How to Change Your UPS Delivery Address Before or After Pickup

You can change a UPS delivery address online, by phone, or at a UPS location — but timing matters

UPS lets you change where a package goes, but the window to do it depends on whether the package has already been picked up. If your shipment is still at the sender's location, you can change the address through your UPS account or by calling UPS Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877. Once a driver has picked up the package, you have a narrower set of options: you can intercept it at a UPS facility, redirect it to a different address, or hold it for pickup at a UPS location near you. The sooner you act, the more choices you have.

The cost of changing an address depends on when you make the request. Changes before pickup are free. Redirecting a package after pickup costs $6 to $15. Holding a package for pickup at a UPS location is free. Understanding which option fits your situation and acting quickly will save you time and money.

Key Takeaways

Before pickup, log into your UPS account online or call 1-800-742-5877 to change the delivery address on your shipping label.
After pickup, use UPS My Choice (a free service linked to your account) to redirect the package to a new address or hold it for pickup.
UPS My Choice notifications arrive by email or text when a package is in transit, giving you a window of time to make changes.
If you miss the window to change the address yourself, visit a UPS Customer Center in person with your tracking number to explore other options.
Some changes carry fees — redirecting a package after pickup typically costs between $6 and $15 depending on the service level.

Changing the address before UPS picks up the package

If the sender has not yet handed the package to UPS, you have the most control. Contact the sender directly and ask them to change the delivery address on the label before they drop it off. This is the fastest and cheapest option because no fees explore.

If you cannot reach the sender in time, log into your UPS account at ups.com. Go to the "Shipments" section, find the tracking number, and select "Edit Delivery Address." You can change the street address, apartment number, or delivery location. The change takes effect when ready if the package has not yet been scanned into the UPS system.

If you do not have a UPS account, call 1-800-742-5877 and provide your tracking number. A representative can change the address over the phone while the package is still in the sender's hands. Have the new address ready before you call.

Changing the address after pickup using UPS My Choice

UPS My Choice is a free service that notifies you when a package is on its way and lets you change the delivery address before it arrives. To use it, create a free UPS account at ups.com and link it to the email address or phone number associated with your shipment. When the package enters the UPS network, you will receive an email or text alert with a tracking link.

Once you get the notification, click the link and select "Change Delivery." You can enter a new address, request the package be held at a UPS location, or ask for it to be delivered to a UPS Access Point (a retail partner like CVS or Whole Foods). The change is usually processed within minutes, though UPS recommends making changes at least one day before the scheduled delivery date.

If the package is already out for delivery on the day it is scheduled to arrive, you may not be able to change the address through UPS My Choice. In that case, contact UPS directly at 1-800-742-5877 or visit a UPS location in person with your tracking number.

Redirecting a package that is already in transit

Once a UPS driver has picked up your package, you can still redirect it, but a fee applies. The cost ranges from $6 to $15 depending on whether you redirect it to a new address or to a UPS location for pickup. Call 1-800-742-5877 with your tracking number and ask about redirection options.

UPS can redirect a package to a different address only if the new address is within the same delivery area and the package has not yet been loaded onto the delivery truck for your route. If the package is already on the truck, your only option is to have it held at a UPS Customer Center or UPS Access Point for you to pick up.

Redirection requests must be made before 2 p.m. in your local time zone on the day before delivery. If you miss that window, you will need to refuse the package when it arrives and arrange a return to the sender, or pick it up at a UPS location after it is returned.

Holding a package at a UPS location for pickup

If you want to pick up the package yourself instead of having it delivered, you can request it be held at a UPS Customer Center or UPS Access Point. This option is available even on the day of delivery. Use UPS My Choice to select "Hold for Pickup" and choose a location near you, or call 1-800-742-5877 to request it.

When you hold a package for pickup, UPS will attempt delivery first unless you make the request before the driver leaves the facility that morning. Once the package arrives at the location you chose, you will receive a notification. You have up to five business days to pick it up; after that, UPS returns it to the sender. Bring a photo ID and your tracking number when you go to collect it.

What to do if you cannot change the address online or by phone

If you cannot reach UPS by phone or your UPS My Choice request did not go through, visit a UPS Customer Center in person. Bring your tracking number and a photo ID. A representative can check the package status and may be able to redirect it or hold it for pickup, depending on where the package is in the delivery network.

UPS Customer Centers are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find the nearest one by entering your zip code at ups.com/locations. If the package has already been delivered to the wrong address, you will need to contact the recipient and ask them to return it, or file a claim with UPS for a lost or misdelivered package.

Fees and timing for address changes

Changing an address before pickup is free. Redirecting a package after pickup costs $6 to $15 depending on the service. Holding a package for pickup at a UPS location is free. Some fees may be waived if the error was UPS's fault — for example, if the driver delivered to the wrong address despite correct instructions on the label.

Timing is critical. The earlier you request a change, the more likely it will go through without delay. Changes requested more than one day before delivery usually process without issue. Changes requested on the day of delivery may not take effect if the package is already out with a driver. Plan ahead if you know your address might change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the address if the package has already been delivered?

No, but you can contact the recipient and ask them to return it, or file a claim with UPS if it was delivered to the wrong address through UPS's error. If the package was delivered to the correct address on the label but you want it sent elsewhere, you will need to arrange a return shipment with the sender or recipient.

What if I do not have a UPS account?

You can still change the address by calling 1-800-742-5877. A representative will look up your tracking number and make the change over the phone. Creating a free UPS account takes about five minutes and makes future changes faster.

Can I change the address to a different state?

Yes, but only before the package is picked up or if you request redirection early enough for UPS to reroute it. Once a package is on a delivery truck, changing the address to a different state is not possible — you would need to refuse delivery and have it returned to the sender instead.

How long does it take for an address change to take effect?

If you change the address before pickup, it takes effect when ready. If you use UPS My Choice to change the address after pickup, the change usually processes within minutes, but UPS recommends making changes at least one day before the scheduled delivery date to may support it goes through.

What happens if I change the address but the package is already out for delivery?

The driver may not see the updated address in time and deliver to the original address anyway. If this happens, contact the recipient and ask them to return it, or call UPS to arrange a pickup from the delivery location and redirection to the correct address.

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.