How to Change Passport Delivery Address After Dispatch (2026 Guide)
If your passport has already been dispatched but is going to the wrong address (old house, incorrect PIN code, missing landmark, etc.), it can be stressful. Unfortunately, once a passport is dispatched through Speed Post, the delivery address cannot be changed online.
However, there are proven offline methods that work. This 2026 guide explains exactly what you can do based on your situation.
Can You Change Passport Delivery Address After Dispatch?
No — the delivery address cannot be changed online once the passport is dispatched.
This is because:
- A passport is a secure government document
- Delivery details are locked for security reasons
- Re-routing is not allowed during active transit
That said, you still have five working solutions to receive your passport safely.
Method 1: Collect Passport From the Delivery Post Office
This is the fastest and most successful method in most cases.
If your passport is heading to an old or incorrect address, you can collect it directly from the delivery post office.
Steps:
- Track your passport using the Speed Post tracking number
- Wait until the status shows Item Received for Delivery
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Visit the delivery post office with:
- Aadhaar card or valid ID proof
- Speed Post tracking number (print or screenshot)
- Passport file number
After identity verification, the post office will hand over the passport.
Method 2: Request Delivery at a Nearby Address
If the postman contacts you or you reach the post office early, delivery may be possible at:
- Your current residence in the same locality
- A nearby address
- A neighbor’s house (with permission)
This works only if the new address falls under the same delivery post office.
Method 3: Contact the Delivery Post Office Directly
If your new address is within the same PIN code, the post office may help adjust delivery based on landmarks or house number changes.
You may need to provide:
- Your full name
- Speed Post tracking number
- Updated address or landmark
- Reason for address correction
The postman may then deliver the passport to the corrected location.
Method 4: Allow Return to Sender and Request Re-Dispatch
If none of the above options work, this is the official fallback process.
After 2–3 failed delivery attempts, tracking will show:
Item Returned to Sender
This means the passport has been sent back to your Regional Passport Office (RPO).
Steps to request re-dispatch:
- Wait until tracking confirms the passport has reached the RPO
- Visit the Passport Seva Portal
- Open Track Application Status
- Select Raise a Service Request
- Choose Re-dispatch of Returned Passport
- Enter your new and correct delivery address
Your passport will be re-dispatched with a new Speed Post tracking number.
Method 5: Visit Your Regional Passport Office (RPO)
This is the fastest option when the matter is urgent.
Carry the following documents:
- Aadhaar card or valid ID
- Passport file number
- Speed Post tracking details
- Proof of new address (if required)
If the passport has already returned to the RPO, officials may:
- Hand it over directly
- Re-dispatch it to your new address
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I change the passport delivery address online after dispatch?
No. Online address changes are not allowed once the passport is dispatched.
Can the post office deliver to a new address?
Only if the new address is under the same delivery post office.
Can I collect the passport myself?
Yes. Visit the delivery post office with valid ID proof.
What if I moved to a different city?
Allow delivery to fail so the passport returns to the RPO, then request re-dispatch to the new city.
How long does passport re-dispatch take?
Usually 3–12 days, depending on region and workload.
