How to apply

Here’s what you need to know and how to get started.

The USPS application process

  1. Application

    • The process varies depending which position you are applying for.
    • Applications for some positions are being processed though our new application system. Refer to the list below or learn more about which system you should use.
  2. Screening

    • Once you've been offered a job and accepted, you'll complete some additional screening, which may include a background check, medical questionnaire, and/or motor vehicle record check.
  3. Confirm employment

    • Once we've reviewed your screening, you're almost done! You'll need to confirm your employment and select a start date and confirm a few final details to help finalize your employment.
  4. Success!

    • Once you've completed all the required steps and confirmed your employment, you'll be contacted by email within a few days to finalize your start date!

There are two application systems.

Determine which website to use based on the job you're applying for.

Learn more

The following jobs must be applied for using our new application (USPS Careers):

  • Mail Handler Assistant
  • City Carrier Assistant
  • PSE Mail Processing Clerk
  • PSE Sales and Services/Distribution Associate

All other jobs must be applied for using our legacy application (eCareers):

  • All other jobs Includes Rural Carriers, Drivers, maintenance jobs and corporate jobs

Click here for additional help for searching and applying using our legacy system.

Employment requirements

  • Must be 18 years old at the time of appointment or 16 years old with a high school diploma.
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and medical assessment.
  • Must be a United States citizen, permanent resident, or citizen of American Samoa or other U.S. Territory.
  • Must provide recent employment history.
  • Must have a safe driving record (if applicable to the position).
  • Must be registered with Selective Service is applicable.

The Inspection Service criminal background check is conducted using United States information resources only (e.g., FBI fingerprint check, state and county checks). A criminal background check involves a 5-year inquiry for any location where the individual has resided, worked or gone to school within the United States or its territories. As a result of this limitation, the criminal background checks of individuals who have not resided in the United States or its territories for the preceding 5-years may not be considered complete. The Inspection Service may be able to process inquiries for U.S. Citizens only, but only if their time spent out of the country was spent as: a trailing spouse or dependent of someone working for the U.S. government (military or civilian), a missionary, a student attending school in a foreign country, a Peace Corps participant, or as an employee of a U.S.-based employer/company. If the Inspection Service is unable to perform a complete background check because of residency outside the United States, such individuals will be ineligible for Postal employment.

Time commitment

We encourage you to take your time with the application to best detail the experience that you bring to the table. Within the USPS Careers application you have the ability to save your progress and return to your profile at a later time if needed.

Application & exam cost

Both the application and any exams are free – if you see any websites that are charging a fee they are not legitimate and should be reported to the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Which application system should I use?

USPS is currently rolling out a new online job application experience, and is only accepting applications for some positions from our new website, USPS Careers (jobs.usps.com). During this time of transition, other positions will continue to use our legacy application system (eCareer). Because of this, some candidates may find it helpful to search both systems.

You must use the new USPS Careers website to search and apply for the following jobs:

  • Mail Handler Assistant
  • City Carrier Assistant
  • PSE Mail Processing Clerk
  • PSE Sales and Services/Distribution Associate

Click here to go to USPS Careers (jobs.usps.com)

You must use the legacy "eCareer" website to search and apply for the following jobs:

  • All other jobsthis includes, but is not limited to the following types of jobs:
    • Rural carriers
    • Drivers
    • Maintenance jobs
    • Corporate jobs

Click here to go to legacy eCareers application system