If you're applying to drive for Amazon Flex, the background check is probably the most nerve-wracking part of the process. 

You've submitted your application, and now you're stuck in limbo, wondering when you'll get the green light to start earning.

I've seen some drivers get approved in just 24 hours, while others wait weeks or even months. 

Let's break down what's really happening behind the scenes and give you a clear picture of the typical timeline, why delays happen, and what you can do if your check seems stuck.

What is the Amazon Flex Background Check Process? 

Before we get into the timeline, you need to know what's happening during this check. 

Amazon doesn't do the background check themselves - they use a third-party company called Accurate Background to handle this process.

Here's what they're looking at:

• Criminal Records: Any felony or misdemeanor from the past 7 years, as limited by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Violent crimes, theft, and fraud are big red flags.

• Driving History: Your motor vehicle record gets a thorough review since you'll be using your car for deliveries. DUIs, major violations, and too many accidents can cause problems.

• Identity Verification: They confirm your identity and make sure you're eligible to work in the US.

• Employment History: There might be a quick check of your past jobs, though Flex usually doesn't have specific experience requirements.

Good news is that Amazon Flex doesn't run a credit check or require a drug test for drivers, since you're working as an independent contractor.

When you sign up through the Flex app, you'll need to authorize this background check. 

There's no way around it - everyone goes through this process.

How Long Does the Amazon Flex Background Check Take?

According to Amazon's official guidance, background checks typically take 2-5 business days to complete. 

That's the company line, but real experiences tell a more varied story.

For most drivers, the process takes about 3-7 days (around one week). 

If you have a completely clean record, you might get cleared in just 1-2 days.

Remember that weekends and holidays don't count as business days. 

If you submit your application on Thursday, you might not hear back until the following week.

Many drivers on forums report their checks cleared in under 10 days. One Reddit user said, "Mine only took like 1 day," while others mentioned "3-5 days." 

But there are always outliers.

When Checks Take Longer

Some background checks drag on much longer than the official timeline. 

Many applicants have reported waits of 2-3 weeks, and some Indeed reviews mention it "took almost 25 days" (about a month) - and that was for someone with a clean criminal record who just had a couple of old speeding tickets.

In extreme cases, a few people have waited 4-8 weeks (up to two months) with their status showing "pending." 

After You're Cleared

Once your background check is approved, your Flex app status will update, often showing a green checkmark in the app. 

At that point, you can start scheduling delivery blocks - assuming your region has openings.

If your market is full, you might end up on a waitlist even after passing the background check. More on that later.

Bottom line: Most Amazon Flex background checks finish within a week. Plan for ~5 business days, but don't worry unless it's been over 2 weeks. 

The majority of drivers hear back within 14 days, with only a small fraction waiting beyond a month.

Why Might Your Background Check Take So Long?

If you're wondering "why is my Amazon Flex background check taking so long?", there are several common reasons for delays:

• High Volume of New Drivers: During peak hiring seasons (like before the holiday rush), thousands of people apply simultaneously. This creates backlogs at background check companies.

• Common Name or Multiple Locations: If you have a very common name (like John Smith) or you've lived in many different states, the check might need to pull records from multiple databases and jurisdictions. Each additional search can add days, especially if manual record searches are needed.

• Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: A typo or discrepancy in your application (wrong birthdate or mixed-up SSN digit) can cause the checker to pause until they verify details.

• Past Record Needs Review: Minor infractions usually don't disqualify you, but they might trigger a closer look. A past DUI or felony could prompt a manual review, adding days or weeks to the process.

• External Delays (Courts/DMV): Accurate Background might be waiting on a county courthouse to respond. Some government offices are slow or backlogged. During COVID-19, many courts had significant backlogs, causing background checks across industries to take much longer.

• Geographic Factors: In some rural counties, digital records aren't fully updated, so the background check might rely on fax or phone requests to local agencies, which takes longer.

Most delays are normal and don't mean there's anything wrong with your application. It's usually just part of the process, not a reflection on you.

What to Do If Your Amazon Flex Background Check Is Taking Too Long

If your background check seems stuck, here's what you can do:

• Be Patient (to a Point): If it's been less than a week, just hang tight. However, if you've passed the 10 business day mark with no news, it's reasonable to start asking questions.

• Check Your Email and App Notifications: Accurate or Amazon Flex might have reached out for additional information. Check your email (including spam folder) for messages from Accurate Background or Amazon.

• Use the Accurate Background Portal: Accurate has an applicant portal where you can check your background check status online. Accurate typically sends an email with a link to track your progress.

• Contact Accurate Background Directly: If you've waited more than two weeks, reach out to Accurate, the company performing the check. They have a phone number and email for applicant inquiries. Many users report that emailing Accurate got them an update on their check's status. You can reach Accurate Background at (844) 220-6741 or through their online portal.

• Contact Amazon Flex Support: If Accurate can't help, reach out to Amazon Flex support. The official advice is to do this if it's been more than 5 business days with no update. Contact them through the Flex app help menu or Flex support email/phone. Politely state that your background check has been in progress for X days (beyond the expected window) and ask if any additional information is needed to move it along. Amazon support might escalate your case or confirm that everything is still processing.

• Don't Apply Multiple Times: Don't submit a new application. Multiple simultaneous background checks could confuse things and actually delay the process further.

• Keep Busy/Explore Alternatives: While waiting, consider signing up for another gig service like DoorDash or Instacart so you can start earning. This way, the delay in your Flex background check won't leave you completely without income.

What Happens After You Pass the Background Check?

Once you pass, you'll typically get an email saying you're approved, and the Amazon Flex app status will change. 

You should then be able to schedule deliveries or complete any remaining onboarding steps.

However, passing the background check doesn't always mean you can start driving right away. 

If Amazon Flex isn't currently onboarding new drivers in your region (because they have enough already), your status might be "Approved - Waitlisted."

The Amazon Flex waitlist duration is unpredictable - it could be days or months. Some report getting off the waitlist in 3-6 weeks, others longer. Being on the waitlist is normal if supply exceeds demand in your area.

Once fully activated, you can begin grabbing Amazon delivery blocks. 

This is where learning when blocks are released and how to snag them becomes important.

Failing the Background Check – What Next?

Amazon Flex can disqualify applicants for certain criminal history or driving record issues. 

Major red flags include recent DUIs, violent felonies, theft-related offenses, or multiple serious driving violations.

If you fail, Amazon will send you a notice along with a copy of the background check report (as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act). This notice will state the reason for denial.

Under the FCRA, you have the right to review and dispute the background check findings. If something is wrong on the report (e.g., a charge that isn't yours or an old conviction that should've been expunged), you can take action:

• How to Dispute Errors: Contact Accurate to formally dispute inaccurate information. They must investigate and correct any errors typically within 30 days according to consumer protection laws.
  Appealing to Amazon: If the failure wasn't due to an error but something contextual (like a charge you believe shouldn't disqualify you), Amazon Flex has a deactivation appeal process. You can email Amazon Flex support explaining your situation and ask for reconsideration.

Does Amazon Flex Hire Felons?

Amazon Flex isn't an absolute no for all felons; they evaluate case by case. 

If the felony is older than 7 years, it often won't appear due to reporting limits. 

Many drivers with old or non-violent felonies have been approved.

However, certain offenses (violent crimes, sexual offenses, recent serious felonies) will almost certainly disqualify you. 

Amazon values honesty, so lying about your past is worse than disclosing an incident from long ago.

Pro Tips to Get Through the Background Check Faster

Here are some tips to help smooth the process:

• Double-Check Your Application Details: A simple typo can delay your check. Make sure your name (exactly as it appears on your driver's license), address history, SSN, and license number are all entered correctly. This helps Accurate find your records quickly without manual fixes.

• Be Honest and Transparent: Don't hide past issues. Background checks will uncover most records anyway, and dishonesty is a major red flag that can cause automatic disqualification.

• Prepare Documentation: If you suspect something might come up (e.g., a past charge that was dismissed), have supporting paperwork ready. If you need to dispute an error or explain something, you can do so quickly.

• Monitor the Process: Use the Accurate status portal and check your email regularly. Responding quickly to any requests for additional information (within 24 hours) can keep your check moving and avoid extra delays.

• Contact Support the Right Way: When reaching out to Accurate or Amazon, be polite and concise. Provide your application email or reference number and simply state the facts. This professional approach often gets a quicker, more helpful response.
  Stay Calm and Use the Time Wisely: While waiting, prepare for the job: watch YouTube videos on Amazon Flex deliveries, get familiar with the Flex app interface, or organize your car for deliveries. Turn the waiting period into productive preparation time.

People Also Ask Questions (FAQs)

Why is my Amazon Flex background check still pending?

Your Amazon Flex background check might still be pending because it's taking longer to verify your information. 

Most likely, it hasn't found any disqualifying info but is waiting on routine data (like a county court response or simply processing through a high volume queue).

If it's been over 2 weeks, contact Accurate Background or Amazon Flex support for an update.

In the meantime, check that you didn't miss any emails requesting additional info. In most cases, "pending" just means processing, not a rejection.

Can I check my Amazon Flex background check status?

Yes, you can check the status through the Accurate Background candidate portal. 

When your check started, you likely received an email from Accurate with a link to track progress. 

The Amazon Flex app will also show your status - for example, it might say "Background Check: In Progress" or give an estimated completion date.

Once completed, the app typically shows a green check mark or an "Active" status for your account.

Who do I contact about a delayed background check?

Contact Accurate Background first, since they're running the check. Their customer service can tell you if anything is holding it up. 

You can call them at the number provided in your background check email or use their website.

If Accurate says they've returned the report to Amazon, then contact Amazon Flex support. 

At that point, Amazon may be reviewing the results internally. 

Many drivers find that nudging support after about 10 days can sometimes push things forward.

Does Amazon Flex hire felons or people with a record?

Amazon Flex's policy isn't explicitly published, but many drivers with old or minor convictions have been hired. 

Generally, minor offenses or anything older than 7 years (the typical lookback period) may not disqualify you.

However, serious recent offenses (violent crimes, sexual offenses, major theft) will likely disqualify you. 

Each case is evaluated individually. Always be truthful on the application, as dishonesty is an automatic disqualification if discovered.

Will a speeding ticket or accident hurt my chances?

Minor driving violations usually won't disqualify you. 

Amazon Flex expects a reasonably clean driving record, but one or two speeding tickets or a minor fender-bender in the past few years is typically fine.

They're mainly looking for major violations like reckless driving, recent DUI, or a pattern of unsafe driving. 

How do I know when I'm approved to drive?

You'll know you passed the background check when you receive a confirmation from Amazon Flex. 

You'll get a "Congrats, you're approved" email, and the status in your Flex app profile will change. The app might unlock new sections (like the ability to schedule blocks).

If your market is open, you may be able to start scheduling delivery blocks immediately. 

If your market is waitlisted, the app will inform you that you're on the waitlist and Amazon will contact you when you can start.

Stay Informed and Patient

Most Amazon Flex background checks complete within a few days, but some take longer. 

If yours is one of the longer ones, at least now you know why it might be happening and how to follow up.

As long as you meet the requirements and have a reasonably clean record, chances are you'll get approved - it's often just a matter of time.

Remember, a delayed background check is usually not a denial - it's just administrative. Now you're equipped with the knowledge to navigate the process confidently and can look forward to hitting the road as a Flex driver.

While you're waiting, check out the main pros and cons of Amazon Flex so you're ready to go once approved. 

And if you are not sure if Amazon Flex is right for you, you should explore other delivery opportunities that might have shorter wait times or different requirements.