Royal Mail stamps ‘invalid’ after today will cost those who try to use them

Stamps with Queen Elizabeth IIs profile on are affected Royal Mail has issued a final warning to Britons in possession of “regular” stamps that will expire today. From tomorrow, Tuesday, August 1, any item sent with an “old-style” stamp will be deemed “insufficient” for postage and incur a charge of £1.10. The changes will impact any non-barcoded stamps that feature the late Queen Elizabeth II’s profile set on a plain background. These are known as “everyday stamps” which are different to “special issue stamps” which are printed to commemorate a person or event. Today, July 31 is the final day the Queen Elizabeth II stamps can be used for free, after which they will no longer be valid. New stamps with King Charles III were released in April On their website, Royal Mail explained: “In February 2022 Royal Mail introduced barcodes to stamps for regular ‘everyday’ Definitive stamps and Christmas stamps “Each barcode is unique and an integral part of the stamp, so you must keep the barcode attached otherwise they are invalid.” The deadline marks the end of a six-month grace period from the initial 31 January deadline. Special stamps, such as those with a picture or Christmas theme can still be used after today even if they do not have a barcode. The red, blue, green and purple Queen Elizabeth II stamps can be swapped SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info But before people rush to send off their post using non-barcoded stamps, they should be reassured that there is a way to avoid any extra charges from August 1. The postal service claimed that barcoded stamps can either be used before the July deadline or swapped for new barcoded ones. Non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for new barcoded ones through the Royal Mail Stamp Swap Out scheme. Royal Mail claimed that the red 1st class Queen Elizabeth II stamp, blue 2nd class version, purple £1.35 stamp and green £2.80 stamp are all eligible for being swapped. Trending