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Felon Friendly > Blog > Jobs > Does the Post Office Hire Felons? USPS Hiring Policies
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Does the Post Office Hire Felons? USPS Hiring Policies

Jeremy Larry
Last updated: September 7, 2025 8:09 am
Jeremy Larry
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According to the United States Postal Service’s official hiring policies, a felony conviction doesn’t automatically prevent someone from working at the Post Office. Instead, USPS evaluates each applicant’s criminal history on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether the candidate has shown rehabilitation. This means that for many people with a felony record, a USPS job is still possible — but understanding the process is key.

Contents
  • USPS Hiring Policy for Felons
  • How the USPS Background Check Works?
  • Felony Convictions That May Be More Problematic
  • Positions That May Be Easier for Felons to Get
  • Can Felons Get Hired by the Post Office? (By State)
  • Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
  • Real-World Example
  • Final Thoughts
  • FAQs
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The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is one of the nation’s largest employers, with more than 516,000 career employees as of 2024, according to the USPS Fact Sheet (USPS.com). Every year, thousands of job seekers apply for positions ranging from mail carrier to processing clerk.

But for the estimated 6.1 million U.S. adults with a felony conviction (Bureau of Justice Statistics), a big question remains: Does the Post Office hire felons? The short answer is Yes — but it depends.

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While USPS does conduct thorough background checks, the hiring process focuses on whether the applicant can be trusted with mail handling, money transactions, and public service responsibilities. Certain felony convictions may raise red flags, but many others are not automatic disqualifiers.

USPS Hiring Policy for Felons

The USPS hiring policy doesn’t include a blanket ban on hiring individuals with felony convictions. Instead, hiring managers follow 5 key evaluation points:

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  1. Nature of the crime – Was it violent, theft-related, or connected to fraud?
  2. Time elapsed since conviction – Recent offenses carry more weight than older ones.
  3. Evidence of rehabilitation – Steady work, education, or community service can help.
  4. Relevance to the job role – For example, theft convictions are more concerning for cashier positions.
  5. Overall character assessment – References, interviews, and demeanor matter.

According to USPS Handbook EL-312, Employment and Placement, hiring officials must “consider the circumstances of any criminal conviction and the applicant’s subsequent behavior.”

How the USPS Background Check Works?

Every USPS applicant undergoes a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI).

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The process includes:

  • Criminal history check at the federal, state, and county levels
  • Employment history verification for the last 5–10 years
  • Education verification for stated qualifications
  • Credit check for certain positions (mainly finance-related)

How far back does USPS check criminal records?
While there’s no fixed limit, the NACI can reveal convictions from decades ago. However, hiring officials often focus on offenses within the past 7–10 years, unless the crime was severe.

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More Opportunities: Does Walgreens Hire Felons?

Felony Convictions That May Be More Problematic

Not all felonies carry the same weight in USPS hiring.

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Crimes more likely to cause disqualification include:

  • Mail fraud or theft (directly related to USPS operations)
  • Violent crimes (armed robbery, aggravated assault)
  • Financial fraud (embezzlement, identity theft)
  • Sex offenses (especially if public interaction is part of the job)

On the other hand, older, unrelated offenses — such as certain drug charges — may not be as heavily scrutinized, especially if you’ve had a clean record since.

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Positions That May Be Easier for Felons to Get

Some USPS jobs involve less direct access to money or sensitive information, which can make them more accessible to applicants with certain felony convictions.

Examples:

  • Mail handler assistant – Primarily physical labor in sorting facilities
  • Custodial positions – Maintenance and cleaning roles
  • Rural carrier associate – Delivering mail in rural areas

Jobs like postal clerk or postal inspector typically have stricter requirements.

Can Felons Get Hired by the Post Office? (By State)

StateEligible for USPS Employment?Notes / Conditions
Alabama✅ PossibleCase-by-case basis based on federal hiring standards
Alaska✅ PossibleDepends on offense type and rehabilitation
Arizona✅ PossibleUSPS follows federal guidelines; state expungement may help
Arkansas✅ PossibleCase-by-case, especially for non-violent or older convictions
California✅ PossibleExpunged records and rehabilitation favor eligibility
Colorado✅ PossibleUSPS considers rehabilitation, time since offense
Connecticut✅ PossibleState pardon can aid eligibility, USPS evaluates case-by-case
Delaware✅ PossibleUSPS follows federal standards
Florida✅ PossibleUSPS considers severity and recency of crime
Georgia✅ PossibleNon-violent offenses with demonstrated reform often reviewed favorably
Hawaii✅ PossibleState’s “ban the box” law helps initial consideration
Idaho✅ PossibleFederal law governs; evaluated individually
Illinois✅ PossibleExpungement or sealing can improve chances
Indiana✅ PossibleUSPS considers nature of offense and role applied for
Iowa✅ PossibleBackground checks reviewed individually
Kansas✅ PossibleConsidered if no recent offenses and strong work history
Kentucky✅ PossibleRehabilitation and expungement weigh in favorably
Louisiana✅ PossiblePardon or time since conviction important factors
Maine✅ PossibleCase-by-case federal evaluation
Maryland✅ PossiblePardon or expungement improves odds
Massachusetts✅ PossibleBan-the-box state; USPS considers applicant’s full history
Michigan✅ PossibleOlder convictions and good references helpful
Minnesota✅ PossibleFederal hiring standards apply; state sealing laws helpful
Mississippi✅ PossibleUSPS evaluates time passed since conviction
Missouri✅ PossibleState laws allow expungement; USPS considers full record
Montana✅ PossibleReviewed based on severity and time elapsed
Nebraska✅ PossibleUSPS reviews background and may consider with mitigation
Nevada✅ PossibleRights restoration or expungement may support eligibility
New Hampshire✅ PossibleFelons reviewed for USPS jobs individually
New Jersey✅ PossibleBan-the-box laws; USPS considers rehabilitation
New Mexico✅ PossibleFederal job with case-by-case background review
New York✅ PossibleOlder offenses and sealed records improve employability
North Carolina✅ PossibleUSPS applies federal review standards
North Dakota✅ PossibleApplicants with felonies considered on a case-by-case basis
Ohio✅ PossibleNon-violent and expunged offenses considered more favorably
Oklahoma✅ PossibleUSPS considers job type, offense, and rehabilitation
Oregon✅ PossibleState laws support second chances; USPS reviews background
Pennsylvania✅ PossibleState expungement laws assist in eligibility
Rhode Island✅ PossibleBan-the-box state; USPS evaluates applications fully
South Carolina✅ PossibleUSPS hiring decisions depend on nature of felony
South Dakota✅ PossibleFederal guidelines govern decision
Tennessee✅ PossibleUSPS considers rehabilitation and role applied for
Texas✅ PossibleFelons evaluated based on severity and recency of crime
Utah✅ PossibleFederal employment eligibility and background considered
Vermont✅ PossibleApplicants reviewed individually
Virginia✅ PossibleCase-by-case consideration with background review
Washington✅ PossibleUSPS follows federal policy; rights restoration may help
West Virginia✅ PossibleFederal standards used for postal jobs
Wisconsin✅ PossibleUSPS considers expungement, rehabilitation, time since conviction
Wyoming✅ PossibleIndividual consideration based on offense type and job applied for

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired

If you have a felony record and want a USPS job, follow these steps:

A. Be honest on your application

Lying about your record is an instant disqualifier if the background check reveals the truth.

B. Gather strong references

Letters from former employers, community leaders, or probation officers can help show your reliability.

C. Highlight rehabilitation efforts

Include certificates, training programs, or volunteer work in your application.

D. Apply for entry-level positions first

Once you’ve proven yourself, promotions are possible.

E. Address your past in the interview

Keep it concise, acknowledge the mistake, and focus on your growth since then.

Real-World Example

Case: John, a 35-year-old with a 12-year-old felony drug conviction, applied for a mail handler assistant job.
Outcome: He disclosed his conviction honestly, provided two letters of recommendation, and explained his stable 8-year work history. USPS hired him after confirming the offense was unrelated to postal work.

Final Thoughts

Getting a job at the Post Office with a felony conviction isn’t impossible — but it does require strategy. If your offense isn’t directly related to postal work and you can demonstrate trustworthiness, the USPS may give you a chance. For many, that chance can be a life-changing opportunity toward stability, benefits, and career growth.

FAQs

Does USPS hire felons with theft convictions?

Yes, but theft convictions — especially mail theft — are closely scrutinized and may lead to rejection for certain positions.

Can an expunged record affect USPS hiring?

If your record is legally expunged, it generally won’t appear on the background check.

Does USPS drug test applicants?

Yes, most positions require a pre-employment drug screening.

How long after a felony can you work for USPS?

There’s no set time limit, but 5–10 years without new offenses improves your chances.

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ByJeremy Larry
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I’m Jeremy Larry, once enjoying a fulfilling career and life, then reshaped by a felony conviction. This pivotal moment drove me to help others facing similar challenges. Today, I dedicate my efforts to guiding felons in finding employment, housing, and financial aid through comprehensive resources and advocacy. My mission is clear: to provide a pathway to redemption and a second chance for those who seek it.
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ByJeremy Larry
Follow:
I’m Jeremy Larry, once enjoying a fulfilling career and life, then reshaped by a felony conviction. This pivotal moment drove me to help others facing similar challenges. Today, I dedicate my efforts to guiding felons in finding employment, housing, and financial aid through comprehensive resources and advocacy. My mission is clear: to provide a pathway to redemption and a second chance for those who seek it.

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