Updated: 02/11/2026
Quick Answer: Yes — Walmart will hire people with felony records, but approval depends on several factors, including the nature of your conviction, when it occurred, and the job you’re applying for. Walmart evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis and does not automatically disqualify all felons from employment.
Who This Page Is For?
- People with felony or criminal records applying to Walmart
- Individuals exploring how Walmart handles criminal histories
- Anyone who wants practical, honest information without hype
If you want real information, not false promises — you’re in the right place.
How Walmart Hiring Works
Its not as easy as you think, it’s not automatic. Walmart invests into their hiring process to help them select the best candidates. What we are saying is you can’t just walk in and expect to get hired immediately.
Walmart is one of the largest private employers in the U.S., and most of its hiring decisions are based on standardized corporate procedures rather than individual managers’ discretion.
Walmart’s hiring process is the following:
- Find a position and submit an application on Walmart’s career site
- Take an assessment test
- Interview
- Conditional job offer
- Background Check
- Orientation
- Start working
Does Walmart Run Background Checks? What do they look at?
Yes. Background checks are a regular part of Walmart’s hiring process, typically conducted after a conditional job offer is made. These checks may include the following:
- Criminal history (always)
- Employment verification
- Education verification
- Sometimes drug screening
- In some cases, driving record checks if you will be required to drive as part of the job.
The depth of the background check can vary by role and location. It is worth noting that Walmart is a “ban the box” company which is plus if you have a criminal record. This means that the job application will not ask about criminal history.
Background Check Laws & Hiring (IMPORTANT)
Background check results can vary by state. Some states have laws regarding how far back employers can check your criminal history, often 7 years. This can have a major impact on who Walmart hires and where they will hire them. Learn more about how background check laws work and how they may affect employment screening.
How Walmart Considers Criminal Records
Walmart generally evaluates felony or criminal convictions on a case by case basis. Factors include:
- Nature of the offense: Violent or theft-related crimes are more likely to be disqualifying. But we have reports of people getting hired with these types of convictions.
- Time since conviction: The longer ago, the better.
- Job relevance: Offenses related to cash handling, theft, violence, or safety concerns carry more weight. It will not automatically disqualify you though.
This is in line with general employment law, which allows employers to consider criminal history relevant to job duties but prohibits discriminatory practices without job-related justification.
Positions Felons Are Most Likely to Get
Jobs that may be more accessible or easier to get would include:
- Cart attendant
- Stock associate
- Sales floor associate
- Warehouse worker
- Shopper services
- Pick up attendant
Roles involving sensitive responsibilities —like cashier positions, supervisory roles, or financial duties may be reviewed more strictly due to risk. You can always apply for positions like this after being hired.
Can You Be Promoted With a Felony?
Promotion may be possible but it usually comes with additional screening. Managers and higher-level roles often require deeper background checks. This can make advancement harder early on, but strong performance after hiring can build trust and reduce the weight of past records.
How to Apply With a Felony Record
- Apply Online First
Walmart’s careers site is the primary entry point. - Choose Non-Sensitive Roles at First
Jobs with less risk tend to have more flexibility. - Be Honest When Asked
You are not required to disclose your record up front in many areas until later in the process, but do not lie on applications or during checks. Basically, say nothing about it unless asked specifically. - Prepare a Short Explanation
If asked about your record, keep it brief, focus on rehabilitation, and emphasize reliability.
Example of what to say (don’t over do it):
“I made a mistake in the past, took responsibility, and have worked steadily since then. I’m committed to reliability and growth.”
Is Walmart Second-Chance Friendly?
Walmart does not describe itself as a formal “second chance employer,” yet many applicants with criminal records report being hired. The company participates in “Ban the Box,” which can help some applicants advance past initial screening.
- Yes, Walmart can hire felons on a case-by-case basis and often do.
- No, they don’t guarantee it.
- Success often depends on offense type, timing, and job duties.
Other factors like labor shortages can influence their decision regarding hiring decisions.
What to Do If You’re Denied by Walmart
- Apply at other employers that hire felons
- Pursue expungement or record sealing (if eligible)
- Seek jobs with fewer background requirements
Related Employer Information
If Walmart doesn’t hire you may want to look into these companies.
- Does Wendy’s Hire Felons
- Does Target Hire Felons
- Does Costco Hire Felons
- Does Amazon Hire Felons
- Does Dollar General Hire Felons
Can You Get Hired at Walmart With This Record?
Example 1: A 3 year old felony drug charge.
You can apply for most positions and will most likely be hired.
Example 2: Recent felony theft conviction.
Recent is the problem and theft limits what you can apply for. Unlikely to be hired. You should apply to smaller business and franchises, not corporate own locations/business.
Example 3: 10-year-old violent felony.
Apply for a warehouse or stocking position. You might get hired, it can go either way and will depended on to many specifics.
Keep in mind that Every case is evaluated individually.
FAQ – Walmart & Felony Records
Walmart may hire individuals on probation or parole, but approval depends on the type of offense and the position applied for. Some locations require proof that employment will not violate probation terms. Applicants should ensure they meet all legal work requirements before applying.
Yes but violent felony convictions are more likely to result in denial, particularly for customer-facing or supervisory roles. However, older convictions may be reviewed differently than recent ones. Hiring decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Yes.
Yes, in many cases, stock associate or warehouse roles may be more accessible than positions involving financial responsibility like a cashier. These roles typically focus on inventory and logistics rather than cash handling.
No. Walmart evaluates criminal records individually, considering the nature of the offense, time passed, and job duties.
You should not volunteer information about your felony unless required. However, if a background check is conducted, it is important to be honest. Providing false information during the hiring process can lead to automatic disqualification.
There are a number of things; Applying for entry-level positions to start, providing a clear and responsible explanation if asked about your felony conviction, a recent work history and interviewing well.
Disclaimer
Hiring policies vary by location and change over time. Information on this page is based on reported hiring experiences and publicly available data and is not a guarantee of employment. Nothing on this site should be considered legal advice.