What Amazon Delivery Drivers Do and How to Start
Amazon Delivery Driver is a job where you deliver packages in your own vehicle or one Amazon provides. You work as an independent contractor, not an Amazon employee, which means you set your own hours within available blocks and handle your own taxes. The hiring process is straightforward: you create an account on Amazon Flex (the app Amazon uses for delivery work), pass a background check, and start picking up delivery blocks when they appear in your area.
Unlike some gig delivery work, Amazon Delivery Driver positions do not require you to own a vehicle if you join through a Delivery Service Partner (DSP) — a local company contracted by Amazon. If you drive for Amazon Flex directly, you need your own car, truck, or van. Both routes pay per delivery block (usually two to four hours) rather than per package, so your hourly rate depends on how many deliveries fit into that time.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Delivery Driver work happens through Amazon Flex (independent contractor) or a Delivery Service Partner (employee or contractor), and the requirements and pay differ between the two.
- You must pass a background check, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets Amazon's standards before you can start.
- Amazon Flex drivers pick their own hours from available blocks, while DSP drivers typically work set schedules determined by the local company.
- Pay varies by location and demand; Amazon Flex rates are shown before you accept a block, while DSP pay is set by the local contractor.
Requirements Before You Can Start
You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and pass a background check that includes a driving record review. Amazon checks for serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents within the past three to seven years depending on your state. The exact lookback period varies by location.
Your vehicle must be registered, insured, and pass a vehicle inspection. For Amazon Flex, the car must be a 2008 model year or newer (some areas require 2010 or newer), have four doors, and be in safe working condition. If you join through a Delivery Service Partner, the DSP may own or lease the vehicle to you, so requirements differ — ask the DSP directly about their vehicle policy.
You will need to provide proof of insurance that covers commercial delivery work. Standard personal auto insurance often excludes gig delivery, so contact your insurance company before you start and ask whether your policy covers delivery driving or whether you need a commercial rider.
How to Sign Up for Amazon Flex
read the Amazon Flex app on your smartphone and create an account using your email address. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and vehicle information (make, model, year, license plate, and VIN). Amazon will run a background check, which typically takes three to five business days.
Once your background check clears, you will receive an invitation to complete a vehicle inspection. You can do this at a participating Whole Foods or Amazon facility, or through a third-party inspection service in your area. The inspection confirms your vehicle meets safety standards and takes about 15 minutes.
After inspection approval, you can start viewing available delivery blocks in your area. Blocks appear in the app and show the location, estimated number of packages, and the pay rate. You tap to accept a block, then show up at the delivery station at the scheduled time with your vehicle ready.
how the process works Through a Delivery Service Partner
A Delivery Service Partner (DSP) is a local business that Amazon contracts to handle deliveries in your area. DSPs hire their own drivers and may offer a vehicle, a salary, benefits, or a mix of those. To find DSPs hiring in your area, search "Amazon Delivery Service Partner jobs" plus your city name, or check job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn.
When you explore to a DSP, you are explore to that local company, not to Amazon directly. The DSP will run its own background check, conduct an interview, and set the terms of work — hours, pay, whether you use your own vehicle or theirs. Some DSPs hire employees with benefits; others hire contractors. Ask during the interview which arrangement they offer.
DSP jobs often provide steadier hours and a vehicle than Amazon Flex, but you have less control over your schedule. If the DSP is hiring, the process is usually faster than Amazon Flex because there is no app approval step — you interview, pass the background check, and start within one to two weeks.
What Happens on Your First Delivery Day
Arrive at the delivery station 15 minutes before your block starts. Check in using the Amazon Flex app, and a staff member will load packages into your vehicle. You will receive a route on your phone showing the order in which to deliver packages. Most routes are optimized by Amazon's system, but you can deviate if a different order makes sense.
You scan each package with your phone before delivering it, and the customer must confirm receipt (usually by photo or signature, depending on the package). If a customer is not home, you follow Amazon's instructions — leave it in a safe place, return it to the station, or attempt redelivery. The app tells you what to do for each address.
Blocks typically run two to four hours. Once you deliver all packages or your time runs out, you return to the station, check out in the app, and you are done. Pay is deposited into your bank account within one to two business days.
Pay, Taxes, and What to Expect Earnings-Wise
Amazon Flex pay varies by location, time of day, and demand. Rates typically range from $15 to $25 per hour, though peak seasons (holidays, Prime Day) and high-demand times can pay more. You see the exact pay rate before you accept a block, so you can choose which blocks to take.
As an independent contractor with Amazon Flex, you are responsible for paying self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare), which is roughly 15.3 percent of your net earnings. You do not receive a W-2; instead, Amazon sends you a 1099-NEC form at tax time. Set aside money from each block to cover taxes, or use tax software designed for gig workers.
You can deduct mileage, vehicle maintenance, phone service, and other work-related expenses on your tax return. Keep records of your miles driven and expenses. If you work through a DSP as an employee, the DSP handles tax withholding and you receive a W-2 instead.
Common Reasons Applications Are Denied
Background checks are the most common reason for denial. Serious traffic violations (DUI, reckless driving, at-fault accidents), criminal convictions, or a history of insurance claims can disqualify you. Amazon's standards are stricter than some gig platforms because delivery involves access to customer homes and neighborhoods.
Vehicle issues also cause denials. If your car is older than the minimum model year, has high mileage, or fails the safety inspection, you will not be approved until you replace or repair it. A vehicle with an active recall or structural damage will not pass.
Insurance problems are less obvious but still disqualifying. If your insurance does not cover commercial delivery and you do not add a rider, Amazon may discover this during the inspection process and deny your process. Confirm your coverage before you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved after I explore?
Background checks usually take three to five business days. Vehicle inspection can happen within a few days if you schedule it right away. Most people are ready to start within one to two weeks of explore, though it can be faster or slower depending on your area and how quickly you complete each step.
Can I use someone else's car to deliver for Amazon?
No. The vehicle must be registered in your name and insured in your name. Amazon verifies ownership during the inspection process. If you do not own a vehicle, a Delivery Service Partner may provide one, or you can wait until you can purchase or lease a car in your name.
What if I get into an accident while delivering?
Report it to Amazon through the app and to your insurance company when ready. Your personal auto insurance should cover the accident if you added a commercial rider. If you do not have coverage, you are liable for damages. Amazon does not provide insurance for independent contractors.
Do I have to accept every block that appears?
No. You only accept blocks you want to work. If you turn down blocks, you stay in the system and can accept future ones. However, if you consistently accept and then cancel blocks, Amazon may deactivate your account for reliability reasons.
Can I do Amazon Flex and DoorDash at the same time?
Yes. Many drivers work multiple gig platforms to maximize earnings. Just make sure your insurance covers all delivery work you do, and track your mileage and expenses separately for taxes if you work for multiple companies.