How to Change Your Shipping Address on eBay

Change your address before the seller ships

You can change your shipping address on eBay, but only before the seller has marked the item as shipped. Once a tracking number appears in your order, the address is locked and you cannot change it through eBay's system. The fastest way to update an address is through your account settings or by editing the order details when ready after purchase.

If the seller has already shipped, you will need to contact them directly to request a redirect or arrange a reshipment. eBay does not intercept packages in transit, so your only option at that point is to work with the seller or the carrier.

Key Takeaways

You can change your address in the order details page before the seller ships, but not after a tracking number is assigned.
The fastest method is to edit the address directly in your active orders section within 24 hours of purchase.
If the seller has already shipped, contact them through the eBay message system to request a redirect or replacement.
You can also update your default address in your account settings, but this only affects future purchases, not current ones.
Some carriers allow package redirects for a fee if you catch the shipment early enough.

Edit the address in your active orders

The easiest way to change your address is through your eBay account while the order is still pending. Log in to eBay, go to Purchases in the top menu, and find the order you want to change. Click on the order and look for a link or button that says Change shipping address or Edit address. This option only appears if the seller has not yet marked the item as shipped.

Enter your new address in the fields provided and confirm the change. eBay will send you a confirmation email, and the seller will see the updated address on their end. This change takes effect when ready, so if the seller has not yet packed the item, they will use your new address.

If you do not see an option to edit the address, the seller may have already processed the shipment. In that case, move to contacting the seller directly.

Update your default address in account settings

You can also change the address that eBay uses for all future purchases by updating your account settings. Click on Account in the top right corner, then select Personal information or Addresses (the exact label varies by account type). Here you can add, edit, or remove addresses associated with your account.

Changing your default address here will not affect orders you have already placed. It only applies to new purchases going forward. If you need to change an address on a current order, use the active orders method described above instead.

Contact the seller if the item has shipped

Once a seller marks an item as shipped and provides a tracking number, eBay locks the address and you cannot change it through the platform. At this point, your only option is to contact the seller directly through eBay's messaging system. Click on the order, select Contact seller, and explain that you need the address changed.

Be honest about the situation and ask if they can contact the carrier to redirect the package to your new address. Some sellers have relationships with their carriers and can request a redirect before delivery. Others may offer to send a replacement to the correct address once they are notified that the first package was undeliverable.

The sooner you contact the seller, the better your chances of a redirect. If the package is already out for delivery, a redirect may not be possible, and you may need to refuse the delivery or arrange to pick it up and have it reshipped.

Request a carrier redirect if delivery is still days away

If the package is in transit but has not yet been delivered, you may be able to redirect it through the carrier. USPS, UPS, and FedEx all offer redirect services, though they typically charge a fee and require you to act quickly. Check your tracking number to see which carrier is handling your package.

Contact the carrier directly through their website or phone number and provide your tracking number and new address. They will tell you whether a redirect is possible and what it costs. USPS usually charges around $1.50 to $2.00 for a redirect, while UPS and FedEx fees vary. This is often faster than waiting for the seller to reship, especially if you are moving to a nearby address.

Refuse delivery and arrange a return if necessary

If you cannot redirect the package and the address change is critical, you can refuse delivery when the carrier arrives. The package will be returned to the seller, and you can then contact them to request a reshipping to your correct address. This adds time to the process, but it prevents the package from being delivered to the wrong location.

Before you refuse delivery, contact the seller to let them know your plan. Some sellers will not reship without a return authorization, and you want to confirm they are willing to send it again before you send the first package back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address after the seller has shipped?

No, eBay locks the address once a tracking number is assigned. You must contact the seller directly or work with the carrier to redirect the package. The sooner you act, the better your chances of success.

What if the seller ignores my message about changing the address?

If the seller does not respond within a reasonable time, you can open a case with eBay's Resolution Center. Explain that you requested an address change before shipment and the seller did not comply. eBay may be able to help, though your options are limited once the package is in transit.

Will I be charged a fee to change my address?

eBay does not charge you to change an address before the seller ships. If you redirect through a carrier after shipment, the carrier may charge a fee, typically $1.50 to $5.00 depending on the service.

Can I change my address if I used a payment plan?

Yes, you can change your address the same way whether you paid in full or used eBay's payment plan. The address change does not affect your payment terms or schedule.

What happens if a package is delivered to my old address?

If the package arrives at your old address and you no longer live there, contact the new resident or the carrier to see if they can redirect it. You can also contact the seller and ask them to file a claim with the carrier for a lost or misdelivered package, which may result in a refund or replacement.

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.