Stamps | Mail | Post Office (2024)

Barcoded stamps

In February 2022 Royal Mail introduced barcodes to stamps. Each barcode is unique and an integral part of the stamp, so when using these new stamps you must keep the barcode attached otherwise they are invalid

The barcode on the stamp makes every stamp unique and provides added security features. It also enables Royal Mail to offer you innovative customer services

How much does a stamp cost?

1st Class

2nd Class

Books of stamps

Business sheets

Posting abroad

Stamps can also be used to post letters and cards abroad or as make-up values and are available at all Post Offices in denominations from 1p to £5

The postage price depends on the size, weight, destination and if you want tracking or need a signature on delivery. Trust our experts in branch to help you find the perfect service

When posting internationally with Royal Mail:
items usually reach Europe within 3-5 working days and the rest of the world within 6-7 working days

Learn about posting internationally

• The barcode on the stamp will make every stamp unique. This will provide an additional security feature and enable Royal Mail to develop innovative customer services.

• All Definitive stamps are being barcoded — including Christmas stamps. Definitive stamps are the regular ‘everyday’ stamps featuring the profile of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. All new stamps featuring HM King Charles III will be barcoded. Royal Mail are not barcoding special issue stamps — which are printed as a one off to commemorate a person/event and to celebrate the best of the UK’s contribution to the world.

  Stamps printed on our self service kiosks do not have barcodes, but don’t worry, they are still valid postage and can be used even after the 31 July 2023 deadline for using non-barcoded stamps.

• Non-barcoded stamps can be used as postage up until 31 July 2023. If you won’t be able to use them up, you can send them to Royal Mail who will swap them out for barcoded stamps. The 'Swap Out' scheme opened on 31 March 2022. There’s currently no end date as to when you need to swap out your non-barcoded stamps by.

• 'Swap Out' forms are not available in our Post Office branches, but are available from Royal Mail’s Customer Service Points, the Royal Mail website or by contacting the Royal Mail Customer Experience Team.

• Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes look like squares or rectangles and they make each stamp unique, providing an additional security layer. The barcode also enables Royal Mail to innovate and create new features such as linking to videos. There will be no personal held data in the barcode.

• If you post an item with a non-barcoded stamp after 31 July 2023 it will be liable to surcharge; the equivalent of it having no postage. Customers are advised to either use up any non-barcoded stamps or swap them out.

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