What is DHL “On Demand Delivery”?

Last updated: 5 August 2026.

DHL On Demand Delivery gives recipients more control over eligible DHL Express shipments after dispatch. Customers can use DHL’s delivery-notification experience to manage when, where or how an order is delivered.

For retailers, it can help reduce missed deliveries and give customers clearer post-purchase options without asking your team to manage every delivery change manually.

The delivery choices shown depend on the destination, shipment and local DHL service availability.

In this guide, we’ll cover how DHL On Demand Delivery works, the available delivery options and the practical checks retailers should make before promoting the service.

Your choice of delivery options

DHL advertises up to 6 delivery options. Availability varies by country, shipment and delivery address.

• Change delivery date: Choose a delivery date that better suits the recipient.
• Signature release: Authorise DHL to deliver without obtaining a signature.
• Leave with a neighbour, leasing office or security guard: Nominate an authorised person to receive the shipment.
• Collect from a ServicePoint or locker: Collect the shipment from a nearby DHL Express location where available.
• Deliver to an alternative address: Redirect the shipment to an office, friend or other suitable address.
• Vacation hold: If customers are away on holiday; they can change the delivery date up to 30 calendar days from the originally scheduled date.

What is available can change with the destination, shipment status and the shipper’s settings.

DHL On Demand Delivery gives eligible recipients a way to manage their own delivery preferences. This can make the post-purchase experience clearer for customers while helping retailers avoid some manual delivery-change requests.

It does not replace good international shipping processes. Retailers still need accurate address data, clear delivery expectations, suitable carrier services and proactive tracking updates.

Benefits for retailers

For retailers, the main benefit is giving eligible customers a practical way to manage delivery changes after dispatch.

• Clearer delivery expectations: Set expectations at checkout, then give customers access to the options DHL makes available for their shipment.
• Fewer manual change requests: Customers may be able to manage a delivery preference without contacting your support team.
• More post-purchase choice: Offer flexibility while keeping your delivery promise grounded in the service and destination.

How can customers use DHL On Demand Delivery?

Recipients can manage an eligible shipment as a guest using its DHL waybill number, or create an On Demand Delivery account to manage notification and delivery preferences.

A registered account may allow recipients to save preferences for future eligible deliveries. The exact account features, notification channels and delivery choices vary by country.

For current options, visit DHL Express On Demand Delivery.

A practical checklist for retailers

Before promoting DHL delivery preferences to customers:

• Confirm which DHL Express services apply to your shipments and destinations.
• Check the delivery options available in your target countries.
• Collect accurate customer email addresses and mobile numbers where appropriate.
• Set clear delivery expectations at checkout.
• Use tracking notifications so customers know when to manage an eligible delivery.