Alongside the fun, barcodes make mail more traceable as it travels through the postal system. Before barcoded stamps, customers could only follow the location of their mail if they paid extra for a tracked service. Now, nearly every piece of mail will be traceable.
Stamps without a barcode will no longer be valid after 31 July 2023. This doesn't include non-barcoded Christmas stamps and Special stamps (such as those with pictures used to commemorate anniversaries and events).
Why are there new stamps? The new barcoded stamps were introduced in February 2022. Each barcode is unique, allowing each stamp to be traceable through the postal system. It also allows customers to send videos that the recipient of the letter can scan and watch.
Why are new stamps barcoded? The Royal Mail say that the new stamps will "enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for customers." This includes allowing customers to use the barcodes to access videos.
You can exchange non-barcoded stamps for barcoded ones. Royal Mail opened this scheme on 31 March 2022. The Stamp Swap Out Scheme will remain open after 31 January 2023 so you can continue to swap out any old non-barcoded stamps.
Visit your local post office OR delivery office where you can pick up a form and envelope in person. ALL delivery and post offices will stock them. This means you'll be able to fill in a form, pop it into a Freepost envelope with any remaining non-barcoded stamps and hand it over at the post office.
Veteran Member. Makes sense having the barcodes to reduce fraud by reusing stamps as if someone tries to reuse a barcoded stamp it will flag up in a sorting office that "barcode has been used before".
How to use barcoded stamps. You can use barcoded stamps the same way as the originals — buy a stamp, attach it to your envelope, and post it. Using the Royal Mail app, you can also select a video for the recipient to view via the barcode.
You won't be able to re use the barcoded ones no.
Regular stamps without a barcode will expire on 31 July 2023. This is an extension of the previous deadline of 31 January that was announced in 2022, after Royal Mail recognised customers needed more time to use up the old stamps.
Regular stamps without a barcode* will no longer be valid after 31 July 2023. This follows the introduction of a 6 month grace period from the initial 31 January deadline. You can either use up your non-barcoded stamps before this new deadline or swap them for the new barcoded ones.
Most of the process is automated so therefore they do not look at each stamp. for the last few years they have been using an adhesive that destroys the stamp if one tries to reuse it. The only stamps that, if not cancelled are much older issues and they can be soaked off the envelope.
Alternatively, you can head to your nearest local delivery office - but not a Post Office. You'll then have to post back the stamps you want to swap to a Freepost address. The "Swap Out" scheme launched on March 31, 2022.
Do U.S. Postal stamps expire? No, U.S. postage never expires; you can use existing stamps indefinitely. All postage stamps issued by the United States since 1860 are valid for postage from any point in the United States or from any other place where U.S. Mail service operates.
The barcode data contains such information as amount of postage, origin zip code, destination, mail class, weight, confirmation/tracking numbers, and a cryptographic signature.
The Post Office does not provide cash refunds for postage, even if they are in perfect condition. They will only offer an exchange for other postage, so if you're not in need of shipping services, you're stuck.
Used, Unused, and Mint Stamps
First of all – a used stamp has actually been used for postage. It has a cancellation on it, and usually the gum is missing. An unused stamp has never been used postally, but may have small imperfections such as a thin or a small tear. A mint stamp is fault-free.
In most cases, the neater the perforations are, the more a stamp will be worth. It has a light and tidy cancellation mark: When a stamp has been 'Socked on the Nose' it means that a circular date stamp cancellation mark has been applied very close to its centre.
No. It will be returned for postage, with a stamp "Postage invalid if reused, coated or covered" (i.e. putting a stamp on with clear tape). If the "previously used envelope" has actually been through the mail, then reusing any uncancelled stamps is illegal.
If so, you need to be aware that the official deadline for using up stamps without barcodes – notably the regular first and second-class “everyday” stamps featuring the profile of the late Queen – is getting closer. After 31 January 2023, regular stamps without a barcode will no longer technically be valid for postage.
§ 479.163 Reuse of stamps prohibited.
A stamp once affixed to one document cannot lawfully be removed and affixed to another. Any person willfully reusing such a stamp shall be subject to the penalty prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 7208.
Standard letters. If your letter is a standard-sized envelope and weighs 3.5 ounces or less, you will need one stamp. Large envelopes. This includes 9x12, legal, and manila envelopes, Two stamps are needed for the first ounce, and postage will be an additional $0.20 cents after.
No, not trackable. The Post office may give you a receipt with a number on, that number is your proof of postage, it won't show if the item has arrived or not on Letter/Large Letter items.
Yes, you can still use stamps with Queen Elizabeth II's face on them. From July 31, 2023, you'll need to make sure it has a barcode attached to its side, though – as stamps without a barcode are becoming obsolete from this date.
The U-turn means you can continue to use Christmas and "special" commemorative stamps, such as the Doctor Who collection, after 31 January 2023 – and they don't need to be swapped for barcoded alternatives.