How to Change Your UPS Delivery Address Before It Arrives

You can change a UPS delivery address, but only before the package leaves the facility nearest to you

UPS allows you to redirect a package to a different address, but the window to do it is narrow. Once a package is out for delivery on the truck, you cannot change the address through UPS—you will have to refuse it and wait for it to return, then place a new order. The earlier you catch the package, the better your options.

The fastest way to change the address is through the UPS tracking page or the UPS mobile app. You can also call UPS Customer Service directly. Both routes work, but the app and website let you see in real time whether the package is still at a facility or already in transit to your door.

Key Takeaways

You can change the delivery address only while the package is still at a UPS facility—once it is loaded onto a delivery truck, you cannot redirect it.
The UPS tracking page and mobile app show you the package status and let you request a change when ready, often within minutes.
If you call UPS Customer Service, have your tracking number ready and be prepared to provide the new address and confirm your identity.
If the package is already out for delivery, you can refuse it at the door and request it be returned to the sender, then place a new order.
UPS may charge a fee to redirect a package to a different address, depending on how far the new address is from the original one.

Changing the address through the UPS website or app

Go to ups.com and enter your tracking number in the "Track a Package" box at the top of the page. The tracking details will show you the current status—if it says "In Transit" or "Out for Delivery," you have limited or no options. If it says "On the Way" or "In a UPS Facility," you can still make a change.

Once you see the tracking details, look for a link or button that says "Delivery Options" or "Manage Delivery." Click it and select "Change Delivery Address." You will be asked to enter the new address and confirm the change. The UPS mobile app works the same way—open the app, find the package, and tap into the delivery options menu.

The change usually takes effect within a few minutes if the package has not yet left the local facility. UPS will send you a confirmation email or text with the updated delivery address. If the system will not let you change the address, it means the package is already on a delivery truck, and you will need to use a different method.

Calling UPS Customer Service to redirect your package

If you prefer to speak to someone or the online option does not work, call UPS Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877. Have your tracking number ready before you call. The representative will look up your package, confirm the current status, and tell you whether a change is possible.

If the package can be redirected, the representative will ask you for the new address and will confirm your identity by asking for the sender's name or the last four digits of the phone number on the shipment. They will process the change and give you a confirmation number. Write it down in case you need to follow up.

The phone line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times can be long during peak shipping seasons, so calling early in the day usually means a shorter hold.

What happens if the package is already out for delivery

If the tracking page shows "Out for Delivery," the package is on the truck and cannot be redirected to a new address. Your options at that point are to refuse the package when the driver arrives or to contact the driver directly if you have their phone number (sometimes shown in the tracking details).

If you refuse the package at the door, tell the driver you want it returned to the sender. The driver will mark it as refused, and it will go back to the UPS facility and eventually back to the shipper. Once it arrives back at the sender, you can place a new order and have it sent to the correct address.

Refusing a package takes longer than changing the address early—the return trip alone can take several days, and the sender then has to process the return and ship again. This is why catching the package before it leaves the local facility makes a real difference.

Fees and restrictions for address changes

UPS may charge a fee to change the delivery address, though the amount varies. If you are redirecting the package to an address very close to the original one (same city or neighborhood), there is often no charge. If the new address is far away or in a different service area, UPS may charge between $5 and $15, depending on the distance and the type of service.

Some packages cannot be redirected at all. Packages marked as "Signature Required," packages containing hazardous materials, or packages going to certain rural or international addresses may have restrictions. The tracking page or the UPS representative will tell you if your package falls into one of these categories.

If you are the sender and you want to change the address before the package ships, contact the shipper directly—do not go through UPS. The shipper can cancel the shipment and create a new one with the correct address before it ever reaches UPS.

Using UPS My Choice to manage future deliveries

If you sign up for UPS My Choice (free on the UPS website), you can see packages headed to you before they arrive and manage delivery options in advance. With My Choice, you can change the address, request a specific delivery date, or have the package held at a UPS location for you to pick up.

My Choice also lets you set up delivery preferences—for example, you can ask UPS to always leave packages in a specific spot or to require a signature. These settings explore to all packages coming to your address, so you do not have to manage each one individually.

To sign up, go to ups.com/mychoice and create an account with your email address. You will need to verify your identity and confirm your address. Once you are set up, UPS will notify you by email or text when a package is on the way, and you can make changes right from the notification.

What to do if you cannot reach UPS in time

If you realize the address is wrong but you cannot get through to UPS or change it online, your best option is to be home when the package arrives and refuse it at the door. Tell the driver you want it returned to the sender, and ask them to note that on the delivery attempt.

If you are not home and the driver leaves the package, you have a short window (usually 24 hours) to contact UPS and ask them to pick it up before you take possession of it. Call the local UPS Customer Service number (found on the delivery notice left at your door) and explain the situation. They may be able to arrange a pickup.

Once you have taken possession of a package, it belongs to you, and returning it becomes more complicated. You would need to contact the sender to arrange a return shipment at your own cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once a package is on the delivery truck, UPS cannot redirect it. You will need to refuse it at the door and request it be returned to the sender, then place a new order with the correct address.

Will UPS charge me to change the delivery address?

UPS may charge a fee depending on how far the new address is from the original one. Nearby address changes are often free, but redirecting to a distant location can cost $5 to $15. The representative or tracking page will tell you the fee before you confirm the change.

How long does it take to change a UPS delivery address?

If you change it online or through the app, the change usually takes effect within minutes. If you call, the representative can process it when ready, but the package still has to reach the new address, which depends on how far it is and when it left the facility.

What if the sender will not let me change the address?

The sender controls the shipment until it reaches you. If they refuse to change it, you can refuse the package at the door when it arrives and ask for it to be returned. Once it is back with the sender, you can work with them to ship it to the correct address.

Can I pick up the package at a UPS location instead of having it delivered?

Yes. Through UPS My Choice or by calling UPS, you can request that the package be held at a nearby UPS Customer Center for you to pick up. This is useful if you are not sure when you will be home or if you want to avoid a delivery attempt altogether.

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.