Amazon Flex Background Check 2024: What You Need to Know!
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Amazon Flex is one of the most popular driving apps to make money. As an Amazon Flex driver, you can make $18 to $25 per hour delivering blocks to people in your city.
The best thing about this gig job is that you work on your own schedule.
However, getting hired as an Amazon Flex driver is not easy. One requirement is to pass the Amazon Flex background check.
In this guide, I’ll cover all you need to know about the Amazon Flex background process, how long it takes, and tips to help you pass the background check.
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What Is the Amazon Flex Background Check?
The Amazon Flex Background check is a process used to screen delivery drivers to ensure the safety and security of employees, partners, customers, and warehouse visitors.
The exercise is mainly to confirm that you’re suitable for the job. It’s also used to predict your behavior and likelihood of success as a delivery driver.
The background check looks at several things, including your:
- Driving record
- Employment history
- Criminal record
To qualify as an Amazon Flex driver, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Residing in a city where Amazon Flex operatesValid driver’s license
- Have a smartphone
- Auto insurance proof
- Provide a valid social security number
- Have a mid-sized or larger vehicle
It’s important to note that Amazon itself doesn’t conduct background check. It has partnered with Accurate, which offers employment background checks for companies.
How Long Does the Amazon Flex Background Check Take?
On overage, the background check takes 2 to 5 business days to clear. You’ll have the results faster if you have a clean record. The process will likely take longer if you have a criminal record or if something needs clarification.
The exact time it’ll take for the background check to clear depends on your records and the information you provide. According to some applicants, the background check took almost 25 days to clear, so you’ll need to be a little patient.
If you want to know why it’s taking too long, contact Amazon Flex support.
What Does Amazon Flex Look For in a Background Check?
Background checks have become standard procedures, with all delivery apps conducting some form of screening for security purposes.
The Amazon Flex Background check covers the following general areas:
1. Identity Confirmation
The first step in the Amazon Flex Background check is your driver’s license verification. Amazon must ensure you’re who you say you’re by confirming your driver’s license details. State-issued driver’s licenses are usually used as proof of identity.
When signing up for an Amazon Flex account, you must upload an image of your government-issued driver’s license. The license must be valid, not expired, and shouldn’t show any breaks or hole punches.
According to Amazon, the ID must be physical, not a scanned document, photocopy, or screenshot. Your license details must match the information you provided when signing up, including your name, birth date, age, state of residence, and license number.
It’s important to confirm and countercheck the details to ensure no errors. You don’t want your application denied on account of a simple mistake. Take a good, clear photo of your driver’s license before uploading.
Upload the images in order, starting with the front of the license, followed by the back. Ensure the words on the front and the barcode on the back appear clearly. You should also ensure the edges are visible.
2. Criminal Records
Before you’re approved for Amazon Flex, they’ll do a criminal background check, which you must consent to.
They look at your criminal history and check for felony charges and misdemeanors. However, it’s not a way of discrimination, as you have rights.
The background search will be done across state, federal, national, and county databases. These searches mainly cover:
- Misdemeanor convictions like disorderly conduct, vandalism, public intoxication, trespassing, and prostitution.
- Felony convictions such as kidnapping, theft, arson, rape, murder, assault
- Any pending criminal cases, infractions, or active warrants
According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the following states cannot provide information about felony convictions that are older than seven years:
- Colorado
- California
- Maryland
- Kansas
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Texas
- New York
- Washington
When completing your application, it’s important to answer the questions honestly, as the background check will uncover any lies. You’ll have a chance to address the charges during the interview with the hiring manager.
3. Driving Record
You must have a valid driver’s license to work as an Amazon Flex driver.
You’ll not be transporting passengers, so a driving experience is not necessary. Still, Amazon has to ensure that you comply with all the laws that govern delivery services.
Amazon must confirm that you observe speed limit laws and obey distracted driving laws. There are also several laws that ensure the health and safety of the driver and other road users.
To pass the driving record background check, your license must be free of any disqualifying restrictions like a major driving violation or several minor driving violations. The verification process checks for:
- Fines
- Points
- Suspensions
- Violations
- Endorsements
- Driving status
- License classification
If you have a clean driving record, you have a higher chance of passing the Amazon Flex background check. You may fail to get the background check if the hiring manager views you as a high-risk driver.
4. Educational Background
In order to qualify as an Amazon Flex driver, you must hold at least a high school diploma. The background check will cover your educational background, so include any relevant details.
The low educational threshold is one of the best things about Amazon Flex and other delivery apps. It’s convenient for everyone, from college students to stay-at-home parents looking to make money on the side.
With Amazon Flex, you work on your own schedule, meaning you can work around your other commitments. If you pass the background check, you can start working in as little as a week.
5. Employment History
Amazon may also verify your employment history as part of the screening process.
If you’ve worked for other employers, you may want to include these details in your application, especially if you need them as a reference.
References are often great during the hiring process, and you should include any relevant experience to improve your chances.
The Amazon Flex Background check may also cover your employment history, so you should provide the correct details. Any dishonesty about your education or employment history may cause your application to be flagged.
The background check will cover basic details such as where you’ve been employed in the past seven years, how long you worked for the employer, and the circumstances that led you to leave your former employer.
Basically, Amazon wants to verify the truth of your application.
6. Credit Information
Employers take credit scores seriously, as it show them that you’re truthful and trustworthy with your finances. You can get a free credit history report from a national credit bureau before applying for an Amazon Flex driver job.
A full credit report has details like your bill payment history, current debts, and whether you’ve been arrested, sued, or filed for bankruptcy.
A poor credit score may disqualify you. However, some states and cities have laws prohibiting credit checks or how the information from those reports can be used.
If you live in any of the following states that restrict employer credit checks, you’re in the clear:
- Colorado
- California
- Delaware
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Illinois
- Oregon
- Nevada
- Washington
- Vermont
7. Sex Offender Registry
As part of their safety policy, Amazon Flex checks candidates’ names against the National Sex Offender Registry. The registry information covers offender data from all 50 states.
If your name appears on the sex offender list, you’re automatically disqualified.
Like other delivery jobs, Amazon Flex does not hire convicted sex offenders. This is a standard procedure for most employee background checks.
What Happens After Amazon Flex Background Check?
If you pass the background check, you must complete an interview. The interview part isn’t complicated, mostly just questions about your availability and verification of your identity.
After this, you’ll see a green checkmark in the app indicating that you’ve been approved. Amazon also sends you a message to welcome you to Amazon Flex.
In addition to the background check, you must complete other onboarding tasks, such as your tax information, bank information for direct deposits, and video training.
From there, you can start scheduling Amazon Flex blocks (shifts). Using the Amazon Flex app, find delivery blocks in your area and swipe to schedule the ones that interest you.
The type and time of your delivery block will determine how much you earn per hour.
How Do I Check My Amazon Flex Background Check Results?
You can confirm your Amazon Flex background check status using the Amazon Flex app. If your background check has cleared, you’ll see a green check mark.
You can also check your status on the Accurate Applicant Status Portal. Most Amazon Flex background checks are done by Accurate Background. If you have more questions, you can contact Accurate via phone.
What If I Fail the Amazon Flex Background Check?
If you don’t pass the background check, Amazon will notify you. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you’re entitled to an adverse action notice, which allows you to check the results for accuracy.
If you review the results and there are errors, you can dispute them through a letter.
If the information is all accurate and you’ve failed for one reason or another, you can try out other jobs like Amazon Flex.
Here are a few alternatives you can try:
- Uber Eats: Uber Eats is one of the most popular food delivery apps. You can sign up as a driver to deliver food to people in your neighborhood. You can work on your own schedule and keep all your tips.
- DoorDash: You can sign up to be a Dasher on DoorDash, a popular food and drink delivery app. You have control over your schedule, and you can choose whether or not to accept an order. Payment depends on distance, estimated duration, and the desirability of the order.
- GrubHub: You must be at least 19 to sign up for GrubHub. As a GrubHub driver, you’ll deliver restaurant meals to people in your city. Payments are made weekly, and you keep all your tips.
- Instacart: Instacart is an app that connects drivers with users who want groceries delivered to them. To become an Instacart shopper, you must be at least 18 and be able to lift 50 LBs and more without help.
Amazon Flex Background Check Reddit
If you have concerns about your Amazon Flex Background check, you can check reviews from other drivers on Reddit.
One of the main concerns is how long the process takes. Here’s what real Amazon Flex drivers say about the time it took for the background check to clear:
Tips for Passing Amazon Flex Background Check
If you want to increase your chances of getting approved for Amazon Flex, here are a few tips:
- Countercheck details for accuracy: Take your time when filling in your details to ensure they’re all accurate. Part of the screening process is to ensure your name, age, and birth date all match what’s on your driver’s license.
- Be honest in answering the questions: Dishonesty in the application process will get you disqualified, so ensure you answer all the questions honestly. The background check will uncover everything anyways, so being upfront about details like past convictions is important.
- Do a background check on yourself: You can prepare for the Amazon Flex Background check by doing a check on yourself. You can review your driving record, credit record, and criminal record to correct any inaccuracies or wrongful record-keeping before the actual background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon Flex Hire Felons?
Amazon doesn’t discriminate against felons. While Amazon will not hire felons for permanent jobs, most felons can secure entry-level positions, such as delivery drivers.
However, there are exceptions. Amazon values honesty among its delivery drivers, so felonies to do with robbery, car theft, and assault are red flags and will probably get you disqualified.
If the felony happened more than seven years ago, it might not be covered by the background check. Still, it’s important to fully disclose your past in the application.
Why Is My Amazon Flex Background Check Taking So Long?
While most Amazon Flex background checks take 2 to 5 business days to clear, the process sometimes takes a couple of weeks.
The reports needed for the background check could take longer, depending on several factors, which can cause delays.
There has to be a correspondence between the company and the government, which can take some time.
What Can Disqualify You From a Background Check on Amazon?
Dishonesty is one of the biggest red flags that could cause your application to be disqualified. If you lie in your application, it could lead to automatic disqualification.
Additionally, individuals convicted of credit card fraud, murder, assault, theft, robbery, and sex crimes may be turned down.
What Happens if You Fail Amazon Flex Background Check?
If you don’t pass the background check, you can review the reports for inaccuracies or errors. You can dispute the background check through a letter if you find any errors.
If not, it’s advisable to try other delivery gig apps.
Can I Get Fired From Amazon Flex?
Yes. You could be fired from Amazon Flex for several reasons, like customer complaints, violating health and safety rules, and not scheduling a shift for six months.
You’ll receive an email detailing the reasons for your deactivation.
Does Amazon Flex Have a Dress Code?
Amazon Flex has no uniform requirements, so you can just dress casually with a decent pair of boots or sneakers because you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Does Amazon Flex Drug Test Delivery Drivers?
Working as an Amazon Flex driver is an independent contract job, so Amazon does not do a drug test. There are, however, drug tests for other positions on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Working as an Amazon Flex driver is one of the best ways to make an extra income; it can even be a full-time gig. Passing the Amazon Flex background check is a process, but it shouldn’t be a problem when you have a clean record.
If you’re concerned about issues with your background check, you can work on some of the things we’ve mentioned above to increase your chances of approval.
With gig economy delivery services and jobs on the rise, you should take advantage of the opportunity. There’s no harm in trying your luck.
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