According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 1 in 3 adults in America has a criminal record, and nearly 19 million Americans have felony convictions. That’s a huge population that often gets left behind when applying for jobs—even ones as seemingly open as gig platforms like Instacart.
But what about Instacart—the grocery delivery giant? It’s one of the fastest-growing app-based employers in North America, with over 600,000 shoppers and counting.
Does Instacart Officially Hire Felons?
Yes, but with restrictions
Instacart doesn’t have an outright ban on hiring individuals with felony convictions. However, they do run background checks, and your eligibility depends on the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and the state you’re applying in.
While there’s no formal company policy that says “yes” or “no” to all felons, many applicants with records have shared mixed results.
What the company says:
Instacart states on its shopper application:
“We consider all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with applicable law.”
This is a nod to Fair Chance Hiring practices, which are gaining popularity across many gig employers. Still, that doesn’t mean every felon will pass.
What Kind of Background Check Does Instacart Do?
Instacart partners with Checkr, a third-party background check service used by major gig companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
Here’s what gets checked:
- Criminal history (state, county, federal)
- Driving records
- Sex offender registry
- Social Security verification
- Terrorist watchlists
How long does it take?
Most background checks are completed within 3 to 10 days.
What Felonies Might Disqualify You from Working at Instacart?
Instacart doesn’t publicly list disqualifying offenses. But based on feedback from former applicants, here are types of felonies that commonly lead to rejections:
Felonies That May Disqualify You:
- Violent crimes (e.g., assault, homicide)
- Sexual offenses
- Theft or burglary
- Fraud or identity theft
- DUIs within the past 7 years (if you’re applying for a delivery role that requires driving)
- Drug distribution or trafficking
Felonies That May Be Considered:
- Non-violent offenses over 7 years ago
- Drug possession (depending on state laws)
- White-collar crimes from a long time ago
- Juvenile offenses, if sealed or expunged
Some states like California, Illinois, and New York have stronger protections for applicants with criminal records under “Ban the Box” laws, which prevent companies from asking about your criminal history early in the application.
Can You Work for Instacart If You’re on Parole or Probation?
It depends on the terms of your parole or probation. If you’re allowed to work and drive, and you pass the background check, you can be approved.
However, if you’re required to check in frequently or have geographic restrictions, it might be tricky to meet delivery deadlines.
How to Apply to Instacart With a Felony Record?
Here’s what to do if you want to apply:
Step-by-Step:
- Go to Instacart Shoppers
- Choose your city and whether you want to be a Full-Service Shopper (independent contractor) or In-Store Shopper (part-time employee).
- Fill out the application with your legal name, SSN, and consent to a background check.
- Wait for background check results (can take up to 2 weeks).
- If approved, you’ll go through onboarding.
Pro tip: Always double-check your background report. If there’s an error, you have the right to dispute it under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
What to Do If You’re Denied by Instacart?
Don’t panic. It happens. But you’ve got options.
What You Can Do:
- Dispute your background check through Checkr if the data is inaccurate.
- Apply for expungement or record sealing in your state (especially if your felony is over 7 years old).
- Try other platforms that are more lenient with criminal records.
Alternative Jobs Like Instacart That May Hire Felons
Here are companies and apps known to be more felon-friendly:
🚗 Gig Economy Jobs:
- DoorDash
- Postmates
- Favor
- Amazon Flex
- Roadie
- GoPuff
🏭 Entry-Level Employers:
- Goodwill Industries
- Walmart
- Costco
- McDonald’s
- Target
🧰 Training Programs for Felons:
- The HOPE Program (NYC)
- Center for Employment Opportunities
- Fortune Society
- America Works
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired at Instacart
- Be honest. Lying on the application will get you disqualified.
- Expunge or seal old records if your state allows.
- Write a short statement explaining your past and what you’ve done to move forward.
- Maintain a clean driving record if applying for full-service shopper roles.
- Apply in states with strong second-chance laws.
Final Thoughts
Absolutely—if your offense is non-violent, old, and you’ve turned your life around, there’s a good shot you’ll pass. But be realistic. Instacart, like many gig platforms, wants to protect customers, so certain offenses will raise red flags.
Still, don’t let a “no” stop you from moving forward. One door closing might lead you to a better opportunity.
FAQs
Does Instacart hire people with DUIs?
Instacart may deny applicants with recent DUIs, especially for full-service roles involving driving.
How far back does Instacart’s background check go?
In most states, up to 7 years. In some, like California or Texas, it can be up to 10 years.
Can you reapply to Instacart after being denied?
Yes, but wait 6–12 months and work on clearing your record if possible.
Does Instacart ask about criminal history on the application?
No. They conduct the background check after you apply and consent to it.
