Change your eBay address in Account Settings

You can change your address on eBay by going to Account Settings and updating your registered address. eBay stores two addresses: your registered address (the one tied to your account) and your shipping addresses (where you want items sent). Most of the time, you only need to update the registered address, which takes about two minutes.

Sign in to eBay, select your username in the top right corner, and click Account Settings. Under the Personal Information section, find Address and click Edit. Type in your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Click Save when you're done. eBay will confirm the change when ready.

If you're changing your address because you moved, update this as soon as you can. eBay uses your registered address to calculate shipping costs, determine tax rates, and verify your identity if there's a dispute. An outdated address can cause refunds to go to the wrong place or delay resolution if a seller claims you didn't pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Your registered address is different from your shipping addresses — the registered address is what eBay uses for taxes and disputes, while shipping addresses are where you want packages sent.
  • You can add multiple shipping addresses to your account so you don't have to change your registered address every time you move a package.
  • If you're selling on eBay, your registered address appears on shipping labels, so update it before you ship an item if you've moved.
  • Changes to your registered address take effect when ready, but eBay may ask you to confirm your identity if the change is unusual or if your account has had disputes.

Add a shipping address without changing your registered address

If you want a package sent somewhere other than your registered address — like to your workplace or a family member's house — you don't have to change your main address. Instead, add a shipping address to your account. This keeps your registered address the same but lets you choose where each purchase goes.

In Account Settings, find Addresses (plural) and click Add address. Enter the new street address, city, state, and ZIP code, then give it a label like "Work" or "Mom's House" so you can find it later. Save the address. The next time you buy something, you'll see this address as an option at checkout.

This method is useful if you travel, if you have a seasonal home, or if you want some packages delivered to your office. You can add up to 20 shipping addresses to a single eBay account.

Change your address on a specific order

If you've already placed an order but haven't paid yet, you can change the shipping address before checkout completes. Go to your Purchases, find the order, and look for an Edit shipping address option. This only works if the seller hasn't already processed the order — once they've printed a label, the address is locked.

If the order is already paid and the seller has started shipping, you cannot change the address through eBay. Instead, contact the seller directly through the order's messaging system and ask them to hold the package or redirect it if possible. Some carriers allow address changes for a fee, but that's between you and the seller.

If a package is already in transit and you realize the address is wrong, contact the carrier (USPS, UPS, or FedEx) directly. They may be able to intercept it, though this usually costs money and isn't always possible.

What happens to your old address after you change it

When you update your registered address, eBay keeps a record of your previous addresses for security and tax purposes. Your old address won't appear on new shipping labels or in your account settings, but eBay retains it in case there's a dispute or a chargeback claim that relates to an old order.

If you're concerned about privacy — for example, if you're moving away from an unsafe situation — contact eBay's Resolution Center and explain the situation. They may be able to help you manage how your address history is handled, though they cannot delete it entirely from their records.

Update your address if you're a seller

If you sell on eBay, your registered address appears on every shipping label you print through eBay's label service. This is your return address — if a package is undeliverable, it comes back to this address. If you've moved, update your address before you print your next label to make sure returns go to the right place.

Your seller address also appears in your store information if you have an eBay store. Buyers can see this address, so keeping it current builds trust. If you use a PO Box or a mail forwarding service instead of a home address, you can enter that as your registered address.

If you change your address mid-shipment — for example, you move while a package is in transit — the label has already been printed with your old address as the return address. You cannot change it retroactively. For future shipments, your new address will be used automatically.

Verify your identity if eBay asks

Sometimes eBay asks you to confirm your identity after you change your address, especially if the change is to a different state or if your account has had recent disputes. This is a security measure to prevent fraud. eBay may ask you to confirm your phone number, provide the last four digits of a credit card on file, or answer a security question.

If you see a verification request, complete it as soon as you can. Until you do, some account features may be limited — you might not be able to bid on items or make purchases. Verification usually takes a few minutes and doesn't require you to submit documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I have an active dispute or return?

Yes, you can change your registered address at any time. However, if you have an open dispute or return case, eBay may ask you to verify your identity first. Changing your address during a dispute doesn't affect the case — eBay uses the address from the time the order was placed to determine where refunds go.

What if I entered the wrong address at checkout?

If you haven't paid yet, go to your Purchases and edit the shipping address before you complete payment. If you've already paid and the seller hasn't shipped, contact the seller when ready through the order's messaging system and ask them to update the address. The sooner you contact them, the more likely they can change it.

Do I need to update my address if I'm just buying, not selling?

You should update your registered address if you've moved, because eBay uses it to calculate shipping costs and sales tax. However, you can add shipping addresses for individual purchases without changing your main address, so you only need to update your registered address if you've permanently moved.

Can I use a PO Box as my eBay address?

Yes, you can use a PO Box as your registered address. However, some sellers won't ship to PO Boxes because certain carriers don't deliver to them. If you use a PO Box, you may see fewer shipping options at checkout. A mail forwarding service address usually works better if you want to avoid using your home address.

How long does it take for an address change to show up?

Address changes take effect when ready in your account. However, if you have pending orders, the shipping label may still show your old address because the label was already generated. Your new address will appear on all new orders and labels created after you make the change.