How to Change Your Address for UPS Deliveries

Change your UPS delivery address before the package ships

You can change where a UPS package goes, but only if you act before it leaves the facility closest to you. Once a driver has the package in their truck, it is too late to redirect it. The fastest way is to log into your UPS account online or use the UPS mobile app — both let you change the address in minutes if the shipment hasn't moved yet. If you don't have an account or the package is already in transit, you can call UPS directly at 1-800-742-5877 and ask them to intercept it, though this costs money and doesn't always work.

The window to make changes is narrow. UPS processes packages in batches, and once a shipment enters the local delivery network, the address is locked in. That usually happens within a few hours of the package arriving at a facility. If you're expecting a delivery and realize the address is wrong, don't wait — contact UPS the same day you notice the problem.

Key Takeaways

You can change a delivery address through your UPS account online or in the mobile app, but only before the package enters your local delivery facility.
If the package is already out for delivery, you can ask the driver directly to leave it at a different address, though they may refuse if it's not on their route.
UPS Intercept is a paid service that can redirect a package in transit, but it works only if the package hasn't reached the delivery facility yet.
If you miss the window to change the address yourself, calling 1-800-742-5877 is your only option, and you may be charged a fee.

Change the address through your UPS account

Log into your UPS account at ups.com or open the UPS mobile app on your phone. Find the shipment you need to change under "My Shipments" or "Tracking." Click on the shipment and look for an option that says "Change Delivery" or "Modify Delivery." This button only appears if the package hasn't shipped yet or is still at a sorting facility — if it's gone, the button won't be there.

When you click to change the address, you'll be asked to enter the new delivery location. You can change it to a different street address, a UPS store, a UPS Access Point (a retail location that holds packages), or a UPS Customer Center. After you confirm the new address, UPS will send you an updated tracking number and email confirmation. The change usually takes effect within the hour, but check the tracking page to be sure the address updated before the package moves to the next facility.

Ask the driver to deliver to a different address

If you see the package is out for delivery today and you need it at a different location, you can try to catch the driver. Call 1-800-742-5877 and tell them the tracking number and the new address. Ask them to contact the driver directly. The driver may agree to deliver to a nearby address on their route, but they cannot go far out of the way — if the new address is in a different neighborhood, they'll likely refuse.

A faster option is to watch the tracking page for the estimated delivery time, then be outside when the truck arrives and flag down the driver in person. Explain the situation and give them the new address. If it's close by and on their route, many drivers will make the stop. This works best if the new address is within a few blocks of the original one.

Use UPS Intercept for packages in transit

UPS Intercept is a service that tries to catch a package before it reaches your local delivery facility and redirect it to a new address. You can request an intercept through your UPS account or by calling 1-800-742-5877. There is a fee for this service — the cost depends on the package weight and how far it needs to go, but expect to pay between $15 and $30 in most cases.

Intercept works only if the package hasn't already arrived at the facility that will deliver it. Once it's there, the address is locked in and intercept won't help. UPS will tell you whether the intercept was successful within a few hours. If it fails, the package will be delivered to the original address, and you'll still be charged the intercept fee. For this reason, intercept is a last resort — use it only if you've missed the window to change the address yourself and the package is worth the extra cost.

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

If the package arrived at the original address and you weren't there, contact the recipient at that address and ask them to hold it for you or bring it to you. If nobody was home, the driver may have left it in a safe place — check the tracking page for delivery details, which often say where the package was left (porch, mailbox, side door, etc.).

If the package is truly lost or the person at the address won't return it, contact the sender (the company that shipped it to you) and report the problem. The sender can file a claim with UPS or issue you a refund or replacement. UPS will not refund you directly — you have to go through the sender. Keep the tracking number and any photos of the delivery location to support your claim.

Prevent address problems before they happen

When you place an order online, double-check the delivery address before you submit the order. Many returns and missed deliveries happen because the address was typed wrong at checkout. If you've moved recently, update your address in your account profile on the retailer's website — this won't change past orders, but it will set the default for future ones.

If you order something for delivery while you're away from home, consider having it sent to a UPS Store or UPS Access Point instead of your house. You can pick it up when you return, and you don't have to worry about it sitting on your porch. When you check out, look for the option to "deliver to a UPS location" and select one near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the address after the driver has left my house?

No. Once the driver has attempted delivery, the package is considered delivered to that address. If it was left in an unsafe place or you didn't receive it, contact the sender to file a claim. The sender can then request that UPS investigate or issue a replacement.

What if I want the package held at a UPS location instead of delivered to my house?

You can change the delivery address to a UPS Store or UPS Access Point through your account. Search for a location near you on ups.com, then use the "Change Delivery" option to send the package there. You'll pick it up in person with a photo ID.

Does it cost money to change my delivery address?

Changing the address through your account or asking the driver is free. Using UPS Intercept to redirect a package in transit costs $15 to $30 depending on the package size and distance. Calling customer service to change the address may also incur a fee if the package is already in transit.

How long do I have to change the address before it's too late?

You usually have a few hours from when the package arrives at a sorting facility. The exact window depends on how quickly UPS processes packages in your area. Check the tracking page — if the status says "out for delivery," it's too late to change the address yourself. Call UPS when ready if you need to try an intercept.

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.