Can I still use old non-barcoded stamps?

No. Royal Mail stopped accepting non-barcoded stamps for postage in 2023. If you have any left, you can exchange them through the Royal Mail Stamp Swap Out scheme at a Post Office or by post. There is no time limit on the swap-out scheme, but it is worth doing sooner rather than later.

Does a First Class stamp bought years ago still work?

Yes, if it is a barcoded stamp. A barcoded First Class stamp is a Non-Value Specific stamp, meaning it always covers the current First Class rate, no matter when it was purchased. A First Class stamp bought in 2020 is still valid for the full First Class rate today.

What happens if I use a stamp that does not cover the full postage?

If a letter arrives underpaid, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver it but charge the recipient a surcharge fee to release the item. To avoid this, always use a valid barcoded stamp that matches the service you need.

What can I do with leftover stamps I cannot use?

If you have old non-barcoded stamps, use the Royal Mail Stamp Swap Out scheme to exchange them for valid barcoded stamps at no cost. If you have barcoded stamps you no longer need, they remain valid indefinitely and can be used for any future posting.

Do Stamps Expire in the UK? Royal Mail Stamp Rules Explained (2026)

Do Stamps Expire in the UK? Everything You Need to Know

Whether a stamp is still valid depends on when it was printed and what type it is. Here is a plain-English explanation of UK stamp expiry rules in 2026.

Do Royal Mail stamps expire? It depends on the type. Barcoded stamps (introduced from 2022 onwards) do not expire and can be used indefinitely. Old-style non-barcoded stamps are no longer accepted for postage. Non-Value Specific stamps such as First Class and Second Class always cover the current rate, regardless of when they were bought.

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