A DPD missed delivery usually means the driver could not hand over the parcel, use an authorised safe place or complete another permitted delivery option.
The parcel may be scheduled for another attempt, redirected to a DPD Pickup location or returned to the sender if delivery remains unsuccessful.
The recipient should open the full tracking record as soon as possible. It may show a delivery photograph, the reason for the failed attempt and any options available for rearranging the parcel.
The main steps are:
- Check the latest tracking status.
- Review the delivery photograph or calling-card details.
- Confirm that the driver visited the correct address.
- Choose an available redelivery, neighbour, safe-place or Pickup option.
- Contact DPD when the tracking does not explain what happens next.
- Contact the retailer if the order becomes lost, delayed or returned.
DPD Online states that it will make every effort to deliver a parcel, including up to three attempts for applicable bookings, before returning an undeliverable shipment to the sender. The exact process can vary according to the sender, parcel type and service used.
Readers can find a broader overview of parcel times, tracking, weekends, bank holidays and delivery fraud in the complete DPD delivery guide.
What Does a DPD Missed Delivery Mean?
A missed delivery means that DPD recorded an unsuccessful attempt to complete the parcel’s delivery.
This may happen because:
- Nobody was available to answer the door.
- The driver could not access the building.
- The recipient did not respond within the available time.
- Identification or an age check could not be completed.
- A signature or direct handover was required.
- The safe place was unavailable or unsuitable.
- The selected neighbour was not available.
- The address was incomplete or difficult to locate.
- A gate, intercom or reception area could not be accessed.
- The parcel could not be left unattended.
- The driver reached the wrong entrance.
- The route was interrupted before delivery could be completed.
The recipient should not rely only on a paper calling card. The online tracking record may contain newer information about where the parcel has gone and what options are available.
How Can Someone Check What Happened?
The recipient can enter the parcel number and delivery postcode into the official DPD tracking service.
The full record may show:
- The time of the attempt
- The driver’s delivery photograph
- The entrance or property visited
- The reason recorded for non-delivery
- Whether the parcel went to a Pickup location
- Whether another attempt is planned
- Whether action is required from the recipient
- Whether the parcel is being returned
- A revised delivery date
- Available delivery-management options
The photograph should be examined carefully. It may help establish whether the driver visited the correct house, flat, commercial entrance or apartment block.
What Happens After a Missed DPD Delivery?
What happens next depends on the instructions permitted by the sender and the status recorded by the driver.
DPD may:
- Make another delivery attempt
- Ask the recipient to select a new date
- Redirect the parcel to a DPD Pickup shop
- Leave it with an authorised neighbour
- Use an approved safe place
- Hold it while further instructions are provided
- Return it to the sender after unsuccessful attempts
A retailer can restrict certain options. For example, a high-value order may not be eligible for neighbour or safe-place delivery.
The tracking page should be treated as the main source of information for the individual parcel because not every DPD shipment follows an identical redelivery process.
Will DPD Automatically Try Again?
DPD may automatically make another attempt, but recipients should not assume that this will always happen without checking the tracking record.
DPD Online says applicable parcels can receive up to three delivery attempts. However, another shipment may be redirected, held or returned sooner because of the service purchased, sender instructions, address problem or parcel contents.
A further attempt is more likely when tracking shows:
- A new expected delivery date
- Delivery will be attempted again
- The parcel has returned to the local depot
- The recipient can rearrange the delivery
- No additional address information is required
The recipient should act promptly when the tracking asks them to choose an option. Waiting too long could result in the parcel being returned.
How Can a DPD Delivery Be Rearranged?
Eligible parcels can usually be managed through DPD’s online delivery tools or app.
Depending on the sender’s restrictions, the recipient may be able to:
- Select another delivery date
- Choose an authorised safe place
- Nominate a neighbour
- Divert the parcel to a Pickup shop
- Add building-access information
- Provide accessibility instructions
- Give the driver more time to answer the door
The recipient can begin through DPD’s delivery help and rearrangement page.
Options may disappear when the parcel has already been placed on a route or the driver is close to the address. A change should therefore be made as early as possible.
Can Someone Choose a New Delivery Date?
A new delivery date may be available when the sender and parcel service permit it.
The recipient should check:
- Which dates are offered
- Whether weekends are included
- Whether a bank holiday affects the selection
- Whether the parcel must be received by a particular person
- Whether the change has been confirmed
- Whether a new one-hour window will be issued
A selected date is not always an exact time commitment. The recipient should continue monitoring tracking on the new delivery day.
If the parcel remains out for delivery later than expected, the explanation of what time DPD delivers until covers late-running routes and missed delivery windows.
Can DPD Leave the Parcel in a Safe Place?
DPD may leave an eligible parcel in a safe place when the sender allows it and the recipient has selected or authorised a suitable location.
Possible safe places include:
- A secure porch
- A shed
- A garage
- A concealed side entrance
- An external storage box
- Another protected location on the property
A suitable safe place should normally be:
- Hidden from public view
- Protected from rain and bad weather
- Accessible to the driver
- Clearly identified
- Away from bins that may be collected
- Secure enough for the parcel involved
Not every parcel can be left unattended. Restrictions may apply to expensive goods, medicines, age-restricted products, items requiring identification or shipments for which the sender requires direct receipt.
The customer should check that old safe-place instructions are not still saved in an account or app.
Can DPD Deliver the Parcel to a Neighbour?
A neighbour option may be available, but the sender can prevent neighbour delivery.
Where the option is permitted, the recipient may be able to nominate a particular nearby property. The neighbour should be someone trusted and likely to be available.
Before choosing this option, the recipient should confirm:
- The neighbour’s correct house or flat number
- Whether the neighbour has agreed to accept the parcel
- Whether the building has secure access
- Whether the parcel is too large or valuable
- Whether the sender permits the diversion
If the tracking later says the parcel was delivered to a neighbour, the recorded name or address should be checked before reporting it missing.
Can a Missed Parcel Be Sent to a DPD Pickup Shop?
An eligible parcel may be diverted to a participating DPD Pickup location.
This can be useful when:
- Nobody will be home during the next attempt.
- The address is difficult for drivers to access.
- The recipient works away from home.
- A safe place is not secure.
- The parcel should not be left with a neighbour.
- The recipient wants to collect it at a convenient time.
Customers can locate participating shops through the DPD Pickup finder.
The recipient should wait until tracking confirms that the parcel is ready before travelling. The shop may be open while the parcel is still at a depot or in transit.
The notification should be checked for:
- The correct Pickup address
- Opening hours
- The collection deadline
- Any collection code
- Identification requirements
- The person permitted to collect
Can Someone Collect a Missed Parcel From a DPD Depot?
A tracking status showing that the parcel is at a depot does not automatically mean that public collection is available.
Many delivery depots are operational sites rather than ordinary customer collection points. A recipient should not travel to one without direct confirmation from DPD.
Before attempting depot collection, the customer would need to confirm:
- That collection is permitted
- The exact depot address
- Its customer opening hours
- Which documents are required
- Whether an appointment is needed
- Whether the parcel has been removed from its delivery route
In most cases, the online options, another delivery attempt or a Pickup diversion are more practical.
How Long Will DPD Hold a Missed Parcel?
There is no single holding period that should be assumed for every parcel.
The period can depend on:
- The service purchased by the sender
- How many attempts have already been made
- Whether the recipient selected a Pickup shop
- The retailer’s instructions
- The parcel’s contents
- Whether an address problem remains unresolved
- Local depot or Pickup arrangements
The tracking notification should provide the relevant deadline where action is required.
Recipients should rearrange or collect the parcel promptly rather than waiting until the final day. Once return processing begins, customer service may not be able to stop the parcel.
How Many Times Will DPD Attempt Delivery?
DPD Online says it may make up to three attempts before returning an undeliverable parcel to the sender. This should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every DPD shipment will receive exactly three doorstep visits.
A parcel may receive fewer attempts when:
- The address is invalid.
- The recipient has moved.
- The sender requests a return.
- Delivery has been refused.
- The parcel cannot legally or safely be delivered.
- Required information is not provided.
- A Pickup option replaces another doorstep attempt.
- The shipment follows different contractual terms.
The individual tracking history should show how many attempts have been recorded.
What Happens After the Final Delivery Attempt?
When DPD cannot complete delivery after the permitted attempts, the parcel may be returned to the sender.
The tracking record may display wording such as:
- Returning to sender
- Unable to deliver
- Undeliverable
- Address incomplete
- Recipient unavailable
- Delivery refused
- Return in progress
Once a parcel is returned, the recipient will normally need to contact the retailer or sender. DPD may not be able to reverse the journey after the parcel has entered the return network.
The retailer can explain whether it will:
- Send the order again
- Correct the delivery address
- Issue a refund
- Deduct a return charge where permitted
- Ask the customer to place a new order
- Cancel the transaction
Why Did DPD Miss the Delivery When Someone Was Home?
A recipient may be at home but still miss the driver.
Possible explanations include:
- The bell or intercom was not working.
- The driver used a different entrance.
- The building number was difficult to see.
- The driver could not pass a security gate.
- The recipient did not hear the knock.
- The driver attended another flat or unit.
- Access instructions were incomplete.
- The parcel was on a different vehicle.
- The recorded attempt was inaccurate.
- The route update appeared before the recipient checked the door.
The recipient should examine the delivery photograph, timestamp and property details.
Evidence that may help a complaint includes:
- Doorbell-camera footage
- Building CCTV
- Reception records
- Intercom logs
- Photographs of the correct entrance
- Screenshots of the delivery update
- Proof that access instructions were supplied
The customer should describe the specific discrepancy rather than simply saying that nobody attempted delivery.
What If the Driver Went to the Wrong Address?
The recipient should save the tracking photograph and compare it with the correct property.
Useful differences may include:
- Door colour
- House number
- Brickwork
- Floor covering
- Windows
- Plants or garden features
- Flat or building signage
- Porch design
- Neighbouring properties
The recipient should report that the attempted-delivery evidence does not match the agreed address.
They should not travel to an unfamiliar property or confront another resident. DPD and the sender should investigate the driver’s route and delivery record.
What If No Calling Card Was Left?
A physical card is not always necessary for the tracking record to update.
The driver may record the attempt digitally, with information appearing through:
- Text message
- The DPD app
- Online tracking
- A retailer’s order page
The customer should search their email spam folder and verify that the sender supplied the correct mobile number and email address.
A missing card does not necessarily mean that no attempt was recorded. However, the lack of both a card and accurate digital evidence may support a complaint when the recipient believes the driver did not attend.
Why Did the Driver Not Use the Safe Place?
A driver may decide that the selected safe place cannot be used.
Possible reasons include:
- It was visible from the road.
- The area was wet or exposed.
- Access was blocked.
- The location contained hazards.
- A locked gate prevented entry.
- The parcel was too large.
- The sender prohibited unattended delivery.
- The shipment required a signature or identification.
- The driver could not confidently identify the location.
The recipient should choose another permitted option rather than assuming the driver was required to leave every parcel unattended.
Why Was the Parcel Not Left With a Neighbour?
Neighbour delivery may not be available because:
- The sender disabled the option.
- No eligible neighbour was available.
- The nominated neighbour refused the parcel.
- The item required direct delivery.
- The neighbouring property could not be accessed.
- The parcel was unsuitable for diversion.
- The driver could not identify the correct neighbour safely.
A retailer may impose these restrictions for security, insurance or regulatory reasons.
What Happens With Age-Restricted or Identification-Required Parcels?
Some parcels require the driver to complete additional checks before handover.
The driver may need to verify:
- The recipient’s age
- An acceptable identity document
- The person named in the order
- A delivery code
- A signature
- Another sender-defined requirement
If the check cannot be completed, the parcel may not be left in a safe place or handed to a neighbour.
The recipient should review the retailer’s delivery instructions and ensure the appropriate person and documents are available for the next attempt.
What If the Parcel Was Refused?
A parcel may be recorded as refused when someone at the address declines to accept it.
This can happen because:
- The recipient did not recognise the sender.
- The parcel appeared damaged.
- A household member refused it by mistake.
- The order had been cancelled.
- The person believed the delivery was fraudulent.
- The driver attended the wrong address.
A refused parcel may be returned without another attempt.
The recipient should contact the retailer quickly when the refusal was a mistake. It may not be possible to stop the return once the parcel has left the local depot.
Can a Missed Delivery Be Changed on the Same Day?
A same-day change may be possible when the relevant option remains available, but it should not be assumed.
Once the parcel is on the vehicle, the system may restrict:
- Changing the address
- Selecting a different date
- Diverting to a Pickup shop
- Choosing a neighbour
- Adding new safe-place details
Some instructions may take effect only on the next attempt.
The earlier the recipient updates the delivery preference, the more likely it is to be applied successfully.
Can the Delivery Address Be Changed?
A complete address change may be restricted after the parcel has entered DPD’s network.
Security concerns can prevent a high-value order from being redirected to an unrelated postcode.
The recipient may instead be offered:
- A new delivery date
- A Pickup shop
- A neighbour
- A safe place
- Return to the sender
Where the original address is incorrect, the sender may need to request a correction because it created the shipment.
The recipient should never submit a new address through an unverified email or text message.
What If DPD Tracking Does Not Update After the Missed Attempt?
The parcel may be travelling back to the depot or waiting for the next scan.
Tracking can remain unchanged while it is:
- On the delivery vehicle
- Returning to the depot
- Waiting to be unloaded
- Being prepared for another route
- Awaiting the recipient’s instructions
- Entering the return process
A short delay does not automatically mean the parcel is lost.
When no new information appears after the next working-day processing cycle, the troubleshooting guide for DPD tracking not updating explains the steps to take.
What If DPD Says Delivered Instead of Missed?
A delivered status should be treated differently from an unsuccessful attempt.
The recipient should check:
- The delivery photograph
- Approved safe places
- Neighbour information
- Household members
- Reception or concierge staff
- Communal parcel areas
- The delivery address
If the parcel cannot be found, the guide for cases where DPD says delivered but it was not received explains proof of delivery and retailer responsibility.
Screenshots should be saved before the tracking record changes.
What If DPD Missed Delivery on a Friday?
The next delivery date depends on whether the parcel has an eligible weekend service.
Possible outcomes include:
- Another attempt on Saturday
- Delivery on Sunday
- Delivery on Monday
- Delivery after a bank holiday
- Diversion to a Pickup location
- A date selected by the recipient
A standard weekday parcel should not automatically be expected on Saturday simply because the first attempt happened on Friday.
The guide explaining whether DPD delivers on weekends covers Saturday and Sunday service availability.
What If a Bank Holiday Follows the Missed Delivery?
A bank holiday may delay the next attempt, depot processing or Pickup movement.
The parcel could remain at a depot until normal service resumes. A next-working-day attempt may therefore occur later than the next calendar day.
Different public holidays apply in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A regional holiday can affect either the sender’s depot or the recipient’s local network.
Readers can check the detailed explanation of DPD deliveries on bank holidays.
Can a Missed-Delivery Message Be a Scam?
Yes. Fraudsters frequently send emails and texts claiming that a parcel could not be delivered.
The message may ask the recipient to:
- Pay a small redelivery fee
- Confirm an address
- Enter card information
- Select a new delivery slot
- Provide a banking security code
- Download an application
- Sign in to a fake account
A genuine-looking DPD logo or delivery button does not prove that the message is authentic.
The recipient should enter the parcel reference independently on DPD’s official website. The guide to identifying a DPD scam email covers suspicious payment demands and fraudulent redelivery pages.
Does DPD Charge a Redelivery Fee?
An unexpected email or text demanding a small redelivery payment should be treated cautiously.
Legitimate charges can depend on who booked the shipment and the circumstances, but recipients should never pay through an unverified link.
Before entering financial information, they should:
- Check whether a real parcel is expected.
- Verify the tracking number independently.
- Review the official tracking history.
- Contact the retailer.
- Use DPD’s recognised support channels.
- Confirm exactly why a fee would apply.
A message that pressures the recipient to pay immediately is a common phishing warning sign.
How Can Someone Contact DPD About a Missed Delivery?
The recipient should prepare:
- The parcel reference
- The delivery postcode
- The attempted-delivery time
- The tracking photograph
- The sender’s name
- Any calling-card number
- Details of the problem
- The preferred redelivery option
The guide to contacting DPD customer service provides the current telephone, chat and online support routes.
DPD also provides an online parcel-help service for shipments that are damaged, missing or have not arrived.
Should the Retailer Be Contacted?
The retailer should generally be contacted when:
- The order does not arrive after repeated attempts.
- DPD returns it to the sender.
- The address supplied to DPD was wrong.
- The recipient needs a replacement or refund.
- The parcel becomes lost.
- The seller’s promised delivery date is missed.
- DPD cannot resolve the problem directly.
For an online purchase, the retailer arranged the delivery and remains responsible for ensuring that the order reaches the customer or an authorised recipient.
Citizens Advice explains that customers should normally approach the seller first when an online order is lost, damaged or delayed. They may ask for redelivery or a refund depending on the circumstances.
Customers can review their options through the guidance on orders that have not arrived.
What If the Retailer Says the Customer Must Deal With DPD?
The customer can contact DPD for tracking information, but the retailer should normally manage the commercial resolution for an order it sold.
The customer can write:
DPD attempted delivery, but the parcel has not subsequently been delivered. Please investigate the shipment with the courier and confirm when it will be redelivered. If delivery cannot be completed within a reasonable period, please arrange an appropriate replacement or refund.
The customer should include:
- The order number
- Tracking reference
- Original promised date
- Dates of attempted delivery
- Contact already made with DPD
- The requested outcome
Written communication creates evidence if the complaint later needs to be escalated.
Can a Customer Get a Refund After a Missed Delivery?
A single missed attempt does not automatically give the customer an immediate right to a refund. The retailer may still be able to deliver the order within the agreed period.
A refund may become appropriate when:
- Delivery by a specific essential date was agreed and missed.
- The retailer fails to meet an additional reasonable deadline.
- The parcel is returned and will not be resent.
- The goods are lost.
- Replacement is not possible.
- The seller agrees to cancel the order.
- The applicable consumer cancellation rights are exercised.
Citizens Advice states that consumers can ask a seller to deliver again where an agreed date or reasonable delivery period has been missed. Cancellation may be possible where timing was essential or a further delivery deadline also fails.
The precise remedy depends on the purchase, delivery agreement and reason the parcel was not received.
Who Is Responsible When the Address Was Entered Incorrectly?
Responsibility can depend on who supplied the incorrect information.
The Customer Entered the Wrong Address
The customer should contact the retailer immediately. A correction may be difficult after dispatch, particularly if the parcel has already been delivered or returned.
The Retailer Sent the Wrong Address to DPD
The retailer should correct the problem and arrange an appropriate solution.
DPD Went to a Different Address
The recipient should save the tracking evidence and report the incorrect attempt to DPD and the retailer.
The order confirmation should be checked before responsibility is assumed.
What Evidence Should Be Kept?
Recipients should retain:
- The order confirmation
- The DPD parcel number
- The promised delivery date
- Screenshots of the tracking history
- The attempted-delivery photograph
- Calling-card details
- Safe-place or neighbour preferences
- Emails and text notifications
- Chat transcripts
- Complaint references
- Doorbell or CCTV footage
- Correspondence with the retailer
Evidence is particularly important when the recipient disputes whether a genuine attempt occurred.
How Can Future DPD Deliveries Be Avoided?
A recipient can reduce the risk of another missed attempt by:
- Checking the delivery address before ordering
- Adding a flat, unit or business name
- Providing a working telephone number
- Updating the email address
- Monitoring the one-hour window
- Keeping the entrance accessible
- Testing the bell or intercom
- Providing clear building instructions
- Choosing a secure safe place
- Nominating a trusted neighbour
- Diverting to a Pickup shop
- Removing outdated delivery preferences
- Ensuring the correct person is available for restricted items
DPD advertises a one-hour delivery window, driver details and a 15-minute arrival notification for eligible deliveries, which can help recipients prepare.
What Should Businesses Do About Missed Deliveries?
Retailers can reduce failed attempts by providing accurate shipment data and clear customer information.
Good practice includes:
- Submitting the complete address
- Including a flat or unit number
- Providing accurate customer contact details
- Explaining signature and identification requirements
- Offering Pickup delivery where appropriate
- Warning customers about unsafe safe-place choices
- Monitoring repeated failed attempts
- Contacting customers before the parcel is returned
- Distinguishing between dispatch and delivery
- Explaining weekend and bank holiday limitations
- Providing a clear replacement and refund process
Businesses should also investigate patterns involving a particular address, route or depot rather than treating every missed delivery as customer fault.
Final Thoughts
A DPD missed delivery does not necessarily mean that the parcel is lost. It may be scheduled for another attempt, redirected to a Pickup shop or waiting for the recipient to choose a delivery option.
The recipient should check the full tracking record promptly and review any photograph, calling-card information or rearrangement choices. Safe-place, neighbour and Pickup options depend on the sender and may not be available for restricted or high-value parcels.
When repeated delivery attempts fail, the shipment may be returned. Customers who bought goods from a retailer should then contact the seller, which normally remains responsible for resolving the order through redelivery, replacement or an appropriate refund.
Unexpected messages requesting a redelivery payment should always be verified through DPD’s official website rather than through an email or text link.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when DPD misses a delivery?
The parcel may receive another attempt, be redirected to a Pickup location, wait for new instructions or eventually return to the sender.
Will DPD try again automatically?
It may, but the recipient should check tracking. Some parcels require the customer to select an option before another attempt is arranged.
How many times will DPD attempt delivery?
DPD Online says applicable shipments may receive up to three attempts, although the exact number can vary by service and circumstances.
Can someone rearrange a DPD delivery?
Eligible parcels can be moved to another date or redirected to an available safe place, neighbour or Pickup location.
Can a missed parcel be collected from the depot?
Depot collection should not be assumed. The recipient must obtain confirmation that public collection is available before travelling.
Can a missed parcel be sent to a Pickup shop?
Yes, when the sender and parcel type permit that option.
How long does DPD hold a missed parcel?
The holding period varies. The recipient should follow the deadline displayed in the tracking notification.
What happens if nobody is home for the second attempt?
DPD may make another attempt, redirect the parcel or begin returning it, depending on the shipment instructions.
Why did DPD not leave the parcel in the safe place?
The location may have been insecure, inaccessible or prohibited by the sender. The parcel may also have required a signature or identification.
Why did DPD not deliver to a neighbour?
The sender may have disabled neighbour delivery, no suitable neighbour may have been available or the parcel may have required direct handover.
What if the driver says nobody was home?
The recipient should review the photograph and timestamp. CCTV, intercom records or doorbell footage can be used when disputing the attempt.
Can DPD redeliver on Saturday?
Saturday redelivery is possible only when the relevant service and local route support it.
Does DPD redeliver on bank holidays?
Normal delivery may be suspended or reduced on a bank holiday. The tracking page should show the next expected date.
Does DPD charge for redelivery?
Recipients should verify any payment request independently. Unexpected small-fee messages are commonly used in delivery scams.
Who should be contacted when the parcel is returned?
The retailer or original sender should normally be contacted to arrange another dispatch, replacement or refund.
Can a refund be requested after one failed attempt?
Not automatically in every case. The retailer may still be entitled to make another attempt within the agreed delivery period.