Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022. Many people now ask if stamps with her picture can still be used to send mail in the UK. King Charles III is the new king, and his face is on new stamps. This makes things confusing. Can you use old stamps with the Queen’s face? This article explains the rules clearly. It tells you everything you need to know about these stamps, their history, and what to do with them.
What Makes a Stamp Valid?
Royal Mail runs the UK’s mail system. They decide which stamps work for sending letters. The most important thing is whether the stamp has a barcode. If a stamp with the Queen’s picture has a barcode, you can use it. It doesn’t matter if it shows the Queen or King Charles III. But if the stamp has no barcode, you cannot use it after July 31, 2023. These rules are for regular stamps, called “definitive” stamps. They have the Queen’s face on a plain colored background, like red or blue.
If you have stamps without barcodes, don’t throw them away. Royal Mail has a program called the Stamp Swap Out scheme. You can trade your old stamps for new ones with barcodes. This is free, and you can do it anytime.
Why Are Barcodes Important?
Royal Mail added barcodes to stamps in 2022. Barcodes make stamps safer. They stop people from reusing stamps or making fake ones. Barcodes also let Royal Mail track letters and packages. Plus, you can scan a barcoded stamp with the Royal Mail app to see videos or get information. This started before Queen Elizabeth II died and applies to all regular stamps.
Non-barcoded stamps stopped working on July 31, 2023. Royal Mail gave people extra time to use them until that date. Before then, they delivered mail with non-barcoded stamps for free. After July 31, 2023, if you use a non-barcoded stamp, the person getting your letter must pay £1.10 extra to receive it.
Stamps That Are Still Okay
Not every stamp with the Queen’s face needs a barcode. Special stamps are different. These stamps have pictures, like ones for Christmas, the Olympics, or other events. They can still be used, even without barcodes. Christmas stamps without barcodes are okay too. Royal Mail allows this because many people save these stamps for memories or to collect them.
How to Swap Your Stamps
If you have non-barcoded stamps with the Queen’s face, you can swap them for new ones. Royal Mail’s Stamp Swap Out scheme makes this easy. Here’s what to do:
- Get a Form: Go to the Royal Mail website and download a form. You can also get one at a Post Office or call Royal Mail at 03457 740740 to have one sent to you.
- Fill Out the Form: Write down details about your stamps. There’s one form for stamps worth less than £200 and another for stamps worth more.
- Send Your Stamps: Put the form and stamps in an envelope. Mail it to Freepost SWAP OUT. You don’t need any other address. Some Post Office forms come with a free envelope.
- Get New Stamps: Royal Mail will send you new barcoded stamps. They try to do this in 7 to 15 days.
You cannot swap stamps at a Post Office in person. You must mail them to Royal Mail. This program means you won’t lose money on old stamps.
The Story of Queen’s Stamps
Queen Elizabeth II became queen in 1952. That’s when her picture first went on stamps. A photographer named Dorothy Wilding took her photo for early stamps. In 1967, an artist named Arnold Machin made a famous design of the Queen’s side profile. This simple, pretty design was used on regular stamps for over 50 years.
During her 70 years as queen, her face was on millions of stamps. Some were regular stamps for everyday mail. Others were special stamps for big events, like her coronation, jubilees, or things like the Beatles or Harry Potter. These stamps show British history and how the Queen was part of it.
When Queen Elizabeth II died, people worried her stamps would stop working. Royal Mail decided to keep barcoded stamps valid to avoid wasting them. King Charles III, who cares about the environment, asked Royal Mail to use all the Queen’s stamps they already had. This shows respect for the Queen and helps the planet.
New Stamps with King Charles III
In April 2023, Royal Mail started using stamps with King Charles III’s picture. These stamps are simple. They show the King’s face and neck, without a crown. An artist named Martin Jennings made the design. It looks modern and not too fancy, which is what the King wanted.
The change to new stamps is happening slowly. Post Offices and shops sell Queen’s stamps until they run out. Then they sell King Charles III’s stamps. This prevents waste. In February 2023, Royal Mail made the last new special stamps with the Queen’s face. They were for the 100th birthday of the Flying Scotsman train. Future special stamps will show King Charles III’s outline.
Can You Still Buy Queen’s Stamps?
You might find stamps with the Queen’s face at Post Offices or shops, but only until they sell out. King Charles III told Royal Mail not to destroy old stamps, so they’re sold until gone. Non-barcoded stamps are rare now since they stopped working in July 2023. If you want Queen’s stamps for collecting, try shops like Stanley Gibbons in London. These stamps might cost more than their postage value.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Stamp?
If you use a non-barcoded stamp with the Queen’s face after July 31, 2023, your mail will still arrive. But the person getting it must pay £1.10 extra. This can be annoying, so check your stamps first. Look for a barcode on the right side. If there’s no barcode, swap the stamp to avoid problems.
Collecting Queen’s Stamps
Stamps with Queen Elizabeth II’s face are special to collectors. Her 70-year reign was the longest in UK history. Her stamps are a big part of that story. Non-barcoded stamps, which can’t be used for mail anymore, might become more valuable to collectors. Special stamps, like ones for the Diamond Jubilee or cultural events, are popular too.
If you collect stamps, keep them safe. Use special sleeves or albums. Don’t let them get wet or sit in sunlight. Joining a stamp group, like Norvic Philatelics, can teach you more about stamp values and trends.
Why Stamps Matter
Stamps are more than just a way to send mail. They’re tiny pieces of history. Queen Elizabeth II’s stamps show her long time as queen and the UK’s culture. Keeping barcoded stamps valid honors her memory while using new technology. Switching to King Charles III’s stamps slowly keeps tradition alive and saves resources.
Common Questions About Queen’s Stamps
Here are answers to questions people often ask:
- Can I use Christmas stamps with the Queen’s face? Yes, Christmas stamps without barcodes can still be used.
- What about old stamps with no value written on them? Stamps labeled first or second class (called NVIs) are okay if they have a barcode. If not, swap them.
- Are special stamps with pictures still good? Yes, special stamps with designs, like for holidays or events, work even without barcodes.
- How long can I swap stamps? Royal Mail’s Swap Out scheme has no end date. You can swap non-barcoded stamps anytime.
Tips for Using Stamps
Here are some easy tips to avoid mistakes:
- Look for a barcode on your stamp before mailing.
- Swap non-barcoded stamps for new ones.
- Store stamps in a dry, safe place.
- If you’re not sure about a stamp, call Royal Mail at 03457 740740 or check their website.
What’s Next for UK Stamps?
Over time, King Charles III’s stamps will replace Queen Elizabeth II’s stamps. Barcoded Queen’s stamps can still be used, and special stamps without barcodes are okay too. As Queen’s stamps become less common, collectors might want them more. Royal Mail’s plan to use old stock respects history and the environment.
The Postal Museum in London has a display called “The King’s Stamp.” It’s open until September 2025. It shows the story of UK stamps, including Queen Elizabeth II’s and King Charles III’s. Visiting can teach you more about how stamps connect to British history.
Conclusion
You can use stamps with Queen Elizabeth II’s face if they have a barcode. Non-barcoded stamps stopped working on July 31, 2023, but you can swap them for free with Royal Mail’s Stamp Swap Out scheme. Special and Christmas stamps without barcodes are still okay. This plan honors the Queen’s legacy while adding new stamps for King Charles III. Check your stamps, keep them safe, and enjoy using these bits of history. For more help, visit Royal Mail’s website or call them.
Disclaimer: This article is only for simple information. Please check Royal Mail for the latest rules. I am not responsible if you have any problems. This is not a paid or affiliate article.
