You can change a package's address while it's in the mail, but only through USPS Informed Delivery or by contacting USPS directly—and timing matters
If you need to redirect a package to a different address, USPS offers two main routes: Informed Delivery (the fastest option if you're enrolled) and calling or visiting a post office. The sooner you act after mailing, the better your chances of catching the package before it reaches the original address. Once a package is out for delivery on the final day, redirection becomes much harder or impossible.
The method you use depends on whether you have tracking information, whether you're the sender or recipient, and how much time has passed since the package was mailed. A package mailed yesterday has far more flexibility than one arriving today.
Key Takeaways
- Informed Delivery lets you intercept packages before delivery if you're enrolled and act quickly—usually within 24 hours of the package entering the mail stream.
- You can call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or visit your local post office with the tracking number to request a redirect, though success depends on where the package is in transit.
- The sender can also request a redirect by contacting USPS with the tracking number, even if they no longer have the package.
- Once a package is marked "out for delivery," redirection is usually not possible—you'll need to refuse it or arrange pickup after delivery instead.
- Some packages cannot be redirected at all, including those sent to PO boxes or certain types of mail.
Using Informed Delivery to redirect your package
Informed Delivery is USPS's free service that shows you images of incoming mail and packages before they arrive. If you're already enrolled, you can use it to redirect a package to a different address. Log into your Informed Delivery account on USPS.com, find the package in your list, and look for a "Manage Delivery" or redirect option. This option appears only if the package hasn't yet reached the delivery facility in your area.
The window to redirect through Informed Delivery is narrow—usually 24 hours or less from when the package enters the system. If you don't see a redirect option, the package has already moved too far along the route. In that case, move to the phone or post office method instead.
If you're not enrolled in Informed Delivery, you can sign up at USPS.com using your address and a valid email. However, enrollment takes time, and you won't see packages already in transit. For a package you need to redirect right now, use the phone or post office method.
Calling USPS to request a redirect
Call USPS at 1-800-275-8777 (1-800-ASK-USPS) and have your tracking number ready. A representative can check where your package is in the delivery network and attempt to redirect it. They will ask for the original address, the new address, and may ask why you're redirecting (moving, wrong address, etc.).
Success depends on the package's location. If it's still at a regional sorting facility, redirection is usually possible. If it's already at the local delivery post office or marked for delivery today, the representative may tell you redirection isn't possible. In that case, they may offer to hold the package for pickup at your local post office, or you can refuse delivery when it arrives and request it be returned to the sender.
USPS does not charge a fee to redirect a package, but the call may take 10 to 15 minutes. Have your tracking number and both addresses written down before you call.
Visiting your local post office in person
If you prefer to handle this face-to-face, bring your tracking number and both addresses (original and new) to your local post office. A clerk can check the package's status in the system and attempt a redirect. This method works well if you're already at the post office or if you want to confirm the redirect was processed.
The post office staff can also hold a package for pickup if redirection isn't possible, which is useful if you won't be at the new address when it arrives. Ask the clerk to note your request in the system so the mail carrier knows to hold it.
What to do if the package is already out for delivery
Once a package is marked "out for delivery," redirection through USPS is usually not possible. At this point, you have two options: refuse the package when the mail carrier arrives, or accept it and arrange a pickup from the new address.
If you refuse delivery, the package will be returned to the sender. The mail carrier will mark it "refused" and it will go back through the system. This takes several days and the sender will eventually receive it back. If you need the package at a different address, this is not the fastest solution.
If you accept the package at the original address, you can then take it to your local post office and request it be forwarded to the new address. This is treated as a standard mail forwarding request and typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Alternatively, you can arrange to pick it up yourself from the original address if that's possible.
Packages that cannot be redirected
Some types of mail and packages have restrictions. Packages sent to a PO box cannot be redirected to a street address—they must be picked up at the PO box or refused. Certified mail and packages requiring a signature may have limited redirection options depending on when you request the change. International packages and packages from certain carriers (like FedEx or UPS, which have their own systems) cannot be redirected through USPS.
If you're unsure whether your package can be redirected, call USPS or ask at the post office. The tracking number will show the package type and any restrictions.
If you're the sender and need to redirect someone else's package
If you shipped the package and the recipient needs it at a different address, you can contact USPS on their behalf using the tracking number. You don't need to have the package in your possession—USPS can redirect it based on the tracking information alone. Call 1-800-275-8777 with the tracking number and explain that you're the sender requesting a redirect to a new address.
The same timing rules explore: the sooner you call, the better. If the package has already reached the local delivery facility, redirection may not be possible, and you may need to arrange a refund or reshipping with the recipient instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the address if the package is being delivered today?
Probably not. Once a package is marked "out for delivery," USPS cannot redirect it. You can refuse it when it arrives and have it returned to the sender, or accept it and arrange a separate forward from there. If you catch it before the mail carrier leaves the post office that morning, a phone call might work—call 1-800-275-8777 when ready.
Does USPS charge a fee to redirect a package?
No. Redirecting a package in transit is free. However, if you need to set up mail forwarding for your entire address after the package arrives, that service costs money (currently around $1.10 for a temporary forward or $1.10 per month for a permanent one, though prices vary).
What happens if I refuse delivery?
The mail carrier will mark the package "refused" and send it back through the mail system to the sender. This typically takes 5 to 10 business days. The sender will receive it back and can then reshop it to the correct address if needed. This is slower than redirecting before delivery.
Can I redirect a package to someone else's address?
Yes, you can redirect to any address—it doesn't have to be yours. However, if the package requires a signature, the recipient at the new address must be present to sign for it. Call USPS with the tracking number and provide both the original and new addresses.
What if I don't have the tracking number?
If you're the recipient and the sender hasn't given you the tracking number, ask them for it—they received it in their shipping confirmation email. If you're the sender and lost the number, check your email receipt or the retailer's website where you shipped from. Without a tracking number, USPS cannot locate the package in the system.