Retail Store Job Requirements: Age, ID and What Stores Check (2026)

Step 2 of 3: Requirements

Most big-store jobs need no degree and no experience: the BLS says retail sales workers typically need no formal education and learn on the job. What you do need is the right age, ID that proves you can work in the US and a schedule that fits. Here's the full checklist, and the next page walks you through applying.

Tell us where you are right now, and the next page shows the steps that fit.

Where are you in the process?

✅ Basic eligibility

Every listing at Walmart, Target, Costco and Home Depot has a short "minimum qualifications" section. The details vary, but for cashier, sales and stocking jobs you can usually expect these:

• Minimum age: set for each job, and often 16 or 18 (more below)
• Right to work in the US: you'll prove this with original ID on or before your first day
• Availability: many listings ask for flexible hours, including nights, weekends and holidays
• Physical ability: standing for long periods, and for stocking jobs, lifting and climbing ladders
• Training: Walmart's postings ask new hires to complete all required trainings and assessments within a set time

You usually don't need a resume for hourly store jobs, but it helps to have your past jobs, dates and a reference or two written down before you start.

🎂 Age rules at each chain

Age is the rule people get wrong most often, because it depends on the company, the role and your state.

• Walmart: Walmart's careers FAQ says you must be at least 16 to work at Walmart, though some positions require 18. Sam's Club, owned by Walmart, lists 18 or older on its postings.
• Home Depot: the Home Depot listings we checked ask for applicants aged 18 or older.
• Target and Costco: neither publishes one company-wide age on the pages we checked. Read the posting before you apply.
• Under 18? Federal and state child labor laws limit the hours and tasks teens can do, and some states also ask for a work permit. Check with your school or state labor office.

Got your age and schedule sorted? The next page shows the exact order of the application.

📋 The documents you need for Form I-9

Every US employer must check that new hires are who they say they are and are allowed to work here. This is done with Form I-9 on or before your first day. You can show one document from List A, or one from List B plus one from List C.

• List A (one is enough): a US passport or passport card, a Permanent Resident Card (green card) or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a photo
• List B (identity): a driver's license or a state ID card, or for some teens, a school ID or school record
• List C (work authorization): an unrestricted Social Security card or an original or certified birth certificate

Bring original documents that haven't expired, not photocopies or photos on your phone. Walmart and Costco both say they take part in E-Verify, which checks your I-9 details with the government.

🔍 What stores check before you start

Getting hired at a big chain usually happens in a few short stages. Here's what to be ready for:

• An online assessment: Walmart says some positions need one before you are considered. Answer honestly and take your time.
• An interview: usually short and in person or by phone, focused on customer service and your availability.
• Your schedule: stores compare your available hours with the shifts they need to fill, so open availability can help.
• Any conditions in the offer: some offers depend on checks named in the posting or offer letter. Read it carefully.

Ready for the next part? The application steps are short, but the order matters.

⚠️ Common mistakes that cost people the job

Most missed chances come down to small, avoidable slips. Watch out for these:

• Applying to the wrong age bracket: check the minimum age line before you spend time on the form.
• Very narrow availability: if you can only work two short shifts a week, fewer stores can fit you in.
• Typos in your email or phone number: you'll miss interview invites and updates.
• Rushing the assessment: read each question and pick the answer that fits how you really work.
• Bringing the wrong ID: a photocopy, a photo on your phone or an expired license will not be accepted.
• Applying through unofficial links: use each company's own careers site only.

Want to avoid all of these? The next page puts each step in the right order.

❓ Quick FAQ

On the next page: the 6 application steps in order, where each chain posts its official jobs, interview tips and how to spot fake recruiters.

🔥 Other jobs hiring now

Want to keep your options open? These entry-level jobs suit people who like active, hands-on work.

Disclaimer: This is an independent information website. We are not Walmart, Target, Costco or Home Depot, we are not an employer or recruiter, and we do not hire anyone or collect job applications. Requirements and hiring rules change and vary by state and role, so always check the official job posting before you apply. Never pay anyone to get a job.