Royal Mail issues warning as millions of stamps become worthless in 100 days

Royal Mail has confirmed that classic stamps are being replaced by ones with barcodes by January 31, 2023 – you need to either use your stamps by this deadline, or swap them

Brits have just 100 days left to use up “everyday” stamps before they become no longer valid for postage.

Royal Mail has confirmed that classic stamps are being replaced by ones with barcodes by January 31, 2023.

The new barcode stamps allow people to scan their parcel through the Royal Mail app, so they can watch videos and greeting messages from senders.

They were first introduced in February this year.

You’ll still be able to use themed, commemorative and non-barcoded Christmas stamps beyond the January 31 deadline.

Have you had trouble swapping old stamps? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk

You can also exchange your old stamps for free after this date through the Royal Mail “Swap Out” scheme.

There is currently no end date for when you can swap your stamps.

You can download a “Swap Out” form on the Royal Mail website, or pick up a form from a local delivery office.

If you’re downloading the form online and you don’t have access to a printer, you can instead complete a web form and request for it to be posted to you.

There is no limit on the number of forms you can request.

You will then have to post back the stamps you want to swap to a Freepost address, and should receive your new barcode stamps in seven days.

You’ll need to complete a standard form for stamps worth up to £200, or a Bulk Stamp form for stamps worth more than £200.

From February 1, 2023, Royal Mail will treat any post sent with non-barcoded stamps on as having insufficient postage – so you may be charged a fee.

Nick Landon, Royal Mail chief commercial officer, said earlier this year: “As we move to this exciting new era of barcoded stamps, please check your kitchen drawers, wallets and purses for older non-barcoded stamps and make sure you use them up by 31 January 2023.”

Royal Mail has yet to confirm when its stamps will start to feature King Charles III following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

New coins featuring King Charles III have been unveiled by the Royal Mint.

The King’s portrait will appear on 50p coins from around December, as currency featuring the new head of the Royal Family gradually enters circulation.