Change is coming. What is happening with stamps this year?

There have been many changes in the UK since the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. And focus now is increasingly on the coronation of King Charles in May. 

But one of the practical changes that is also happening around the same time is the replacement of old postage stamps featuring Queen Elizabeth to new postage stamps with King Charles.

And just to add an extra complicating factor, all stamps in the UK will in future need to contain a barcode to be valid.

This is a lot of change all at once so in this article we explain:

• When will the new King Charles stamps come into circulation?
• When do stamps without barcodes become invalid?
• What can you do with old stamps that have no barcode?
• Can you still use your old Christmas stamps?

When will the new King Charles stamps come into circulation?

There will be four new stamps featuring King Charles. The image used is adapted from the portrait created by Martin Jennings for the new Royal Mint coins that also features King Charles.

As can be seen from the image above, the colour schemes are the same as those introduced in 2022 for the new barcode stamps:

• 1st Class – Plum Purple
• 2nd Class – Holly Green
• 1st Class Large – Marine Turquoise
• 2nd Class Large – Dark Pine Green

All stamps also feature the new barcode which will be a requirement for all stamps in future (see later in this article).

The new stamps will be available to pre-order as either a Presentation Pack or First Day Cover from 3rd March, and the stamps will go on general sale from 4th April.

When do stamps without barcodes become invalid?

Barcodes now appear on all regular Royal Mail stamps. Most stamps without barcodes become invalid after 31st July.

Stamps without barcodes must either be used before this deadline or exchanged for new stamps with barcodes.

The barcodes will enable physical stamps to be connected to the digital world through the Royal Mail app.

What can you do with old stamps that have no barcode?

Old stamps must be used by 31st July. If this isn’t possible, they can be exchanged for new stamps via the Royal Mail. If you have stamps in the house, it’s important to do this and save money on having to buy new stamps unnecessarily.

To use the Stamp Swap Out scheme you need to either pick up a form from your local Post Office or print out from the Stamp Swap Out form here. The form and your old stamps then need to be sent – free of charge – to “Freepost SWAP OUT”.

If you have over £200 in old stamps you need to use the Bulk Stamp Swap Out form here. If this is the case, Royal Mail recommends sending them via a secure service to Royal Mail Swap Out, Tallents House, 21 South Gyle Crescent, EDINBURGH EH12 9PB.

The postal Swap Out form is the only way to exchange your old stamps for new ones. You cannot do this at a Post Office.

Can you still use your old Christmas stamps?

The one exception to the swap out rule is Christmas stamps. They do not need to be swapped out, so can still be used for Christmas 2023 without a barcode.

We hope that the information in this article helps you to save money by understanding when and where you can use or swap your old stamps; and also when to expect to see the new King Charles III stamps in circulation.

Check back here with us soon for more helpful lifestyle and money tips from Loans 2 Go.