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.
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.
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:
- Nature of the crime – Was it violent, theft-related, or connected to fraud?
- Time elapsed since conviction – Recent offenses carry more weight than older ones.
- Evidence of rehabilitation – Steady work, education, or community service can help.
- Relevance to the job role – For example, theft convictions are more concerning for cashier positions.
- 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).
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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Felony Convictions That May Be More Problematic
Not all felonies carry the same weight in USPS hiring.
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.
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.
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.
