Change Your FedEx Delivery Address Before It Ships

You can change a FedEx delivery address if you catch the shipment before it leaves the FedEx facility — usually within a few hours of dropping it off or having it picked up. The fastest way is to call FedEx directly at 1-800-463-3339 with your tracking number ready. If the package has already left the facility or is out for delivery, you cannot change the address through FedEx; instead, you will need to refuse the delivery and have it returned to the sender, then ship it again to the correct address.

The method you use depends on whether you are the sender (the person who paid for shipping) or the recipient (the person receiving it). Senders have more options and can make changes up until the package is picked up or leaves the facility. Recipients can request a change, but FedEx will contact the sender for permission before proceeding.

Key Takeaways

  • Call FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 with your tracking number to request an address change within a few hours of shipment.
  • If you are the sender, you can change the address online through your FedEx account or by calling before the package leaves the facility.
  • If you are the recipient, FedEx will need permission from the sender before changing the delivery address.
  • Once a package is out for delivery, you cannot change the address; you must refuse it and have the sender ship it again.
  • FedEx may charge a fee to change the address depending on the service type and how far the new address is from the original one.

Change the Address If You Shipped the Package

If you are the person who sent the shipment, you have the most control over changing the address. Log into your FedEx account on fedex.com, find the shipment under "Recent Shipments," and look for a "Modify Delivery" or "Change Delivery Address" option. This option only appears if the package has not yet left the FedEx facility. Click it, enter the new address, and confirm the change. The system will tell you whether the new address is on the same route; if it is far away, FedEx may charge you a modification fee.

If you do not have a FedEx account or cannot find the option online, call 1-800-463-3339 and have your tracking number ready. A representative will look up your shipment and tell you whether it can still be changed. They will ask for the new address and confirm the change over the phone. Ask about any fees before they process the request.

The window to change an address is narrow — usually two to four hours after you drop off the package or after FedEx picks it up from your location. After that, the package enters the sorting facility and is assigned to a delivery route, making changes much harder or impossible.

Request an Address Change If You Are Receiving the Package

If you are the recipient and the package is coming to the wrong address, call FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 with the tracking number. Explain that you need the delivery address changed. FedEx will contact the sender (the person who paid for shipping) to ask permission. The sender must approve the change before FedEx will proceed, because the sender is responsible for the shipment until it is delivered.

This process takes longer than if the sender makes the change themselves, because FedEx has to reach the sender and get their approval. If the sender cannot be reached or refuses to approve the change, you will have to refuse the delivery when it arrives and ask the sender to ship it to the correct address instead.

Refuse Delivery and Have the Package Returned

If the package is already out for delivery or has left the FedEx facility, you cannot change the address. Instead, refuse the delivery when the driver arrives. Tell the driver you do not accept the package, and ask them to return it to the sender. The driver will mark it as "refused" in the system, and FedEx will send it back to the return address on the label.

Once the package returns to the sender, ask them to ship it again to the correct address. This adds several days to the delivery time, so it is worth trying to catch the shipment before it leaves the facility if possible. Keep in mind that the sender may have to pay for return shipping and a new shipment, depending on the original terms.

If you miss the driver and the package is left at your address, you can still refuse it. Contact FedEx with the tracking number and request that the package be held for return to sender. FedEx will pick it up within a few business days.

What Happens If FedEx Cannot Change the Address

If FedEx tells you the address cannot be changed, it means the package has already been sorted and assigned to a delivery route. At this point, your only option is to refuse the delivery. When you refuse, FedEx will return the package to the sender's address on the label, not to a different address you choose.

The sender will then receive the returned package and can decide what to do with it. If they want to send it to you at the correct address, they will need to ship it again. This is why catching the shipment early — within the first few hours — is so important.

Fees and Timing for Address Changes

FedEx may charge a modification fee to change a delivery address, typically between $5 and $15 depending on the service type (FedEx Ground, FedEx Express, etc.) and whether the new address is on the same delivery route. Some shipments, especially those sent through FedEx Home Delivery or certain promotional rates, may not allow address changes at all.

The time it takes to process an address change is usually when ready if you do it online through your FedEx account. If you call, the representative can make the change while you are on the phone, but it may take a few minutes for the system to update. Once the change is confirmed, the driver will be notified of the new address before they attempt delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once a package is out for delivery, FedEx cannot change the address. You must refuse the delivery when the driver arrives, and the package will be returned to the sender. The sender can then ship it again to the correct address.

Will I be charged a fee to change the address?

FedEx may charge between $5 and $15 to change an address, depending on the service type and whether the new address is on the same route. Some promotional or discounted shipping rates do not allow address changes. Ask the FedEx representative about fees before they process the change.

How long do I have to change the address?

You typically have two to four hours after dropping off the package or after FedEx picks it up from your location. After that, the package enters the sorting facility and cannot be changed. Call or check your account as soon as you realize the address is wrong.

What if the sender will not approve the address change?

If you are the recipient and the sender refuses to approve the change, you must refuse the delivery. The package will return to the sender, and they can decide whether to ship it again. Ask the sender to ship it to the correct address at their cost.

Can I change the address to a different city?

Yes, but FedEx is more likely to charge a fee if the new address is far from the original one or on a different delivery route. The change must be made before the package leaves the facility. Call FedEx with your tracking number to ask whether the change is possible and what the fee will be.