Royal Mail stamps that feature the Queen's head are to be phased out by the end of January 2023. The so-called "definitive" stamps will lead to an extra charge if you try to use them after the deadline.
Moving forward, the only stamps with the Queen's profile will be the ones that feature barcodes, as well as non-barcoded Christmas or special collection stamps. People are being urged to use them up or to use the Royal Mail’s "Swap Out" scheme.
Both first and second class stamps will become defunct after the deadline, so it's important to check your home to make sure you're not losing out on money. Nick Landon, Royal Mail chief commercial officer, said: "Please check your kitchen drawers, wallets and purses for older non-barcoded stamps and make sure you use them up by January 31, 2023."
Those who will not be able to use their stamps by the deadline, which is just six months away, can exchange the stamps for free by completing a form, reports the Mirror. The form you submit depends on the worth of your stamps, as stamps worth up to £200 are covered by a standard form, while bulk stamp form is needed for anything worth more than that
Both forms are available on the Royal Mail website, where they can be printed and filled out. For those who don’t have access to a printer, you can request that the documents are posted to you by filling in this form here.
Alternatively, to request the form is delivered to you, you can call customer services on 03457 740740. The standard form is also available to collect in person at your local delivery office, whereas the bulk form is only found using the above options.
If you have collected the form or had it sent to you, it will come with a freepost envelope for you to send the form off with the stamps for free. For those who have printed the form themselves, you’ll need to send the envelope to "Freepost Swap Out" - no other address details are needed and it’ll be free of charge.
Royal Mail advises those sending bulk forms to send via special delivery. The additional cost of doing this will be refunded by Royal Mail in the form of barcoded stamps worth the same amount. The exchange should take place within seven working days. If you have not received the new barcoded stamps within two weeks, you are advised to call customer services on the above number.
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