Why do stamps have barcodes now? New Royal Mail postage stamps explained and if you can still use old stamps

Royal Mail has launched a scheme enabling customers to swap their traditional stamps for new barcoded ones of equivalent value.

The postal group is moving to barcoded stamps as part of its modernisation drive, which will allow customers to access added security features and new services.

The development will let customers watch and share videos by scanning the barcoded stamps in the Royal Mail app.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Why have barcodes been added to stamps?

The barcodes will customers to access new services by connecting them to the Royal Mail app, which can be downloaded to smartphones.

The barcodes are currently digitally programmed to show customers a video featuring Shaun the Sheep, which has been exclusively created for Royal Mail.

Eventually it will be possible to watch videos and send birthday messages.

Nick Landon, Royal Mail’s chief commercial officer, said: “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.

“If you can’t use them up by then, we have set up a swap-out scheme as a simple way to swap your old stamps for our new, digitally enabled ones. Welcome to the new world of barcoded stamps.”

Can you still use old stamps?

Non-barcoded stamps will remain valid to use until February 2023, but anyone who cannot use them by then can swap them for the equivalent value of barcoded stamps.

Eligible stamps are the regular first and second class “everyday” stamps.

If you have a printer, you can swap out up to £200 worth of non-barcoded stamps by printing out and completing this Stamp Swap Out PDF. You can send this back to us free of charge, along with your stamps, by writing on the envelope Freepost SWAP OUT. No other address details or postcode are needed. 

If you have a printer and more than £200 worth of stamps to swap out, then use the bulk stamp swap out form, Royal Mail recommends sending this and your non-barcoded stamps via a secure service with suitable cover. The address to send to is:

Royal Mail
Swap Out
Tallents House
21 South Gyle Crescent
EDINBURGH
EH12 9PB

If you don’t have access to a printer, you can ask for a form to be posted to you by completing this form online. The instructions for sending it back will depend on the form you request.

Stamp swap out forms are also available from the customer service point of local delivery offices.