After 31st January 2023, old-style stamps without a barcode will no longer be valid. You can either use them up before the deadline, or swap them for the new barcoded stamps.
The barcodes will enable Royal Mail to provide exciting new services by connecting physical stamps to the digital world through the Royal Mail app. This can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store.
The stamps that are being withdrawn are those which feature the profile of Her Late Majesty, The Queen, on a plain coloured background, like the examples below.
Special stamps with pictures on and Christmas Stamps without a barcode will continue to be valid and don’t need to be swapped out. Below are some examples.
How to swap your stamps
To swap your old stamps, you’ll need to fill in a Stamp Swap Out form supplied by Royal Mail and send it to them along with your non-barcoded stamps. You may have had a form through your door but if not, you can download and print one from www.royalmail.com/barcodedstamps.
The form can also be filled out online if you don’t have a printer, or you can request one in the post by calling 0345 740 740. Forms are also available from Royal Mail Delivery Offices.
There are two Swap Out forms: one for stamps with a value less than £200 and a Bulk Stamp Swap Out form for values over £200. (Note that the Bulk Forms are only available online or by post.)
For more information, please visit www.royalmail.com/barcodedstamps.