Ever wonder how old you need to be to work at the biggest online retailer in the world? Or maybe you’re trying to make some extra cash by selling stuff on Amazon. Either way, the age requirements might surprise you (or not, because most jobs require you to be an adult).
Let’s break down exactly how old you need to be to work at Amazon, sell on their platform, or even buy certain products.
Amazon Age Requirements Explained
So you want to join the Amazon empire? Whether you’re looking to work in one of their massive warehouses, sell products online, or just buy some age-restricted items, there are some important age-related rules you should know about.
How Old to Work at Amazon?
The magic number is 18 years old. That’s the minimum age requirement for pretty much all Amazon jobs, from warehouse positions to corporate roles to customer service gigs.
Why 18? Well, there are a few reasons:
- Labor laws require it for many positions
- Safety concerns in warehouse environments
- Legal ability to sign employment contracts
- Maturity needed for professional workplace settings
Along with being 18+, Amazon typically expects you to have finished high school or have a GED. And if you’re eyeing those sweet tech jobs? You’ll need to be enrolled in or have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree.
“But my friend’s cousin said they worked at Amazon when they were 16!”
While there are occasional reports of younger folks (as young as 15) working through third-party temp agencies that staff some Amazon positions, these are definitely exceptions rather than the rule. Amazon’s official policy consistently states 18 as the minimum age for direct employment.
Selling on Amazon Age Requirements
Want to become an Amazon seller and build your e-commerce empire? Again, you need to be at least 18 years old to create a seller account.
Beyond just being 18, you’ll also need to provide:
- Valid tax information
- Contact details
- Social Security number or company tax ID
- Bank account information
The age requirement isn’t just about maturity—it’s because selling on Amazon involves legally binding agreements that minors can’t enter into.
Buying Age-Restricted Products
Even as a customer, age matters on Amazon when you’re buying certain products:
- Alcohol
- Bladed items
- Certain medications
- Some electronics
Amazon enforces strict age verification processes for these items, including physical ID checks when your package is delivered. If you’re under 18, don’t even try—Amazon’s policies prohibit accounts or purchases of age-restricted items by minors, and they’ll close accounts found to belong to people under 18.
What If You’re Under 18?
If you’re not quite 18 yet but have your heart set on an Amazon career, here’s what you can do to prepare:
- Focus on education – Finish high school or get your GED
- Build relevant skills – Learn about logistics, customer service, or tech
- Gain experience elsewhere – Other retailers might hire at 16
- Research Amazon’s career paths – Know what you want to do when you turn 18
Some retail competitors like Target or Walmart may hire at 16 for certain positions, which could give you valuable experience before applying to Amazon.
The Bottom Line
The world of Amazon—whether you’re working there, selling there, or buying certain products—is mostly an adults-only club. While there might be rare exceptions through temp agencies, the official rule is crystal clear: you need to be 18 or older to participate in most Amazon activities.
This age requirement helps Amazon comply with labor laws and ensures they have a workforce with the maturity and legal standing needed for their operations. If you’re under 18, use this time to prepare for future opportunities by finishing school and gaining qualifications that’ll make you a standout candidate when you hit that magic birthday.
When you finally turn 18, the doors to the Amazon career universe will swing wide open—and you’ll be ready!
