How to change address on usps package

When you’re shipping tons of packages, mistakes are inevitable. Maybe you made a typo when entering your customer’s address; maybe your customer doesn’t live at the location they provided anymore. Whatever the reason, a lot of shippers need to change the shipping address on a USPS label once they’ve sent a package…but unfortunately, this isn’t possible.

Table of Contents

• You Can’t Change the Shipping Address on a USPS Label
• How to Intercept and Reroute a Package to a New Address Once You Send a Package
• Don’t Try to Write the New Address on the Original Label

You Can’t Change the Shipping Address on a USPS Label

First thing first: technically, you can’t change the shipping address on a USPS label. Once you purchase the label, the address information is what it is, and there’s no getting around that. However, if you made a mistake on it, you do have the option to intercept it and reroute it to a new address.

How to Intercept and Reroute a Package to a New Address Once You Send a Package

To begin the package reroute process, visit the package intercept landing page on USPS.com. Then, follow the below steps:

• Enter your USPS tracking number in the field on the top left-hand corner of the page to check if it’s eligible for an intercept
• If the package is eligible, you’ll need to create a free USPS account in order to submit a request
• Select the “Reroute” request, and enter your original address on the shipping label, then the new address you’d like to reroute the package to
• If USPS accepts the request, you’ll be prompted to pay an intercept fee plus any applicable postage due for the reroute
• Follow along with your tracking number on the USPS website to track your package as USPS transports it to the new address

Don’t Try to Write the New Address on the Original Label

Here’s an important tidbit: don’t cross out the shipping address printed on your label and write a new one next to it! This won’t help you at all, and in a lot of cases, USPS will simply return any marked-up packages back to you. USPS gets all of its delivery information from the barcode on the label, and in most cases, carriers don’t even look at the addresses that are printed out on the label in the first place. This is why it’s critical to file a reroute request through the USPS website; doing so changes the address data assigned to the tracking number in the USPS system, which USPS workers will then see when they scan the barcode on the label.

The USPS Package Intercept service allows a domestic shipment that hasn't been delivered or released for delivery to be held at a Post Office, as a Hold For Pickup, or sent to a different domestic address.

For more information and to use the USPS Package Intercept service,go to the USPS Package Intercept page.

Note: You must have a USPS account to use this service. Please do not confuse this with your Stamps.com account.

Are you moving or want to rent a post office box? Learn how to change your address to continue receiving mail or reserve a box at your local post office.

How to Change Your Address With the Postal Service

To let the post office know you are going to change your address permanently or temporarily and want your mail forwarded to your new location, you have two options:

• Go to USPS.com/move to change your address online.
  • This is the fastest and easiest way, and you immediately get an email confirming the change.
  • There is a $1.10 charge to change your address online. You will need a credit or debit card and a valid email address. The $1.10 charge to your card is an identity verification fee to prevent fraud and make sure you're the one making the change.
  • Warning: You don't need to pay a separate company to change your address. Scammers may charge $40 or more to do what you can do for just $1.10 using the moving section of the official USPS.com website.
• Go to your local post office and request the Mover’s Guide packet.
  • Inside the packet is PS Form 3575. Fill out this change of address form and give it to a postal worker behind the counter. Or, drop it into the letter mail slot inside the post office.
  • You should receive a confirmation letter at your new address in five business days.

How to Change Your Address With Other Government Agencies

Other federal and state agencies to contact when changing your address include: 

• IRS for federal taxes
• Social Security
• Veterans benefits
• Immigration
• Drivers license and Vehicle Registration
• Voter Registration

Forward or Hold Your Mail

Are you making a temporary move or heading out of town? The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) can forward your mail to a new address or hold it at your local post office for a limited time.

Forward Your Mail

If your move is temporary, the USPS can forward your mail from your old address to a new one for 15 days to one year.

• To get started, fill out an official USPS change of address form. This covers questions about the type of move, the mail forwarding start and end date, and more.
• Learn about other mail forwarding options, including the premium forwarding service.

Hold Your Mail

If you'll be away for three to 30 days, USPS can hold your mail at your local post office until you return. You can typically request this service as early as 30 days in advance or as late as the day before you want the hold to start. 

• Begin by creating or signing in to your USPS account. You can check to see if hold mail service is available for your address and choose the dates for your hold mail request.
  • Note: USPS has added an extra one-time-only security measure for online hold mail requests. You'll need to verify your identity online through a mobile phone passcode. Or, you can request an identity verification passcode to be mailed to your address. If you're not able to complete the identity verification online, you can still place a hold on your mail by going to your local post office. 
• If you want your mail held for longer than 30 days, sign up for the USPS mail forwarding service.

For a permanent move, learn how to change your address with the USPS.

File a Complaint with the U.S. Postal Service

Complaint About Mail Service

Do you have a complaint, compliment, or suggestion for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)? Maybe you’re looking for more information about USPS’s services. There are several ways to let them know:

• Use the USPS website’s Email Us form. Select an inquiry type that most closely relates to the complaint or question that you have. On the website, you can also file a claim or request a refund for shipping.

• Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or TTY: 1-800-877-8339.

• Speak to the station manager (postmaster) at a local post office.

• Contact the postal consumer and industry affairs office that handles questions for your district. Find your district consumer office.

• Email or write to the U.S.  Postal Service’s Headquarters Consumer Advocate office at:

United States Postal Service

Office of the Consumer Advocate

475 L’ Enfant Plaza SW

Washington, D.C. 20260-0004

Theft, Fraud, or Waste by the USPS or a USPS Employee

File a complaint with the USPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) by:

• Filing an online complaint

• Calling 1-888-USPS-OIG (1-888-877-7644)

• Finding more information about contacting the OIG

Mail Fraud or Theft by a Person or Company

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement agency that protects the mail system. Contact them to report:

• Mail fraud - File an online mail fraud complaint.

• Mail theft - Find out how to file a mail theft complaint online.

Comment or Complain About a Policy Change

To comment or complain about a major policy change, such as postage rates, contact the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). You can do so by using their online contact form.

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