You can change a UPS delivery address, but only before the package leaves the facility

UPS allows you to change where a package goes, but the window is narrow. Once a package is out for delivery that day, you cannot redirect it to a new address through UPS directly. If the package has already been delivered, you will need to arrange a pickup from the recipient or have them refuse it. The earlier you catch the mistake, the more options you have.

The method you use depends on whether you have a UPS account and whether you have the tracking number. If you shipped the package yourself, you likely have both. If someone else shipped it to you, you will need the tracking number, which usually arrives in an email from the sender.

Key Takeaways

  • You must request the address change before the package is out for delivery on the day of arrival—once a driver has the package, UPS cannot redirect it.
  • UPS My Choice (free account) lets you change the address online if you catch it early enough, and you can see the delivery window in real time.
  • If you do not have a UPS account, call 1-800-742-5877 with your tracking number and request a redirect before the package leaves the facility.
  • If the package is already out for delivery, you can ask the driver to hold it, refuse delivery, or arrange a pickup from the delivery location.
  • Some address changes cost money if UPS has to reroute the package to a different facility or region.

Change the address online through UPS My Choice

If you have a UPS account or are willing to create one, UPS My Choice is the fastest way to change an address. Go to ups.com, sign in or create a free account, and find the package using your tracking number. The package will show a status and an estimated delivery window.

Click on the package and look for the option to change the delivery address. You can enter a new street address, apartment number, or even request delivery to a UPS Store or UPS Access Point instead of your home. The system will tell you whether the change is possible based on where the package currently is in the network. If the package is already on a delivery truck, the option will be grayed out.

Changes made through UPS My Choice usually take effect within minutes if the package has not yet left the local facility. If you are changing the address to a UPS Store or pickup location, the package may arrive there instead of at your home, and you will receive a notification when it is ready.

Call UPS customer service to redirect the package

If you do not have a UPS account or prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-742-5877. Have your tracking number ready. A representative can change the address while you are on the phone, but only if the package has not yet left the facility for delivery that day.

Tell the representative the new address and confirm it matches a valid UPS delivery zone. If the new address is in a different region or requires the package to be rerouted to another facility, UPS may charge a redirect fee, usually between $5 and $15. The representative will let you know the cost before processing the change.

If you call after the package is already out for delivery, the representative can note your request, but the driver may not be able to turn around. In that case, they will offer you the option to refuse the delivery or arrange a pickup from the delivery address after it arrives.

Request a pickup or refusal if the package is already out

If the package is already on the delivery truck or has been delivered, you have two options: refuse the delivery or arrange a pickup. If you refuse, the driver will take the package back to the facility, and it will be returned to the sender. This process takes a few days.

If the package has already been left at the original address, you can request a pickup from that location. Call 1-800-742-5877 and ask for a pickup at the delivery address. UPS will schedule a driver to collect it, usually within one to two business days. You will need to make sure someone is there to hand it over, or you can leave it in a safe place and note that in the pickup request.

Once UPS picks it up, you can then have it rerouted to the correct address, though this may incur additional fees and will delay delivery by several days.

Redirect to a UPS Store or Access Point instead

If changing the street address is not possible, you can ask UPS to hold the package at a UPS Store or UPS Access Point near you instead. This is often faster than rerouting to a new address because the package does not have to go back to a facility. Through UPS My Choice, you can select a nearby UPS location and have the package sent there.

The package will arrive at that location within one to two business days, and you will receive a notification when it is ready for pickup. You can then pick it up during the store's business hours. This option works well if you are not home during the day or if the original address is no longer accessible.

What happens if you miss the window to change the address

If the package has already been delivered to the original address, you cannot change the address through UPS. Your only option is to have the person at that address refuse the package or hand it over for a pickup, which will send it back to the sender. From there, the sender can ship it again to the correct address.

If the package was delivered and left at the door, you can still request a pickup from that location. Call UPS and explain that the package was delivered to the wrong address. Provide the tracking number and the address where it was left. UPS will schedule a pickup, and once they have it, you can arrange for it to be sent to the correct address, though this will add time and may cost extra.

Fees and timing for address changes

Most address changes within the same delivery zone are free if you request them before the package leaves the facility. If the new address is in a different city, state, or region, UPS may charge a redirect fee. This fee is usually $5 to $15 and covers the cost of rerouting the package to a different facility.

Timing depends on when you make the change. If you change the address before 6 a.m. on the delivery day, the package will likely be rerouted and arrive at the new address within one to two business days. If you change it after the package is already out for delivery, it will be returned to the facility and rerouted, which can take three to five business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the address if the package is already out for delivery?

No, not directly through UPS. Once a package is on the delivery truck, you cannot redirect it to a new address. You can refuse the delivery, which sends it back, or arrange a pickup from the original delivery location and then request a reroute from there.

Will I be charged to change my delivery address?

Most changes within the same delivery zone are free if made before the package leaves the facility. If the new address is in a different region, UPS may charge $5 to $15. The representative will tell you the cost before processing the change.

How do I change the address if I do not have the tracking number?

If you do not have the tracking number, you can contact the sender and ask them to provide it or to make the change themselves through their UPS account. The sender has more control over the package than the recipient does.

Can I have the package delivered to a UPS Store instead of my home?

Yes. Through UPS My Choice or by calling customer service, you can redirect the package to a nearby UPS Store or UPS Access Point. The package will arrive there within one to two business days, and you can pick it up during store hours.

What if the package was already delivered to the wrong address?

Call UPS and request a pickup from the address where it was delivered. Provide the tracking number and explain the situation. Once UPS picks it up, you can have it rerouted to the correct address, though this will take additional time and may cost extra.