How to Fix a Wrong Address After Mailing: USPS Package Intercept Guide (2025)
Quick Answer: Can You Fix a Wrong Address After Mailing?
Yes! Use USPS Package Intercept to redirect, hold, or return your package before it's delivered.
- • Go to USPS.com/intercept
- • Enter your tracking number
- • Choose to redirect, return, or hold at post office
- • Cost: ~$18+ (plus additional postage if redirecting)
Act Fast!
Package Intercept only works before delivery. Once the package is delivered to the wrong address, recovery becomes much harder. Check your tracking status immediately.
We've all been there—you just dropped off an important package and realized there's a wrong address on the package. Whether it's a typo, an old address, or a missing apartment number, sending a package to the wrong address is stressful. The good news is that USPS offers a solution: Package Intercept. This guide explains how to use it and other options to fix the mistake.
Table of Contents
What Is USPS Package Intercept?
USPS Package Intercept is a service that allows you to stop a package or letter in transit and have it redirected to a different address, returned to you, or held at a post office for pickup.
Package Intercept Options
- Redirect to New Address: Send the package to a different address than originally labeled (note: retail mailers may only be able to return or hold—redirect to new address may be limited to commercial accounts)
- Return to Sender: Have the package returned to your address
- Hold at Post Office: Have the package held for you to pick up
When to Use It
- • Wrong address on the label
- • Recipient moved
- • Need to add apt/unit number
- • Sent to wrong person
- • Changed your mind about sending
Limitations
- • Must request before delivery
- • Requires tracking number
- • Not guaranteed—USPS makes "best effort"
- • Fee required (~$18+)
- • Not all mail types eligible
How to Use Package Intercept
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Check tracking status: Go to USPS Tracking to confirm the package hasn't been delivered
- 2. Visit Package Intercept: Go to USPS.com/intercept
- 3. Log in or create account: You need a USPS.com account
- 4. Enter tracking number: Paste your tracking number
- 5. Choose intercept option: Redirect, return, or hold at post office
- 6. Enter new address (if redirecting): Provide the correct address
- 7. Pay the fee: Complete payment (~$18+ plus any additional postage)
- 8. Monitor tracking: Watch for intercept confirmation
Important Notes
- • No guarantee: Package Intercept is a "best effort" service. USPS will try, but can't guarantee interception
- • Timing is critical: Request ASAP—once it's on the truck for delivery, it may be too late
- • Refunds: If intercept fails, you may be eligible for a refund of the intercept fee
- • Tracking updates: You'll see "Package Intercept Processed" when successful
What Mail Is Eligible?
Package Intercept works with most trackable USPS mail classes, but not all mail qualifies.
| Mail Class | Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | ✅ Yes | Has tracking |
| Priority Mail | ✅ Yes | Has tracking |
| First-Class Package | ✅ Yes | Has tracking |
| USPS Ground Advantage | ✅ Yes | Has tracking |
| Certified Mail | ✅ Yes | Has tracking |
| Registered Mail | ✅ Yes | Has tracking |
| First-Class Mail (letters) | ⚠️ Only if it has tracking | Must have Certified Mail or tracking added |
| USPS Marketing Mail | ❌ No | No tracking |
First-Class Letters Without Tracking
If you sent a regular First-Class letter (without Certified Mail or other tracking), Package Intercept won't work. Your options are limited—you'll need to contact the recipient or wait for the mail to be returned as undeliverable (if the address is invalid).
Costs & Fees
| Fee Type | Cost (2025) |
|---|---|
| Package Intercept Fee | ~$18+ (check USPS.com for current rates) |
| Redirect Postage (if new address) | Varies by weight/distance |
| Return to Sender | Intercept fee only |
| Hold at Post Office | Intercept fee only |
Is It Worth the Fee?
Consider the value of what you're sending. For important documents, expensive items, or time-sensitive mail, $18+ is usually worth the peace of mind. For low-value items, you might choose to let it go or wait to see if it's returned naturally.
Alternative Options
Package Intercept isn't the only way to handle a wrong address. Here are other options:
1. Contact the Recipient
If you have contact information for the wrong address (or the person who lives there), reach out directly. Ask them to write "Return to Sender" on the package and leave it for the carrier, or forward it to the correct address.
2. Contact the Correct Recipient
Alert the intended recipient about the mistake. They may be able to coordinate with the wrong address to retrieve the package, or you can arrange to resend.
3. Wait for Return (If Address Is Invalid)
If the address doesn't exist or is undeliverable, USPS will return it to sender automatically (if you have a return address). This takes 1-3 weeks but costs nothing.
4. Visit Your Local Post Office
If the package was just dropped off and might still be at the origin post office, visit in person with your receipt. They may be able to retrieve it before it enters the mail stream.
What If It's Already Delivered?
Once the tracking shows "Delivered," Package Intercept is no longer an option. Here's what you can do:
Options After Delivery
- 1. Contact the recipient: Reach out to whoever received the package and ask them to forward it or return it
- 2. Visit the wrong address: Politely knock and ask for your package (bring ID and tracking info)
- 3. File a mail theft report: If the recipient refuses to return it, this may be mail theft (a federal crime)
- 4. Consider it a loss: Unfortunately, if you can't recover it, you may need to resend
Legal Considerations
By federal law, mail delivered to the wrong address should be returned to the carrier or post office. Keeping mail intended for someone else is technically mail theft. However, enforcing this can be difficult in practice.
How to Prevent Address Mistakes
Before Mailing
- • Double-check the address with the recipient
- • Use the USPS Address Lookup tool
- • Include apartment/unit numbers
- • Verify ZIP+4 codes
- • Read the label before dropping off
Use Online Mailing Services
- • Address verification before printing
- • Auto-correction suggestions
- • Digital address book storage
- • Preview before sending
Send Mail Online With Address Verification
When you send certified mail through The Letter Pilot, we can help verify addresses before printing—reducing the chance of errors before they become problems.
Send Certified Mail OnlineFrequently Asked Questions
Can I change the address on a package after I mailed it?
Yes, in many cases you can use USPS Package Intercept to redirect, return, or hold a package after it's been mailed. This service costs around $18+ and works for most trackable mail classes.
How do I fix a wrong address on mail I already sent?
Go to USPS.com, use Package Intercept with your tracking number, and request the package be redirected to the correct address, held at a post office, or returned to you. You must act before delivery.
What is USPS Package Intercept?
USPS Package Intercept is a service that lets you redirect, hold, or return a package after it's been mailed but before it's delivered. It works with Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First-Class Package, and other trackable mail.
How much does USPS Package Intercept cost?
USPS Package Intercept costs around $18+ per package (2025 rates). There may be additional postage if the package is redirected to a new address. Check USPS.com for current pricing.
How long does USPS Package Intercept take?
Processing typically takes 1-2 business days, but timing depends on where the package is in transit. You'll see a "Package Intercept Processed" tracking update when successful. Request as early as possible for the best chance of success.
Can I intercept a First-Class letter?
Only if it has tracking (like Certified Mail). Regular First-Class letters without tracking cannot be intercepted because USPS can't locate them in the system.
Avoid Address Errors From the Start
Send mail online with address verification tools. We can help check addresses before printing to reduce mistakes.
Send Mail Online NowRelated Guides
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