What Amazon requires from drivers
Amazon requires all delivery drivers to hold a valid driver's license from their state, pass a background check, and carry proof of vehicle insurance. The specific requirements depend on whether you drive for Amazon Flex (the app-based gig program) or work as a delivery partner through a Delivery Service Partner (DSP) agreement. Both routes need the same license and insurance, but the background check process and vehicle inspections differ slightly between them.
Your driver's license must be current and not suspended or revoked. Amazon will verify it during onboarding and may check it again periodically. If your license expires, you should renew it before it lapses — driving with an expired license is illegal, and Amazon can deactivate your account if they discover it.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid, current state driver's license with a clean driving record to drive for Amazon in any capacity.
- Amazon requires proof of vehicle insurance that covers commercial delivery work, not just personal use.
- A background check is mandatory, and Amazon will reject applicants with certain criminal convictions or serious traffic violations.
- Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection covering brakes, tires, lights, and windshield condition before you can start deliveries.
- Amazon Flex drivers need their own vehicle; DSP drivers may use a company vehicle depending on the partner's arrangement.
Driver's license requirements for Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is the independent contractor program where you use your own vehicle and work through the Amazon Flex app. To start, you must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license from any U.S. state. Your license cannot have been suspended, revoked, or restricted in the past three years.
During the process process, Amazon will pull your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. They look for serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents. The exact threshold varies, but Amazon typically rejects applicants with more than three moving violations in the past three years or any major conviction within the past seven years.
Once you are accepted, Amazon may periodically re-check your driving record. If you receive a suspension or major violation after you start, you should report it to Amazon when ready — they may deactivate your account if they discover it first.
Driver's license requirements for Delivery Service Partners
A Delivery Service Partner (DSP) is a business that contracts with Amazon to handle deliveries in a specific area. If you work for a DSP, you still need a valid driver's license, but the DSP may have additional requirements beyond Amazon's minimum. Some DSPs require drivers to be 25 or older, carry higher insurance limits, or pass their own background check.
The DSP is responsible for verifying your license and running the background check, though Amazon sets the baseline standards. Before you start, the DSP will ask for your license number, proof of insurance, and permission to run the check. This process usually takes three to five business days.
If you work for a DSP and use a company vehicle, you still need your own valid license, but the vehicle insurance is typically the DSP's responsibility. Confirm this with your DSP before your first shift — some require you to carry additional coverage even on company vehicles.
Vehicle insurance you must have
Amazon requires proof of active vehicle insurance before you can start driving. The insurance must cover commercial delivery work, not just personal use. Standard personal auto policies often exclude commercial activity, so you may need to add a commercial rider or switch to a commercial policy.
Contact your insurance company and tell them you will be delivering packages for Amazon. They will either add commercial coverage to your existing policy or quote you a separate commercial auto policy. This conversation usually takes one phone call, and the coverage can start when ready or within a few days.
You will upload a photo of your insurance card (front and back) during the Amazon process. The card must show your name, the vehicle's make and model, the policy number, and the expiration date. If your policy expires before you renew, your account will be deactivated until you provide updated proof.
Background check and driving record review
Amazon runs a third-party background check on all applicants. The check includes your criminal history, driving record, and sex offender registry status. Amazon uses a company called Checkr to conduct these checks for Flex drivers; DSPs may use different vendors but follow Amazon's standards.
The background check takes five to ten business days. During this time, Amazon will contact you if they need clarification on anything in your record. If you have a criminal conviction or serious traffic violation, you can explain it in writing — Amazon will review your explanation, but they are not required to overturn a rejection.
Amazon's general policy is to reject applicants with felony convictions within the past seven years, DUIs or drug-related driving offenses within the past five years, or more than three moving violations in the past three years. However, these are guidelines, not absolute rules — Amazon reviews each case individually.
Vehicle safety inspection requirements
Before your first delivery shift, your vehicle must pass a safety inspection. For Amazon Flex, you can complete this inspection at home using the Amazon Flex app — you photograph your vehicle's tires, brakes, lights, windshield, and interior, and answer questions about its condition. The inspection takes about ten minutes.
For DSP drivers, the inspection process depends on the DSP. Some conduct inspections at their warehouse before your first shift; others use the same app-based process as Flex. Ask your DSP when and where the inspection happens during your onboarding.
Your vehicle must have working headlights, taillights, and brake lights; tires with adequate tread (at least 2/32 of an inch); functioning brakes; and a windshield free of large cracks or obstructions. If your vehicle fails, you will be told which items to fix. Once you repair them, you can resubmit the inspection photos.
What happens if your license expires or is suspended
If your driver's license expires while you are driving for Amazon, your account will be deactivated. You must renew your license and upload a photo of the new one to reactivate. The reactivation usually takes one to three business days after Amazon receives the updated license.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive for Amazon at all during the suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated, you can reapply. Amazon will review your case again, and reactivation is not may provide — it depends on the reason for the suspension and Amazon's policies at that time.
If you receive a traffic ticket or violation while driving for Amazon, you do not need to report it when ready unless it results in points on your license or a suspension. However, Amazon may discover it during a routine record check. If the violation is serious (DUI, reckless driving, at-fault accident), report it to Amazon yourself — transparency often leads to a better outcome than Amazon finding it first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Amazon with a learner's permit or provisional license?
No. Amazon requires a full, unrestricted driver's license. Learner's permits and provisional licenses do not meet the requirement. You must have a standard license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
What if I have an out-of-state driver's license?
You can drive for Amazon with an out-of-state license as long as it is valid and current. Amazon will still run a background check and pull your driving record from the state that issued your license. If you move to a different state, you should update your license and notify Amazon of the change.
Do I need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to deliver for Amazon?
No. A standard passenger vehicle license is sufficient. You only need a CDL if you are driving a vehicle over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, which is not typical for Amazon delivery work.
How long does the background check take, and when can I start driving?
The background check typically takes five to ten business days. You cannot start driving until it is approved and you have completed the vehicle safety inspection. Once both are done, you can begin accepting deliveries within one to two business days.
What if Amazon rejects me because of my driving record?
You can request reconsideration by contacting Amazon support and providing written explanation of the violations or convictions on your record. Amazon will review your request, but approval is not may provide. If rejected, you may reapply after one year has passed.