How to Update Recipient Address Before Delivery: USPS Redirect Guide (2025)
Quick Answer: Can You Change the Delivery Address?
Yes! Use USPS Package Intercept to redirect your package to a new address.
- • Go to USPS.com/intercept
- • Enter your tracking number
- • Select "Redirect to New Address"
- • Pay fee (~$18.35 + additional postage)
Time-Sensitive!
You must request the redirect before the package is "Out for Delivery." Once it's on the delivery truck, it's too late to intercept.
Whether the recipient moved, you need to change the delivery location, or you simply entered the wrong address, USPS provides options to update the delivery address before a package arrives. This guide covers how both senders and recipients can redirect domestic USPS mail in transit using Package Intercept and other services.
Table of Contents
Options for Senders
If you're the sender and need to change where the package is delivered, you have the most control—you own the tracking number and can take action immediately.
| Option | When to Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Package Intercept - Redirect | Need to deliver to different address | ~$18.35 + postage |
| Package Intercept - Return | Need package back to resend yourself | ~$18.35 |
| Package Intercept - Hold | Have recipient pick up at post office | ~$18.35 |
Sender Advantage
As the sender, you can redirect a package to any address, not just addresses associated with the recipient. This is useful when sending gifts or if the recipient moved to a completely new location.
Options for Recipients
If you're expecting a package but won't be at the delivery address, you have several options depending on timing and how the package was shipped.
1. USPS Informed Delivery
If you're enrolled in Informed Delivery, you can request delivery changes for packages addressed to you:
- • Hold at Post Office for pickup
- • Schedule a specific delivery date
- • Leave delivery instructions
2. Hold for Pickup
Request that USPS hold the package at your local post office instead of delivering it. This is free and available through Informed Delivery or by contacting USPS directly.
3. USPS Hold Mail Service
If you're traveling, USPS Hold Mail holds ALL your mail at the post office for up to 30 days. You pick it all up when you return.
4. Ask the Sender
Contact the sender and ask them to use Package Intercept to redirect the package. This gives them more options (like redirecting to a completely different address) than you have as the recipient.
Recipient Limitations
Recipients generally cannot redirect packages to a completely different address (like a friend's house). You can typically only hold for pickup, schedule delivery dates, or use mail forwarding (which requires setup in advance).
How to Use Package Intercept
Domestic Shipments Only
USPS Package Intercept is only available for domestic U.S. shipments. It cannot be used for international mail or packages. For international redirects, contact USPS customer service directly.
Step-by-Step for Senders
- 1. Check tracking status: Confirm package hasn't been delivered at USPS Tracking
- 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. Select intercept type: Choose "Redirect to New Address"
- 6. Enter new address: Provide the complete corrected address
- 7. Pay the fee: ~$18.35 plus additional postage if needed (2025 rates)
- 8. Confirm and monitor: Watch for "Package Intercept Processed" status
Eligible Mail Classes
- ✅ Priority Mail Express
- ✅ Priority Mail
- ✅ First-Class Package
- ✅ USPS Ground Advantage
- ✅ Certified Mail
- ✅ Registered Mail
Not Eligible
- ❌ First-Class letters without tracking or extra services
- ❌ USPS Marketing Mail
- ❌ Periodicals
- ❌ Already delivered packages
How to Hold for Pickup
If you'd rather pick up the package yourself instead of redirecting it, you can request a hold at the post office.
For Recipients (Free Options)
- 1. Informed Delivery: Log in and select "Hold at Post Office" for specific packages
- 2. USPS.com: Use the tracking page to request "Hold for Pickup"
- 3. Phone: Call 1-800-ASK-USPS and request hold
For Senders (Package Intercept)
Use Package Intercept and select "Hold at Post Office." The package will be held for the recipient to pick up. This costs ~$18.35.
Note: The recipient will need ID matching the name on the package to pick it up.
Requesting Redelivery to New Address
If a delivery attempt failed and you received a notice, you can request redelivery to a different address in some cases.
After a Missed Delivery
- 1. Go to USPS.com/redelivery
- 2. Enter your tracking number or barcode from the pink slip
- 3. Choose a new delivery date
- 4. Add delivery instructions if needed
Note: Standard redelivery goes to the same address. Changing to a different address typically requires Package Intercept.
Costs & Timeline
| Service | Cost | Timeline Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Package Intercept - Redirect | ~$18.35 + postage | Adds 2-5 days |
| Package Intercept - Hold | ~$18.35 | Adds 1-2 days |
| Hold for Pickup (Recipient) | Free | Same day |
| Redelivery | Free | Next available day |
Additional Postage for Redirects
If the new address requires more postage than the original (farther distance, different zone), you'll pay the difference. USPS will calculate this during the intercept request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the delivery address on a USPS package in transit?
Yes, you can use USPS Package Intercept to redirect a package to a different address before it's delivered. You need the tracking number and must act before the package is marked "Out for Delivery."
How do I redirect a USPS package to a new address?
Go to USPS.com/intercept, log in or create an account, enter your tracking number, select "Redirect to New Address," provide the new address, and pay the fee (approximately $18.35 plus any additional postage).
Can the recipient change their own delivery address?
Recipients can use USPS Informed Delivery to request Package Intercept on packages addressed to them. They can also hold packages at a post office for pickup using USPS Hold for Pickup service.
How much does it cost to redirect a USPS package?
USPS Package Intercept costs approximately $18.35 plus any additional postage required for the redirect (2025 rates; subject to change). If the new address is farther or requires different shipping, you may pay extra.
How long does it take to redirect a package?
Package Intercept typically adds 2-5 days to delivery time. The package must be located, rerouted, and then sent to the new address through the USPS network.
What if the package is already "Out for Delivery"?
Once a package shows "Out for Delivery," it's too late for Package Intercept. You'll need to either accept delivery at the original address, or wait for a delivery attempt to fail and then request changes.
Is USPS Package Intercept guaranteed?
No, Package Intercept is a "best effort" service. USPS will attempt to intercept the package, but success depends on timing and location. The fee applies regardless of whether the intercept is successful.
Can I use Package Intercept for international shipments?
No, USPS Package Intercept is only available for domestic U.S. shipments. For international mail, contact USPS customer service directly for available options.
Get the Address Right the First Time
Avoid redirect fees by verifying addresses before mailing. When you send certified mail through The Letter Pilot, we validate addresses to prevent delivery problems.
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Tags: update recipient address, redirect USPS package, change delivery address, USPS package intercept, change USPS delivery address