Royal Mail is urging people to use stamps without a barcode by January 31 2023 (Royal Mail/PA)
(Picture: PA Media)Royal Mail are adding barcodes to all their regular stamps, meaning regular stamps without a barcode will no longer be valid.
In an effort to increase customer convenience and safety with deliveries, Royal Mail first introduced barcoded stamps in the UK in February 2022.
Why are barcodes becoming a permanent fixture?
According to the Royal Mail website, “The move is part of the Company’s extensive and ongoing modernisation drive and will allow the unique barcodes to facilitate operational efficiencies, enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for customers.”
The new stamps will function just like the conventional stamps, with the addition of a barcode to help delivery services.
King Charles’ portrait will appear on British stamps in the near future, but neither the precise date nor the details of the portrait are currently known.
When to use old stamps by
After January 31, 2023, regular stamps without a barcode will no longer be valid.
You can either use up these stamps before this deadline or swap them for the new barcoded ones.
Special Stamps with pictures on and Christmas Stamps without a barcode will continue to be valid and don’t need to be swapped out.
The Royal Mail website states that there may be an additional fee if you attempt to use the old stamps after the cutoff date and that there is a £2 fee for sending a letter without postage.
What to do with old stamps
Through the Stamp Swap Out program, you can swap your old non-barcoded stamps for the new barcoded ones. Simply fill out the Stamp Swap Out forms, attach your non-barcoded stamps, and send it back to Royal Mail to exchange your stamps.
You can exchange up to £200 worth of non-barcoded stamps if you have a printer. Simply write Freepost SWAP OUT on the envelope to send this without paying any postage or using stamps.
It is suggested you fill out a Bulk Stamp Swap Out form if you have a printer and more than £200 worth of stamps.
If you don't have access to a printer, you can ask for a Swap Out form to be mailed to you via the Royal Mail website. They can also be obtained through your local delivery officers or your customer service point.
Full instructions are listed on the Royal Mail website.
