Amazon manages its last-mile delivery network using distinct models, meaning driver qualifications are not uniform. The two primary paths for delivering packages are the independent contractor program, Amazon Flex, or becoming an employee of a Delivery Service Partner (DSP). Understanding the differences is crucial, as the minimum age and other requirements vary significantly depending on the role. This helps applicants determine the most suitable entry point into Amazon’s logistics operations.
Minimum Age for Amazon Flex
Individuals interested in working as an Amazon Flex driver must generally be at least 21 years old to participate in the program in the United States. This age requirement is standard for independent contractors who use their personal vehicles to complete delivery blocks. Flex drivers are self-employed and schedule work in set time blocks to deliver packages for services like Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, or Prime Now.
This model is often considered the lowest barrier to entry for Amazon delivery work, offering flexibility for those seeking part-time or supplemental income. Drivers must use the dedicated Flex mobile application to reserve delivery opportunities and manage logistics.
Minimum Age for Delivery Service Partner Drivers
The minimum age for becoming a driver for an Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) is consistently set at 21 years old. DSPs are independent companies that contract with Amazon to manage a fleet of delivery vehicles and drivers. Drivers are employees of the third-party DSP company, not Amazon itself, and typically work full-time routes in Amazon-branded vans.
The 21-year-old minimum is tied to commercial auto insurance policies necessary for operating these large, branded vehicles. Since DSP drivers operate commercial-style vehicles and handle high volumes of packages, the age reflects compliance with specific insurance and liability standards. This employee-based structure is the most common path for individuals seeking a dedicated, full-time career delivering Amazon packages.
Essential Requirements Beyond Age
All applicants must meet standardized mandates that ensure safety and liability across Amazon’s delivery network. Every candidate must hold a valid, non-commercial driver’s license issued in the United States. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is not required for either the Flex or DSP role, as the vehicles used fall below the weight thresholds that mandate a CDL.
A mandatory background check is conducted on all applicants, which includes a review of criminal history. Amazon also requires a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, which examines driving history for serious violations, excessive citations, or license suspensions. Meeting these standards for a clean MVR and criminal background is required to transport packages for the company.
Understanding Vehicle Requirements
The requirements for the delivery vehicle represent a significant logistical difference between the Flex and DSP roles. Amazon Flex drivers must supply their own vehicle, which must be a four-door, mid-sized sedan or larger, such as an SUV or van. Vehicles with only two doors, or pickup trucks without a fully covered and secured bed, are excluded to ensure the safe transport of packages.
In contrast, a driver working for a Delivery Service Partner is provided with an Amazon-branded delivery van by the DSP employer. DSP applicants do not need to own or use a personal vehicle for their routes, as the company supplies the necessary commercial-style vehicle. This distinction eliminates personal vehicle maintenance and expense for DSP drivers.
The Application Process
The initial steps to apply follow separate paths based on the chosen program. Prospective Amazon Flex drivers begin by downloading the dedicated Amazon Flex mobile application and completing registration entirely within the app interface. For those interested in working for a Delivery Service Partner, the process involves searching for and applying to specific job postings from local DSP companies. These job listings are typically found and processed through the official Amazon jobs portal, which acts as the central hub for DSP recruitment.