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Not home when your package arrives? Can't get to the door? DHL Express's unattended delivery makes it easy to receive shipments from abroad anytime. Here's how the service works, what to expect, and answers to common questions.
DHL Express unattended delivery (contactless delivery) allows DHL couriers to complete delivery without requiring you to be present or sign for the package. Instead, the courier leaves your shipment in a safe location — such as in front of your door or in a delivery box — and delivery is complete.
Whether you're out or simply can't come to the door, you'll still get your package without the wait.
Get your package
when you're not home
Skip the hassle of missed shipments and redelivery notices.
No-signature, contactless delivery
Your shipment will be left in a safe place if you are not home or prefer
contactless deliveries.
Delivery completed alert
Receive a tracking alert by email or LINE, with a photo of your delivered package.
Your courier chooses a location they judge to be safe. If you've registered for On Demand Delivery, you can specify your preferred location in advance.
Delivery Box
Doorway (Genkan)
Storage Shelf
Post Box
Garage
Bicycle Basket
Meter or Utility Box
A photo is taken at the time of delivery. Once your package is delivered, a photo of the drop-off location is recorded, so you can see exactly where it was placed — all from your tracking page (LINE or email).
*You can also specify your preferred delivery location in advance through On Demand Delivery.
 | Courier finds a safe spot to leave your shipment |
 | Delivery is completed with photo confirmation |
 | You're notified upon delivery completion You'll receive a delivery alert by email or LINE, along with the confirmation photo — also viewable on the tracking page. |
 | If unattended delivery isn't possible, we'll deliver in person If no safe location is available, or if the shipment requires a signature or is high value, delivery will be made in person as usual. |
With DHL's On Demand Delivery, you can choose your preferred delivery date, location, and method before your package arrives. It's also the easiest way to set a drop-off spot for unattended delivery, or switch to in-person delivery if you'd rather be there to receive it.
You can still use On Demand Delivery after you receive a delivery notification — but registering ahead of time means you won't miss a notification, and you'll also be able to receive updates via LINE. It's the simplest way to make sure you're always in control of how your package is delivered.
Starting July 14, 2026, more shipments will qualify for unattended delivery without requiring individual confirmation from you — as long as the overseas sender (such as an online retailer) has already consented to it. This means more of your international shipments can be delivered smoothly, even when you're not home. If you'd prefer a different delivery method, you can always set your preference through On Demand Delivery.
Yes. By registering for On Demand Delivery, you can specify your preferred location — such as your doorstep, a delivery box, or with a building concierge. If you don't specify a location, your courier will choose a safe spot.
No problem — simply register for On Demand Delivery to set your delivery preferences in advance, including switching to in-person delivery instead.
After delivery, you'll receive a notification by email or LINE, and you can check the delivery details through tracking at dhl.com — including a photo of exactly where your package was left.
If your shipment is lost or stolen after an unattended delivery, DHL will handle it in accordance with our compensation policy. Please contact DHL Customer Service as soon as possible if this happens to you.
No. Only shipments where you've requested it, or where the overseas sender (such as an online retailer) has consented to it, are eligible. High-value items, shipments requiring a signature, shipments subject to customs duties or consumption tax, or cases where no safe location is available will still be delivered in person. In addition, in-person delivery may be required when the delivery address is uncertain or there is no nameplate at the premises.
Yes — but you'll need to register for On Demand Delivery first to receive these advance notifications.
Register here: Receive Online Shopping Orders How You Want to | A Complete Guide to DHL On-Demand Delivery | DHL Japan
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