How to Change Your UPS Delivery Address Before or After Pickup

You can change a UPS delivery address, but timing and the type of shipment matter

UPS lets you change where a package goes, but the window to do it is narrow. If the package hasn't left the facility yet, you can redirect it to a different address, hold it at a UPS location, or ask for it back. Once the driver is out for delivery, your options shrink. The fastest way to make a change is through the UPS tracking page or the UPS mobile app — both let you act within hours rather than days.

The real constraint is timing. UPS processes packages in batches, and once a shipment enters the delivery route for your area, changing the address becomes much harder. If you know you need a different address before the package arrives, act the same day you see the tracking number. Waiting until the next morning often means the package is already in the delivery vehicle.

Key Takeaways

You can change a UPS delivery address through your tracking page or the UPS mobile app if you act before the package enters the delivery vehicle.
UPS will hold a package at a nearby UPS Customer Center for pickup if you cannot receive it at the original address.
If the package is already out for delivery, you may be able to contact the driver directly through the tracking page, but success depends on the driver's route and timing.
Redirecting to a different address costs money (usually $6 to $8) unless the sender paid for that service when they shipped it.
The UPS mobile app shows real-time tracking and lets you make changes faster than the website, sometimes within minutes of the package arriving at a local facility.

How to change the address through UPS tracking

Go to ups.com, enter your tracking number in the search box at the top, and pull up the shipment details. On the tracking page, look for a button or link that says "Delivery Options" or "Manage Delivery." Click it. UPS will show you what changes are available for that specific package — usually "Redirect to a different address," "Hold at UPS location," or "Return to sender."

If you choose to redirect to a different address, you will need to enter the new street address, apartment number if there is one, city, state, and ZIP code. UPS will confirm whether that address is on the delivery route and whether the change can happen in time. The system usually tells you within seconds whether the redirect is possible. If it is, you will see a confirmation number and a cost (if the sender did not prepay for address changes).

The UPS mobile app works the same way and is often faster because it sends the request directly to UPS servers without the website's loading delays. Open the app, tap "Track," enter your tracking number, and look for "Manage Delivery" on the tracking details screen.

Holding a package at a UPS location instead of delivery

If you cannot receive the package at home or at the new address you want, you can ask UPS to hold it at a nearby UPS Customer Center or UPS Store. Go to your tracking page, select "Delivery Options," and choose "Hold at UPS location." UPS will show you the closest facilities and let you pick which one you want.

Once the package arrives at that location, UPS will send you a notification. You then have a set number of days (usually five to seven business days) to pick it up in person. Bring a photo ID. This option is free and does not require the sender's permission, so it works even if the sender did not plan for address changes.

The downside is that you have to go to the location during their business hours. UPS Customer Centers are usually open Monday through Friday during standard business hours and have limited Saturday hours. UPS Stores (which are franchises) have varying hours, so check before you go.

What to do if the package is already out for delivery

If your tracking page shows the package is "Out for Delivery" or "On UPS Vehicle," your options are limited. Some tracking pages show a phone number or chat option to contact the driver directly. This works only if the driver has not yet delivered to your area and is willing to take a detour. Success is not may provide and depends on the driver's schedule and how far out of the way the new address is.

If you cannot reach the driver or the driver cannot make the change, the package will arrive at the original address. At that point, you can refuse delivery, and the driver will take it back. UPS will then hold it or return it to the sender, depending on what you choose. You can also ask the driver to leave it in a safe place (like a side door or with a neighbor) if that is an option.

Some UPS locations allow you to intercept a package even after it has been delivered. If the package arrived but you were not home, you can sometimes pick it up at the UPS facility before the sender is notified of delivery. Call the local UPS Customer Center directly to ask whether this is possible for your shipment.

Costs and what the sender controls

Redirecting a UPS package to a different address usually costs $6 to $8, charged to the person requesting the change. However, some senders pay for "address correction" or "redirect" services when they ship the package, which means you can change the address for free. Check your tracking page — it will tell you whether the sender prepaid for this service.

The sender can also restrict what changes you are allowed to make. Some shippers set their packages to "no redirects" or "signature required," which means you cannot change the address without the sender's permission. If you see a message saying the package cannot be redirected, contact the sender and ask them to authorize the change through UPS.

Redirecting to a business address or PO box

UPS can redirect to most business addresses, but there are limits. You cannot redirect to a UPS mailbox (those are for mail, not packages). You can redirect to a commercial address, an office building, or a warehouse. If the new address is a business, make sure someone will be there to receive it during business hours, because UPS does not leave packages unattended at commercial locations unless the shipper has arranged that.

If you need the package at a PO box, UPS cannot deliver there — UPS does not use the postal service's delivery network. Your only option is to have it held at a UPS location and pick it up yourself, or redirect it to a nearby address where you can receive it.

What happens if you miss the window to change the address

If the package arrives at the original address and you were not there, you have a few options. You can refuse the delivery when the driver comes back, and the package will be returned to the sender. You can also contact the sender and ask them to request a return or redirect from UPS on your behalf — the sender has more authority to make changes than you do after delivery.

If the package was left at your address without your permission, you can contact UPS and report it. They may be able to retrieve it, though this depends on how long it has been sitting there. If a neighbor accepted it, ask them to give it back so you can refuse it or arrange a pickup at a UPS location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the address if the package is already at a UPS facility near me?

Yes. If your tracking page shows "Arrived at facility" or "In transit," you are still in the window to change the address. The package has not entered the delivery vehicle yet. Use the tracking page or app to request the change when ready. Once it shows "Out for Delivery," the window has closed.

Does UPS charge me to hold a package at a location instead of delivering it?

No. Holding a package at a UPS Customer Center or UPS Store is free. You only pay if you redirect the package to a different address and the sender did not prepay for that service.

What if I do not have a tracking number yet?

Contact the sender and ask them for the tracking number. You cannot make changes without it. If the sender has not shipped the package yet, ask them to change the address before they send it — that is always the easiest option.

Can I change the address to someone else's house?

Yes, you can redirect to any address. However, if the package requires a signature, the person at that address will need to sign for it. Make sure whoever receives it knows the package is coming and is home during delivery hours.

What if UPS says the address change is not possible?

This usually means the package is already in the delivery vehicle or the new address is outside the delivery area. Contact the sender and ask them to request the change directly with UPS — they may have more options. Otherwise, refuse the delivery and ask for it to be held at a UPS location for pickup.

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.