What to Expect at Your Amazon Pre-Hire Appointment

What happens at an Amazon pre-hire appointment

An Amazon pre-hire appointment is a short in-person or virtual meeting where Amazon confirms your identity, verifies the information on your application, and completes a background check consent form before you start work. It typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. You will not interview again or discuss the job itself — this appointment is purely administrative, and Amazon has already decided to hire you.

The appointment takes place at an Amazon facility, a staffing agency office, or online depending on which fulfillment center or location hired you. Amazon schedules it after you have accepted a job offer but before your first day of work. You must attend to move forward; missing it without notice usually results in your offer being withdrawn.

Key Takeaways

• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number or tax ID, and proof of your right to work in the US (passport, green card, or I-9 documents).
• The appointment confirms your identity and address, collects consent for a background check, and may include a drug test depending on the role and location.
• You will receive the appointment date, time, and location in an email or text from Amazon or the staffing agency that referred you.
• If you cannot attend the scheduled time, contact Amazon or the staffing agency immediately to reschedule; missing it without notice typically cancels your job offer.

Documents to bring

Bring an original, unexpired government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Amazon will scan or photograph it to verify your identity matches your application.

You will also need proof of your right to work in the United States. This can be a passport, a green card, a work permit, or the documents you would use to complete an I-9 form (such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a driver's license plus a Social Security card). Amazon will not accept screenshots or digital copies of these documents — bring the originals.

Have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready. Amazon uses this to run the background check and set up your payroll account. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation.

What the background check covers

Amazon runs a background check on all new hires. The scope varies by role and location, but typically includes a criminal history search, address verification, and employment history review. You will sign a consent form at the pre-hire appointment authorizing Amazon to conduct this check.

The background check usually takes three to five business days. Amazon will contact you if there are questions or if they need additional information. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you — Amazon considers the nature, severity, and age of any offense, and whether it relates to the job.

Some locations also conduct a drug test at the pre-hire appointment or schedule it for the same day. If a drug test is required for your role, Amazon will tell you at the appointment. You will be informed of the results within a few days.

Virtual vs. in-person appointments

Most Amazon pre-hire appointments are in-person at the fulfillment center or a staffing agency office. You will bring your documents, have them scanned, and complete paperwork on a computer or tablet provided by Amazon staff.

Some locations offer virtual appointments, especially for roles that do not require an immediate drug test. In a virtual appointment, you will join a video call, show your documents to the camera, and complete forms online. You will still need to provide originals of your documents in person before your first shift, so virtual appointments are usually only a time-saver if your first day is soon after.

How to find your appointment details

Amazon sends appointment information by email or text message to the phone number and email address on your job application. Check both your inbox and spam folder — appointment emails sometimes get filtered. The message will include the date, time, location, and instructions for what to bring.

If you were hired through a staffing agency (such as Apex Group, Integrity Staffing Solutions, or another third-party recruiter), the staffing agency may schedule and send the appointment details instead of Amazon directly. Read the email carefully to see who is running the appointment and where to go.

If you do not receive an appointment email within two business days of accepting the job offer, contact the Amazon facility or staffing agency that hired you. Have your job offer letter or confirmation email ready so they can look up your record.

What to do if you cannot attend

If you cannot make the scheduled appointment time, contact Amazon or the staffing agency as soon as possible — ideally at least 24 hours in advance. Many locations allow you to reschedule to another time the same week or the following week. The sooner you contact them, the more options you will have.

If you miss the appointment without notice or without rescheduling, Amazon typically withdraws your job offer. You may be able to reapply after 30 days, but there is no may provide you will be rehired. If you are running late on the day of the appointment, call the facility or staffing agency immediately to let them know.

After the appointment

Once you complete the pre-hire appointment, you will receive confirmation that you have cleared the administrative steps. You may be told your start date and time at the appointment itself, or Amazon may email it to you within one to three business days.

Before your first shift, you will need to set up your Amazon login credentials and may be asked to complete online training modules. Amazon will send instructions for these steps by email. On your first day, arrive 15 minutes early with a valid photo ID and be prepared to complete any remaining paperwork or orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule my pre-hire appointment?

Yes. Contact Amazon or the staffing agency that sent you the appointment details as soon as you know you cannot attend. Most locations can reschedule you within the same week or the next week. Rescheduling is much better than missing the appointment without notice, which usually results in your offer being withdrawn.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and the documentation you received when you applied for it. If you are not a US citizen and do not have an ITIN, bring your work visa or permit and any other documentation showing your right to work in the US. Contact Amazon before the appointment if you are unsure what to bring.

Will I interview during the pre-hire appointment?

No. The pre-hire appointment is administrative only — Amazon has already decided to hire you. You will not discuss the job, your experience, or your qualifications. The appointment is for identity verification, background check consent, and paperwork.

What happens if the background check finds something?

Amazon will contact you if there are questions about your background check results. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. Amazon considers the nature and age of any offense and whether it relates to the job. You will have a chance to explain or provide additional information if needed.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You do not need to bring the card itself, but you need to bring documents that prove your identity and right to work. A Social Security card counts as one of these documents, but you can also use a birth certificate, passport, driver's license, or green card. Check the appointment email for the specific documents your location accepts.