How to Change a UPS Delivery Address Before It Arrives

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

UPS lets you redirect a package to a different address, but the window to do it is narrow. Once your package is out for delivery that day, you cannot change the address through UPS—you will have to refuse it and wait for it to return, then place a new order. The earlier you catch it, the better your options.

The method you use depends on whether you have a UPS tracking number and how much time has passed since the package shipped. Most changes happen through the UPS website or the UPS mobile app, where you can see real-time tracking and make the request yourself in minutes.

Key Takeaways

You can change the delivery address only before the package is loaded onto the delivery truck for your area—once it is out for delivery, the address cannot be changed.
Use the UPS tracking number to make the change through the UPS website or mobile app; this is the fastest method and works 24/7.
If you do not have the tracking number, call UPS Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877 and have your order number or the sender's information ready.
UPS can redirect to a different address, hold the package at a UPS location for you to pick up, or return it to the sender if you act quickly enough.
If the package is already out for delivery, you must refuse it when the driver arrives, then contact the sender to arrange a new shipment.

Change the address through the UPS website or app

The easiest way to change your delivery address is through your UPS account online or on the UPS mobile app. Go to the tracking page, enter your tracking number, and look for the option to "Manage Delivery" or "Change Delivery." This button appears as long as the package has not yet been loaded for delivery in your area.

From there, you can choose to have the package delivered to a new address, held at a UPS Customer Center for you to pick up, or returned to the sender. The app and website are available around the clock, so you can make the change at any time—but remember that the window closes once the package reaches the local delivery facility.

If you do not see a "Manage Delivery" option, the package is already out for delivery or has been delivered. At that point, your only option is to refuse the delivery or contact the sender to arrange a return.

Call UPS Customer Service if you do not have the tracking number

If you do not have the tracking number, you can still change the address by calling UPS Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877. Have your order number ready, or be prepared to give the sender's name and the approximate ship date. The representative can look up the package and make the change for you over the phone.

Customer Service hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Sunday hours vary. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message and a representative will call you back, but this delays the change—so calling during business hours is faster if time is tight.

Understand the timing: when you can and cannot change the address

The critical moment is when your package reaches the UPS facility in your delivery area. Before that point, you can change the address. After the package is loaded onto the delivery truck, you cannot change it through UPS—the driver has the manifest and the package is committed to that route.

Most packages are loaded for delivery early in the morning, so if you notice the tracking shows "Out for Delivery," it is too late to change the address online or by phone. However, you can still refuse the delivery when the driver arrives and ask them to return it to UPS. The package will go back to the sender, and you can then contact the sender to ship it to the correct address.

If the package has already been delivered, you will need to contact the sender or the merchant to arrange a return or a new shipment to the correct address.

What happens if you change the address to a UPS location

One option UPS offers is to hold the package at a UPS Customer Center instead of delivering it to a home or business address. This is useful if you are not sure where you will be or if the original address is no longer convenient. You can pick it up at your nearest UPS location during their business hours.

When you choose this option, UPS will hold the package for up to five business days. After that, it is returned to the sender. Make sure you know which UPS location you are redirecting to and that you can reach it during their hours before the five-day window closes.

Refuse the delivery and arrange a return if it is too late

If the package is already out for delivery and you did not catch it in time to change the address online, you can refuse it when the UPS driver arrives at your door. Tell the driver you refuse the package, and they will mark it as refused and return it to the sender.

Once the sender receives the returned package, contact them to arrange a new shipment to the correct address. This takes longer than changing the address before delivery, so it is worth checking your tracking as soon as you realize the address is wrong.

What you need before you make the change

To change a UPS delivery address, you will need one of the following:

The tracking number (the fastest route—you can do it yourself online or on the app)
The order number from the merchant or sender
The sender's name and the approximate ship date

If you are changing the address to a different location, make sure you have the correct street address or the UPS location number if you are redirecting to a UPS Customer Center. UPS will not deliver to a P.O. box, so if the new address is a P.O. box, you will need to choose a UPS location instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot change the address once the package is out for delivery. Your only option is to refuse the delivery when the driver arrives. The package will be returned to the sender, and you can then contact them to arrange a new shipment to the correct address.

What if I do not have a tracking number?

Call UPS Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877 with your order number or the sender's name and ship date. A representative can look up the package and make the change for you. Customer Service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

Can UPS deliver to a P.O. box?

No, UPS does not deliver to P.O. boxes. If you need to redirect to a P.O. box address, you will have to refuse the package and contact the sender to arrange shipment through a different carrier, such as USPS, which does deliver to P.O. boxes.

How long will UPS hold a package at a Customer Center?

UPS holds packages at a Customer Center for up to five business days. After that, the package is returned to the sender. If you redirect a package to a UPS location, make sure you can pick it up within that window.

Can I change the address more than once?

Yes, you can change the address multiple times as long as the package has not yet been loaded for delivery in your area. Each time you make a change, check the tracking to confirm the new address is correct before the delivery window closes.

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.