How to Complete a UPS Change of Address Form

September 27, 2024
by Anthony Robinson

If you're planning on moving house or business location, it's essential that you keep all of your important documents and deliveries moving with you. This includes packages that are sent via UPS. To make sure that your mail and packages keep arriving at your new address, it's vital that you update it with UPS. This is where the UPS Change of Address form comes in. In this article, we will walk you through how to complete a UPS Change of Address form.

Why You Need to Change Your UPS Address

There are several reasons why you may need to change your UPS address. If you're moving house or business location, you will need to update your address with UPS to ensure that all your mail and packages are sent to the right place. Additionally, if you're going to be away from your current address for an extended period, such as for a long vacation or business trip, you may want to have your mail and packages forwarded to a different location or held at a UPS facility for pickup. Whatever your reason for changing your address, UPS makes it easy with their Change of Address form.

Another reason why you may need to change your UPS address is if you have recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal reasons. It's important to update your name with UPS to avoid any confusion or delays in receiving your mail and packages. Additionally, if you have recently acquired a PO Box or a new physical address, you will need to update your UPS address to ensure that your mail and packages are delivered to the correct location. Remember, keeping your address up-to-date with UPS is crucial for ensuring that you receive your important mail and packages in a timely manner.

Understanding the UPS Change of Address Process

The UPS Change of Address process is a straightforward and simple one. You can complete the entire process online or by phone. There are two steps involved in the online process:

  1. Complete the online Change of Address form
  2. Verify your identity

Once you've completed these two steps, your Change of Address request will be submitted to UPS, and they will take care of the rest.

It's important to note that the UPS Change of Address process can take up to 10 business days to take effect. During this time, it's recommended that you notify any important contacts or businesses of your new address to ensure that your mail and packages are delivered to the correct location.

If you need to make any changes or updates to your Change of Address request, you can do so by logging into your UPS account and accessing the Change of Address section. From there, you can edit your information or cancel your request if necessary.

Steps for Completing the UPS Change of Address Form Online

Now let's walk you through the steps involved in completing the UPS Change of Address form online:

  1. Go to the official UPS website and navigate to the Change of Address page.
  2. Enter your personal information, including your full name, current address, and new address.
  3. Choose the type of move - whether it's permanent or temporary.
  4. Provide your email address and phone number.
  5. Choose your preferred delivery method - whether you want your mail and packages forwarded to your new address, held at a UPS facility for pickup, or sent to a different address entirely.
  6. Select the duration of the forwarding service. If you're opting for a temporary move, you can choose the duration of the forwarding service. If you're making a permanent move, you can choose to have your mail and packages forwarded for six months, 12 months, or indefinitely.
  7. Provide payment information for any applicable fees.
  8. Verify your identity by providing a credit or debit card number. UPS will charge your card a nominal fee as part of the identity verification process, which will be refunded later.
  9. Review your information and submit your request. You'll receive a confirmation email from UPS, containing a confirmation number that you can use to track the status of your Change of Address request.

It's important to note that the UPS Change of Address form online is only available for domestic moves within the United States. If you're moving internationally, you'll need to visit a UPS store or contact UPS customer service to complete your change of address request.

Additionally, if you're a business owner looking to change your business address with UPS, you'll need to complete a separate form. The UPS Change of Address form for businesses requires additional information, such as your business name, tax ID number, and the names of authorized representatives who can make changes to your account.

Tips for Filling Out the UPS Change of Address Form Correctly

There are a few tips to keep in mind when completing the UPS Change of Address form to ensure that everything goes smoothly:

  • Make sure to provide accurate information about your current and new address, including your full name and any apartment or suite numbers.
  • Double-check your email and phone number to make sure they're correct, as UPS will use this information to contact you if there are any questions or issues with your Change of Address request.
  • Choose the correct delivery method that suits your requirements best, and input the correct information in the forwarding address section if necessary.

It's important to note that the UPS Change of Address form is only valid for six months. If you need to extend your forwarding period, you'll need to submit a new form before the initial six months are up. Additionally, if you're moving internationally, you'll need to fill out a different form and provide additional documentation. Be sure to check the UPS website for specific instructions and requirements for international moves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing the UPS Change of Address Form

Along with the tips above, it's important to avoid making common mistakes that could delay or hinder your Change of Address request:

  • Don't forget to select the type of move, as this will affect the duration and delivery method of your mail and packages while your Change of Address request is in effect.
  • Make sure to input all information correctly, including your current and new address, and any delivery details such as apartment or suite numbers.
  • Be sure to verify your identity, as UPS won't be able to process your Change of Address request without doing so.

It's also important to note that UPS charges a fee for their Change of Address service. The fee varies depending on the duration of the request and the method of verification chosen. It's recommended to review the fee schedule before submitting your request to avoid any surprises.

How Long Does It Take for a UPS Change of Address to Take Effect?

Once you've submitted your UPS Change of Address request, it will take a minimum of seven business days to take effect. However, this can take longer if you're moving internationally, or if there are any issues with verifying your identity or processing your request. It is always best to submit your request as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

It's important to note that during the seven-day waiting period, any packages or mail sent to your old address will still be delivered there. To ensure that you receive all of your mail and packages at your new address, it's recommended that you also update your address with any companies or individuals who regularly send you mail or packages. This includes banks, credit card companies, and online retailers. By updating your address with these entities, you can avoid any potential delays or issues with receiving important mail or packages.

What Happens If You Don't Notify UPS of Your Address Change?

If you don't notify UPS of your address change, your mail and packages will continue to be delivered to your old address. This can cause delays, and your mail and packages may even be lost or stolen. Additionally, UPS may charge you for any misdirected or returned packages.

It is important to note that UPS will not automatically forward your mail and packages to your new address. You must update your address with UPS to ensure that your mail and packages are delivered to the correct location. Failure to do so may result in your mail and packages being returned to the sender.

Furthermore, if you have any scheduled deliveries or pickups with UPS, you will need to update your address information to avoid any missed or delayed shipments. This is especially important if you are expecting time-sensitive or valuable packages.

Updating Your Shipping Preferences After a UPS Change of Address

After you complete your UPS Change of Address form, it's important to update your shipping preferences to ensure that your packages are delivered to the correct address. You can update your preferences on the UPS website or by contacting UPS customer service.

It's also important to note that updating your shipping preferences may affect the delivery time and cost of your packages. For example, if you previously had packages delivered to a UPS Access Point location, but have now changed your address to a residential address, the delivery time may be longer and the cost may be higher. It's recommended to review and update your shipping preferences as soon as possible to avoid any delays or additional fees.

How to Track Your Packages After Completing a UPS Change of Address

You can track your packages after completing a UPS Change of Address request by entering your tracking number into the UPS website's tracking tool. This will show you the status of your package and where it is in the delivery process.

Completing a UPS Change of Address form is a simple process that can save you time and hassle in the long run. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that all of your mail and packages are forwarded to your new address correctly.

It is important to note that it may take a few days for your change of address to take effect and for your packages to be forwarded to your new address. During this time, it is recommended that you keep an eye on the tracking information for your packages to ensure that they are being properly redirected. If you notice any issues or delays, you can contact UPS customer service for assistance.

About the Author

Anthony Robinson is the CEO of ShipScience, a pioneering company dedicated to helping e-commerce leaders optimize their shipping decisions, reduce costs, and automate tedious processes. With a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Stanford University, Anthony brings over a decade of expertise in logistics, business development, and operational efficiency to the table.

Since founding ShipScience in 2018, Anthony has empowered numerous e-commerce businesses to navigate the complexities of parcel shipping through data-driven insights and innovative solutions. His leadership extends beyond ShipScience, having established Refund Geeks and served on advisory boards at Ciye and RESA Power, showcasing his commitment to driving corporate growth and enhancing operational strategies.

Anthony is passionate about leveraging technology to streamline supply chains and improve customer experiences in the last mile. When he’s not strategizing shipping solutions, he enjoys connecting with industry leaders and staying ahead of the latest trends in e-commerce and logistics.

Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and insights on optimizing shipping for e-commerce businesses.

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