You can redirect a USPS package to a different address, but timing matters

USPS lets you change where a package goes after you've mailed it, but you have to act before the mail carrier picks it up for delivery. The fastest way is to use USPS Informed Delivery or call your local post office directly. If you catch it in time, you can have the package held at the post office, sent to a new address, or returned to the sender. The process takes minutes online or a phone call, but waiting too long means the package will arrive at the original address and you'll have to redirect it from there instead.

The window to change an address is tight—usually one business day from when the package barcode appears in your Informed Delivery account. After that, the package enters the delivery route and USPS cannot may provide they'll intercept it. Calling your post office the same morning is your backup option if you miss the online important date, though success depends on whether the carrier has already left the facility with your package.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS Informed Delivery shows you package tracking barcodes before delivery and lets you change the address online if you act within one business day of the barcode appearing.
  • Calling your local post office is faster than online options if you need to change the address the same day the package arrives in your area.
  • You can request the package be held at the post office, sent to a new address, or returned to the sender, but the post office cannot may provide it will catch the package before the carrier leaves.
  • If the package already arrived at the original address, you'll need to pick it up there or ask the recipient to forward it, because USPS cannot redirect it a second time.

Use USPS Informed Delivery to change the address online

USPS Informed Delivery is a free service that shows you a photo of the front of each piece of mail and package headed to your address. When a package barcode appears in Informed Delivery, you have until about 8 a.m. the next business day to request a change. Log into your Informed Delivery account, find the package, and select "Manage Delivery." From there you can choose to have it held at the post office, sent to a different address, or returned to the sender.

The online option works best if you notice the barcode the day before delivery. If you see it the morning of delivery, call your post office instead—the carrier may have already left the facility with your package. To set up Informed Delivery, go to usps.com, click "Informed Delivery," and follow the steps to verify your address. You'll receive an email each morning showing what's coming that day.

Call your local post office to redirect the same day

If you need to change the address the same day the package is supposed to arrive, calling is faster than waiting for an online response. Find your local post office number on usps.com by entering your ZIP code, then call and ask to speak with a carrier or supervisor. Have your tracking number ready. Tell them the new address or ask them to hold the package at the post office for you to pick up.

The post office cannot promise they'll catch the package before the carrier leaves, especially if you call after 10 a.m. in your time zone. The carrier may have already sorted your package into their delivery route. If that happens, the package will arrive at the original address and you'll need to pick it up there or arrange a second redirect. Calling early in the morning gives you the best chance of catching it in time.

Request the package be held for pickup at the post office

Asking USPS to hold the package at the post office is the safest option if you're not sure when you'll be home or if you want to avoid leaving it on your porch. When you change the delivery instructions online or by phone, select "Hold for Pickup." The package will be kept at your local post office for up to 10 business days. You'll need to show a photo ID when you pick it up.

The post office will send you an email or text (if you provided your phone number in Informed Delivery) when the package arrives and is ready for pickup. You can pick it up during regular post office hours. This option works well if the original address is not find or if you want to make sure no one else receives the package by mistake.

Redirect to a new address if you're moving or sending it elsewhere

You can have USPS send the package to a completely different address instead of the original one. When you change the delivery instructions, select "Redirect to New Address" and enter the new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. USPS will try to reroute the package before it reaches the original delivery location.

This option works if you're moving, if you want the package sent to a friend or family member, or if you ordered it to the wrong address by mistake. The new address must be a valid USPS delivery address. If the package has already left the regional sorting facility, USPS may not be able to redirect it, and it will arrive at the original address instead. In that case, you can pick it up there or ask the recipient to forward it to you.

What to do if the package already arrived at the original address

If you missed the window to change the address and the package arrived at the original address, you have two options. If you still have access to that address, you can pick it up yourself. If someone else lives there or you can't get to it, contact the person at that address and ask them to forward the package to you or hold it until you can pick it up.

USPS cannot redirect a package a second time once it has been delivered. If the person at the original address is not willing to help, you'll need to contact the sender or the retailer you ordered from and explain the situation. Many retailers will reship the package to the correct address or issue a refund if the package cannot be recovered. Keep your tracking number handy when you contact them.

Common mistakes that prevent address changes

The most common mistake is waiting too long. If you don't request the change by 8 a.m. the next business day after the barcode appears in Informed Delivery, the post office may not be able to catch it. Another mistake is not having your tracking number ready when you call. The post office needs this to find your package quickly.

Entering the wrong new address is also a problem—double-check the street address, apartment number, city, state, and ZIP code before you submit the change. If you enter it incorrectly, the package will go to the wrong place and you'll have to contact the sender to reship it. Finally, don't assume the package will be caught just because you called. The carrier may have already left with it, so calling early in the morning gives you the best chance of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Probably not. Once the mail carrier has the package in their delivery vehicle, USPS cannot redirect it. If you see the package is out for delivery and you need to change the address, call your post office when ready and ask them to try to intercept it, but be prepared for it to arrive at the original address anyway.

How much does it cost to change a package address?

There is no charge to change a USPS package address using Informed Delivery or by calling your post office. This service is free for all USPS customers.

What if I don't have a tracking number?

If you don't have the tracking number, you can still call your post office and give them your name and the original address. They may be able to look up the package, but it will take longer. Having the tracking number makes the process much faster.

Can I change the address more than once?

You can request one address change before the package is delivered. Once it arrives at an address, USPS cannot redirect it again. If it goes to the wrong place, you'll need to work with the sender or retailer to reship it.

What happens if USPS can't catch the package in time?

If the package arrives at the original address, you can pick it up there if you have access. If you don't, contact the person at that address and ask them to hold it or forward it to you. If they won't help, reach out to the sender or retailer to arrange a reship or refund.