Does Tesla Hire Felons? What You Need to Know Before Applying

Many people with past convictions wonder if companies like Tesla will give them a second chance. The short answer: Tesla doesn’t have a public policy that automatically bans people with felony records. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get hired. The real story is more complicated-and depends on what you did, when you did it, and how you’ve moved forward since.

How Tesla Handles Background Checks

Tesla runs background checks on nearly all job applicants, as required by law and internal policy. These checks look at criminal history, employment gaps, and education claims. The company doesn’t list a blanket ban on hiring people with felonies, but it also doesn’t promise a fair shot. What matters most is the nature of the offense and the role you’re applying for.

For example, someone with a non-violent drug conviction from 10 years ago might have a better chance at a warehouse or engineering role than someone with a recent fraud or theft conviction applying for a finance or logistics position. Tesla’s hiring teams consider relevance, recency, and rehabilitation. If your record has no connection to the job duties, and you’ve stayed clean for years, you’re more likely to get past the initial screening.

What Types of Felonies Are Most Problematic?

Not all felonies are treated the same. Tesla, like most large employers, uses a risk-based approach. Violent crimes, sexual offenses, and crimes involving theft or fraud are red flags-especially for roles involving money, vehicles, customer data, or safety-sensitive equipment.

• Violent crimes (assault, robbery): Almost always disqualify applicants, particularly for factory, security, or customer-facing roles.
• Drug-related offenses: More likely to be overlooked if they’re old, non-distribution related, and you’ve completed rehab or treatment.
• Financial crimes (embezzlement, identity theft): Very hard to overcome for roles in accounting, supply chain, or billing.
• Driving offenses (DUI, reckless driving): A major barrier for roles involving company vehicles, delivery, or test-driving Tesla cars.

One former Tesla employee with a 12-year-old felony for possession shared that he was hired as a technician after passing three interviews and a drug test. He says the hiring manager asked, “What have you done since then?”-not “What did you do back then?” That’s the key.

Does Tesla Use ‘Ban the Box’?

Tesla doesn’t publicly state whether it follows “Ban the Box” policies, which delay criminal history questions until later in the hiring process. But based on job applications and employee reports, Tesla asks about criminal history early-usually on the initial online form. That means you’ll need to answer honestly upfront.

Lying on your application is a guaranteed disqualification. Tesla cross-checks your resume with public records and previous employers. If they find a mismatch, even a small one, you’re out. Honesty doesn’t guarantee a job, but it’s the only way to even get in the door.

What Jobs at Tesla Are More Accessible?

Some roles are more open to applicants with records than others. Here’s what tends to work:

• Manufacturing and assembly line roles: These are high-turnover positions with heavy demand. Many applicants with records have landed here, especially if they have mechanical or hands-on experience.
• Warehouse and logistics: If you’ve worked in distribution before, this can be a good fit. Background checks here focus more on driving records than criminal history.
• Technical support and IT helpdesk: These roles often require problem-solving skills, not access to sensitive data. A clean record since release helps.
• Field service technicians: You’ll drive company vehicles, so a clean driving record is critical. But non-driving offenses may not matter as much.

Roles in finance, cybersecurity, sales, and executive leadership are extremely unlikely to hire someone with a felony record, no matter how long ago it was.

How to Improve Your Chances

If you’re serious about applying to Tesla, here’s what actually works:

1. Wait at least 5-7 years after completing your sentence, including probation or parole. The longer the gap, the better.
2. Get certifications. Tesla values skills over past mistakes. Earn a certificate in electrical systems, welding, or forklift operation. These cost under $500 and show you’re serious.
3. Build a work history. Even if it’s temp work or volunteering, show consistent employment. A gap of 2+ years after release raises red flags.
4. Write a short, honest explanation. If the application allows a note, write one line: “I made a mistake in my past, but I’ve rebuilt my life with steady work and responsibility.” Don’t make excuses.
5. Apply through staffing agencies. Some agencies partner with Tesla to hire for factory roles. They often have more flexibility with background checks.

One applicant in Nevada got hired at a Tesla Gigafactory after completing a state-funded re-entry program. He says the key was having a letter from his parole officer and a reference from his former employer at a local auto shop. He didn’t mention Tesla in his application-he just showed up with proof he could do the job.

Alternatives If Tesla Doesn’t Work Out

Tesla isn’t the only option. Many companies in the clean energy and tech space are more open to hiring people with records:

• First Solar: Known for hiring ex-offenders in manufacturing roles.
• NextEra Energy: Offers apprenticeships and doesn’t ask about criminal history on the initial form.
• Amazon: Has a specific program for hiring people with criminal records, especially for warehouse jobs.
• Home Depot and Lowe’s: Both have policies that consider rehabilitation and time passed.
• Local government programs: Many states run “Second Chance Hiring” initiatives that connect ex-offenders with employers.

These companies often have clearer pathways and more transparent policies than Tesla. If your goal is to get back into the workforce, starting with one of these can lead to better long-term opportunities-even if you later want to move to Tesla.

Legal Protections and Your Rights

In some states, like California and New York, employers can’t ask about criminal history until after a conditional job offer. But Tesla is headquartered in Texas and operates in many states without these protections. That means your rights depend on where you live and where you’re applying.

If you’re in a state with “Ban the Box” laws, you can politely remind the hiring team that state law restricts when they can ask. But don’t push back aggressively-this can backfire. Focus on your skills, not your rights.

Also, if you’ve had your record expunged or sealed, you’re legally allowed to say you don’t have a conviction. But only if the record is officially cleared. Don’t assume a pardon or completion of probation means it’s gone-check with your state’s court system.

Final Reality Check

Tesla isn’t a charity. It’s a high-performance company under intense scrutiny from regulators, investors, and the public. Hiring someone with a felony record is a risk they’re willing to take only if the upside is clear and the risk is low.

That means you need to be better than the average applicant-not just clean, but exceptional. You need to show you’ve turned your life around in ways they can see: through work, training, references, and consistency.

It’s not impossible. But it’s not easy. If you’re willing to put in the work, stay patient, and target the right roles, Tesla might open the door. If not, other companies will. Your past doesn’t define your future-but your actions since then do.

Next Steps If You’re Serious About Applying

Start by checking your criminal record. You can request a copy from your state’s bureau of investigation. Make sure everything is accurate. If you have old charges that shouldn’t be there, get them corrected.

Then, pick one skill to build. Take a free or low-cost course in electrical basics, forklift operation, or inventory management. These are things Tesla looks for-even more than your past.

Update your resume. Focus on what you can do now, not what you did ten years ago. List jobs, training, volunteer work, and certifications. Leave out dates if they hurt your chances.

Apply to Tesla’s entry-level roles on their careers page. Don’t waste time on management or tech roles yet. Start with production or warehouse jobs. If you get an interview, be ready to explain your past briefly, honestly, and positively. Then pivot fast to your skills and reliability.

And if Tesla says no? Apply to First Solar, Amazon, or your local government’s re-entry program. Your next job isn’t your last. It’s your first step back in.