How to Change Your UPS Delivery Address Before It Arrives

You can change a UPS delivery address, but timing and method depend on where your package is in transit

If your package has not yet left the UPS facility closest to you, you can change the address through your UPS account online, by phone, or in person at a UPS location. Once a driver has picked it up for delivery that day, your options narrow — you can intercept it at the delivery location, redirect it to a UPS store, or ask the driver to hold it. After the package is marked delivered, you cannot change the address; you would need to arrange a return or reshipping with the sender.

The fastest route is the UPS tracking page, where you can see exactly which stage your package is in and what options are available right now. The sooner you act, the more choices you have.

Key Takeaways

Check your UPS tracking number first — it tells you whether the package is still at a facility, out for delivery, or already delivered, which determines what you can do.
If the package is still in transit between facilities, you can change the address online through your UPS account or by calling 1-800-742-5877.
If the package is out for delivery today, you can redirect it to a UPS store, UPS Access Point, or Amazon Hub location instead of your original address.
Once a package is marked delivered, the address cannot be changed — contact the sender about a return or reshipping.
Changing an address usually costs between $6 and $15 depending on the service level and how close you are to the original delivery date.

Changing the address while the package is still in transit

Log into your UPS account at ups.com, find the shipment using your tracking number, and select "Change Delivery." You can enter a new address, and UPS will attempt to reroute the package before it reaches your local delivery facility. This works best if you catch it at least one business day before the scheduled delivery date.

If you do not have a UPS account or prefer to call, phone 1-800-742-5877 and have your tracking number ready. A UPS representative can change the address over the phone, though they may ask you to verify the original recipient name and address for security. There is usually a fee of $6 to $15 depending on the service type and how far along the package is.

You can also walk into any UPS Customer Center or UPS Store location with your tracking number and ask to change the address in person. Bring a photo ID. This is useful if you need the change made when ready and want to confirm it face-to-face.

Redirecting a package that is out for delivery today

If your tracking shows "out for delivery," the package is on a UPS truck heading to your address. You still have options, but they are more limited. Open the tracking page and look for "Delivery Options" — UPS usually offers the choice to redirect the package to a nearby UPS Store, UPS Access Point, or Amazon Hub location for pickup instead.

You can also call the UPS driver directly if a phone number appears on your tracking page, or call 1-800-742-5877 to request that the driver hold the package and return it to the facility. From there, you can arrange a new delivery address or pick it up yourself. This adds one to two business days to the timeline.

If you are home when the driver arrives, you can refuse the package and ask them to return it. Tell them you need it sent to a different address. The driver can note this, but confirm the new address with UPS by phone or online within a few hours to make sure it is recorded correctly.

What happens after the package is marked delivered

Once UPS scans the package as delivered, you cannot change the address through UPS. At this point, contact the sender or retailer who shipped it. They can file a claim with UPS, arrange a return, or authorize a reshipping to your correct address at no cost to you — most retailers do this automatically if you report the issue within a few days of delivery.

If the package was delivered to the wrong address by mistake (not because you requested a change), take a photo of the delivery location and report it to the sender when ready. UPS can investigate and may recover the package if it was left in an unsafe spot or at a neighboring address.

Fees and timing for address changes

UPS charges a reroute fee of $6 to $15 depending on the service level — ground shipments are usually cheaper to reroute than overnight or express. Some retailers absorb this fee for their customers, so check your order confirmation or contact the sender before paying out of pocket.

Timing depends on when you request the change. If you change the address before the package reaches your local facility, it usually arrives on the original delivery date or one day later. If you redirect it after it is out for delivery, add one to two business days. If you ask the driver to return it to the facility, add two to three business days before a new delivery attempt.

Using UPS My Choice to prevent address problems

If you receive frequent UPS shipments, sign up for UPS My Choice at ups.com. This free service lets you see incoming packages before they arrive and change the address, request a different delivery time, or redirect to a UPS location with one click. You can also set delivery preferences — for example, "always hold at the UPS Store on Main Street" — so future packages go there automatically.

UPS My Choice also sends you notifications when a package is out for delivery, giving you a window to make changes that day. This is the easiest way to avoid address problems altogether if you know you will not be home or if your address is frequently incorrect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the address if the package is already at my local UPS facility?

Yes, but you have limited time. Call 1-800-742-5877 when ready or use the UPS tracking page to request a change. If the facility has already loaded it onto a delivery truck, the change may not go through. The sooner you act, the better your chances.

What if I change the address but the package still goes to the old one?

Take a photo of the delivery location and the tracking page showing your address change request. Contact the sender with both images. They can file a claim with UPS and authorize a reshipping to the correct address at no cost to you.

Can I redirect a package to a UPS Store instead of my home?

Yes. Use the "Delivery Options" link on your tracking page to redirect to a nearby UPS Store or UPS Access Point. The package will be held there for pickup, usually for up to seven days. You will need a photo ID to pick it up.

Is there a charge to change the address?

UPS charges $6 to $15 depending on the service level and timing. Some retailers cover this fee for their customers. Check your order confirmation or ask the sender before paying.

What if the package was delivered to the wrong address by UPS, not because I requested a change?

Report it to the sender when ready with a photo of where it was left. The sender can file a claim with UPS. If the package was left at a neighboring address, UPS may be able to recover it. Do not assume it is lost until you have checked with neighbors and the sender.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.