If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, the Amazon Flex delivery service may be just what you’re looking for.
To become a driver for Amazon Flex, there are a few requirements that you must meet.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at those Amazon Flex requirements requirements and tell you what you need to do to become a driver for the service.
Table Of Contents
What Do I Need to Work for Amazon Flex?
Amazon isn’t hiring just anyone interested off the street to work for the Amazon Flex program.
They’re trusting valuable packages to every Amazon Flex driver, so they have to be careful with who has access.
To that end, Amazon has created requirements designed to keep everyone involved safe.
Before you take a deep dive into the requirements, check if Amazon is currently hiring Flex drivers in your area.
If they’re not right now, still download the Amazon Flex app and receive notifications when a delivery opportunity opens up.
If you’re already driving for Amazon in another capacity like Amazon Fresh, you’ll still need to reapply since Flex is a different service.
Why Are Amazon Flex Requirements Important?
One of Amazon’s key measures of success is on-time deliveries.
Punctual, successful deliveries drive their business, especially when thinking about a service like Amazon Prime.
Amazon hires Flex drivers to help keep that delivery chain strong.
If Amazon didn’t have these requirements in place, it increases the chance that a Flex worker might take a package, not show up for their shift, or not make deliveries on the proper schedule.
The requirements also protect you in case something goes wrong.
Amazon insures every delivery driver and makes sure you have what you need.
Amazon Flex Requirements Every Driver Must Meet
Requirements for Amazon Flex drivers break down into a few different categories.
Minimum Amazon Flex Requirements
- At least 21 years old
- Must have a valid social security number (SSN)
- Must pass a background check
- Have access to a qualifying vehicle
- Have a valid drivers license in the state you’re applying to
- Show proof of insurance coverage
- Have a smartphone
- Android 6.0 or newer
- iPhone 6s or newer, iOS 13 or higher
Do You Need Driving Experience for Amazon Flex?
You do not!
While you do need a valid driver’s license, you do not have to have any professional or part-time driving experience to qualify to be an Amazon Flex delivery driver.
Amazon Flex Driver Age and License Requirements
Amazon requires all drivers to be 21 years of age or older at the time of application.
You will also need to show proof of a valid driver’s license.
That driver’s license will need to be from the state you’re driving in.
Amazon logistics won’t ask you to cross state lines, but your license will need to be valid in your home state.
Background Check Requirements
Amazon uses a third-part agency called Accurate Background for the background check.
The background check will primarily be checking for two things:
- Criminal activity, such as prior convictions for theft or violence
- Moving violations and other citations
Amazon’s background check will look back over the past seven years, so if you have any red flags in that time frame, they’ll likely pop up.
Of course, if you have anything in your past from longer ago than that, it might not pop up but prepare for questions just in case.
Amazon doesn’t automatically reject if anything comes up during the background check, but it will increase the processing time.
How Long Does It Take To Process The Amazon Flex Background Check?
If you have no prior criminal history, it will likely take two to five days for the background check to complete.
If you do have a history, it will take some period longer.
Usually, though, background checks are completed within ten business days.
You can track the status of your background check in the Amazon Flex app, starting a few days from when you submitted your application.
The app will alert you when your results are ready.
Insurance Requirements
Insurance coverage requirements will vary by state.
Any state will require you to have auto insurance as part of owning a car, but making deliveries will also usually require some kind of commercial auto insurance.
Your best bet is to discuss with your insurance agent to ensure that you have all the information and coverage you need.
Amazon provides Flex drivers (in all states except New York) the Amazon Commercial Auto Insurance Policy, also called Amazon Flex Insurance.
This will help defer any costs for accidents that happen while you’re on the job with Amazon.
Be aware, though, that this is in addition to your existing car insurance coverage and not a replacement, so don’t solely rely on it!
If you are renting a vehicle to drive for Amazon Flex, you’ll need to make sure that it has sufficient coverage for commercial deliveries as well.
Many rental companies offer rental cars specifically for gig work like Amazon Flex, so check around and contact the rental company.
Your renter should be able to help you set everything up.
Amazon Flex Uniform Requirements
At this time, there is no explicit uniform requirement for Amazon Flex delivery drivers.
Your local Amazon station may be able to supply you with an Amazon vest, but that’s not compulsory.
Since you’re going to be driving around and moving a lot, you’ll probably want to wear something comfortable, but there’s no set requirement from Amazon.
If you have trouble making a delivery because you don’t have a uniform, report that back, and someone at Amazon will advise you.
What Vehicles Qualify for Amazon Flex?
Amazon is flexible with what kind of vehicles qualify for Amazon Flex delivery, which is excellent news for you!
All you need is a mid-sized or larger vehicle.
Most deliveries will require a midsize or larger sedan with four doors at a minimum.
SUVs, vans, or trucks with covered beds are even better options because they can hold larger deliveries.
However, trucks without covered beds are not acceptable.
Motorcycles, scooters, and similar vehicles are also not allowed.
So, if you have a 2-door hatchback, you might be out of luck, but the requirements other than that are very light.
Also, remember that you can rent a car for Flex deliveries if your vehicle isn’t quite big enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be tough to track down all the information that a potential Amazon driver will need to know about requirements.
Here are some of the more frequently asked questions.
How long does it take to get approved for Amazon Flex?
Entering your information, like proof of insurance, is the first hurdle.
Have all your information ready, and that will help speed things up.
The most extensive wait is for the background check.
On average, it takes between two and five days to complete.
Use the Amazon Flex app to check the progress of your application.
Does Amazon Flex pay for fuel?
No. Drivers are responsible for all their costs like fuel, tolls, and maintenance.
That said, in the United States, you can often claim gas costs when you file taxes
Of course, that will require good record keeping and won’t cover 100% of costs, but it’s something to consider.
Can you work Amazon Flex at night?
You can! Amazon offers evening and night shifts to Flex drivers.
These usually are in a 2, 3, or 4-hour block, and the latest block most commonly ends at 9:30 PM local time.
What is the Amazon Flex waiting list?
The Amazon Flex waiting list is exactly what it sounds like.
Many more people want to drive for Flex than Amazon has spots for.
If you’ve completed your application, but there are no current open spots, you’ll go on the waiting list.
When opportunities open up, you’ll get a notification.
There’s no set or average time you’ll be on the waiting list.
Some drivers have reported less than a week, and some have said several months.
Your wait will vary based on the area you’ve applied to, how many other Flex drivers there are in that area, and the season.
For example, the holiday season will mean Amazon needs more drivers.
It’s important to note, though, that the waiting list is only for potential Flex drivers who have completed their application, so be sure to do that!
Wrapping Up
Amazon Flex is an excellent way to earn extra money on your schedule.
If you’re a good driver, you have a good chance of success.
Plus, this job is ideal if you’re comfortable being an independent contractor and have experience as a delivery driver delivering services like Amazon Fresh!
Plus, because Amazon is one of the largest companies in the world, you won’t have to worry about not being paid!
Remember that the requirements are there to protect you and Amazon and their customers.
If you have all of your information up to date, you’ll be through the process in no time.
Good luck!
If I’m starting a delivery business could I still work with Amazon and if I had employees will they have to provide the same proof such as ssn and valid driver’s license?
18$ to 25$ in USA & Amazon India pays 550Rs (10$-10.2$) to flex delivery boys for Single shifts. Not good business in joining Amazon.
Can drivers deliver for multiple terminals?