New style Barcoded StampsNew style Barcoded Stamps

Update: Swap Out Deadline extended to 31st July 2023

With the introduction of new style barcoded postage stamps in the UK on February 1st, today sees the launch of a swap out scheme to enable customers to swap old style ‘definitive’ stamps for barcoded versions.

The Royal Mail is adding barcodes to its regular stamps. These new stamps, featuring the profile of the Queen on a plain background, will be very familiar to us all. After January 31, 2023, regular stamps without barcodes will no longer be valid. Customers can either use up their existing stamps before this date or exchange them for new barcoded stamps through the Stamp Swap Out scheme. Special stamps and Christmas stamps without barcodes will continue to be valid and do not need to be exchanged.

To exchange stamps, customers can either print out and complete a Stamp Swap Out form and send it back to the Royal Mail with their stamps, or request a form to be posted to them. The form can be used to exchange up to £200 worth of stamps for free by writing “Freepost SWAP OUT” on the envelope. For exchanges over £200, a Bulk Stamp Swap Out form is available and should be sent back via a secure service. Forms are also available at local Delivery Offices or by calling the Customer Experience Team on 03457 740740.

The barcodes on the stamps will enable new services by connecting physical stamps to the digital world through the Royal Mail app. Customers can download the app to take advantage of these services.