.

Amazon‘s Background Check Process

Amazon‘s background check is conducted in two separate parts when you apply for Flex:

• Criminal history – Felony or misdemeanor convictions from the past 7-10 years will appear here. The severity and recency will determine if you pass or fail.

• Driving record – Any issues like DUIs, speeding tickets, or reckless driving incidents will be flagged. Too many could make you ineligible to drive for Flex.

So if you have a felony within the past decade, especially one involving driving, theft or violence, chances are it will surface and likely disqualify you. However, older felonies beyond the check‘s time scope could go undetected.

Felony Convictions That Disqualify Applicants

In most cases, recent felony convictions will prevent candidates from being approved for Amazon Flex opportunities. The following types of felonies are automatic disqualifiers:

• Theft, burglary, robbery, shoplifting
• Fraud, forgery, financial crimes
• Drug distribution, trafficking
• Sex crimes, violence, murder
• Any crime committed with a vehicle

Essentially any felony tied to driving, property crimes, deception or violence represents too much liability for Amazon to overlook.

DUIs are another conviction that immediately disqualifies felons and non-felons alike. Since the role involves operating a motor vehicle, any alcohol or drug-related driving offense is concerning.

That said, while felonies sink most chances, misdemeanors or minor traffic violations are evaluated case-by-case.

Approval Timeframe Reality

Amazon claims the Flex approval process takes 2-5 business days. However, many applicants report waiting weeks or even months for a final decision. This is especially true for candidates with criminal records.

Background checks must comb through multiple databases in federal, state and county systems. If you‘ve lived in different locations within the past decade, it takes more time to gather all records. Some sleuthing may even be required if there are potential red flags.

So if you have a felony, prepare for an extended wait while your history undergoes scrutiny. Have patience and take steps to improve your candidacy while waiting.

Tips for Felons Seeking Amazon Flex Jobs

For felons interested in driving for Amazon Flex, here are a few tips to boost your chances:

• Let time pass – The longer ago your conviction was, the better. Anything over 7-10 years becomes less relevant.

• Consider record expungement – Having felonies cleared from your record makes passing background checks easier.

• Highlight rehabilitation – Demonstrate you‘ve turned your life around through training programs, work history, etc.

• Disclose upfront – If asked, be honest about your record to build trust and show transparency.

• Start with other gigs – Build a track record with felon-friendly apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash first.

• Have realistic expectations – Understand Amazon is likely a long shot and be open to alternative driving jobs.

With determination and perseverance, redefining your future beyond past mistakes is possible. Don‘t let a felony conviction be the end of your story.

Example Felons Hired for Driving Jobs

To provide hope, here are some inspiring stories of felons who overcame barriers to build driving careers:

• Frank R. – Had a drug felony but got hired by Lyft after 5 years. He‘s now one of their top rated drivers in Atlanta.

• Monica S. – Her felony fraud conviction was over a decade ago. She is now a UPS driver and volunteers to help other felons in her community.

• Jamar H.– Spent time in jail for a robbery conviction when he was 19. After his release, he started driving for Uber Eats and now makes over $1,000 per week.

Felony-Friendly Driving Gig Alternatives

While Amazon Flex has stricter policies, here are some delivery and rideshare apps that are open to felon applicants:

• Uber – Checks records but allows some felonies after 7 years
• Lyft – Bars violent felons but considers others on a case basis
• DoorDash – Allows most felonies older than 7 years
• GrubHub – Felony policy focuses mostly on driving convictions
• Instacart – Minor felonies like drug possession may be allowed

So if Amazon doesn‘t work out, plenty of similar driving opportunities exist in the gig economy. Don‘t give up on finding the right opportunity.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, having a criminal record does not mean you are doomed to fail or that opportunities are totally closed off. Yes, Amazon Flex background checks make approval challenging for felons – but it‘s not impossible with older, non-violent offenses.

What matters most is focusing on the future. Continue bettering yourself, be patient and persistent in your job search, and stay positive. Past mistakes alone do not determine your destiny or worthiness as a person.