You can change a delivery address after a package has shipped, but only before it's delivered and usually for a fee. The carrier's intercept or delivery-management tools let you reroute a package to a new address, hold it for pickup, or send it back to you — what you can't do is simply edit the label after the fact.
For USPS, the tool is Package Intercept, which allows domestic address changes (and reroute-to-sender) for a fee. UPS and FedEx offer similar delivery-intercept and redirect options. The earlier you request the change, the more likely it succeeds — once the package is out for delivery, it's usually too late.
If the wrong address was used because of a typo, see our incomplete address delivery guide for what to expect. And if you're past the point of changing the address, you may instead need to stop or recall the package.
What It Means
Address Change vs. Other Tools
- Address change (redirect): reroute the in-transit package to a new address — the main topic here.
- Hold for pickup: keep the same destination but collect at a facility — see USPS hold, FedEx hold, UPS hold.
- Cancel: void before shipping — see can I cancel a shipment after it has been sent.
- Recall: send back to sender — see can I recall a shipped package.
Address Change by Carrier
- USPS: Package Intercept — domestic only, fee, reroute or return to sender.
- UPS: UPS Delivery Intercept — change address (domestic) or hold/return.
- FedEx: FedEx Delivery Manager / hold at location; full address change is limited — often hold or reroute to a FedEx facility.
Why It Happens
Why Address Changes Are Restricted
Once a package is scanned and routed, its destination is embedded in the carrier's sortation system. Changing the address mid-transit requires intercepting the package at a hub and re-labeling it, which is why carriers charge a fee and limit it to before the out-for-delivery stage. International address changes are generally not available because of customs and border constraints — see package stuck in customs.
How Long It Lasts
When You Can Still Change the Address
You can request an address change any time before the final delivery attempt — but it's most reliable if filed early (within a day of shipping). Once the package is on the delivery vehicle, address changes usually fail and you'll have to wait for a missed delivery or a refusal to act.
Should You Be Concerned?
Should You Be Concerned?
If you catch it early, address changes usually work. Be concerned if the package is already in transit toward a wrong or old address you can't access, or it's international (intercept rarely works). If the recipient moved, a package may be returned to sender or marked delivered to an old address — in which case see our guide on how often packages are misdelivered.
What You Can Do
What You Can Do
- File an intercept early — USPS Package Intercept for USPS; equivalent for UPS/FedEx.
- Use hold-for-pickup as a fallback if a full address change isn't available — see FedEx hold / UPS hold.
- Correct the underlying address to avoid future incomplete address issues.
- Ask the recipient to refuse if intercept fails — a refused package returns to sender.
- If it's already misdelivered: see how often are packages misdelivered.
When to Contact the Carrier
When to Contact the Carrier
File the address-change request as soon as you notice the error — same day is best. Have your tracking number ready. If the change fails and the package is lost, follow our lost package reporting guide. To understand the difference from full cancellation, see can I cancel a shipment after it has been sent.