You’ve probably got a book of Queen’s head stamps tucked in a drawer, and you just want a yes/no you can trust. Can you still use stamps with the Queens head on in the UK today?
Here’s the straight answer: Yes, you can still use stamps with the Queen’s head on, but only if they have a barcode.
Can you still use stamps with the Queens head on in the UK?
If they’re the old non-barcoded everyday stamps (the simple Queen profile on a plain coloured background), they’re no longer valid for postage and should be swapped for barcoded versions using Royal Mail’s Swap Out scheme.
This article walks you through how to check what you’ve got, which stamps are still valid (including the key exceptions), what happens if you use the wrong one, and how to swap old stamps without losing their value.
Can you still use stamps with the Queens head on if there’s no barcode?
If it’s a regular, everyday definitive stamp without a barcode (typically the Queen’s profile on a plain background), treat it as not valid for postage today. Mail sent with non-barcoded definitive stamps is treated like insufficient postage (which can trigger a fee).
The dates are what usually trip people up:
- 31 January 2023 was the original change date.
- Royal Mail then ran a 6-month grace period, meaning items were delivered as normal without surcharge during that period.
- After the grace period ended (31 July 2023), non-barcoded definitives became liable to surcharge/fees.
So if it’s a non-barcoded definitive, it’s better to swap it out rather than trying to use it up.
Can you still use stamps with the Queens head on if they’re commemorative or Christmas?
This is the biggest exception and the reason most people feel unsure:
- Special/commemorative picture stamps (made to mark people/events) remain valid without barcodes and do not need to be swapped out.
- Older non-barcoded Christmas stamps also remain valid and don’t need swapping.
So it’s not “Queen vs King” that decides validity, it’s barcode plus stamp type.
Can you still use stamps with the Queens head on for international post?
Yes, the same validity rules apply whether you’re posting within the UK or internationally: if it’s a valid stamp type, you can use it; if it’s a non-barcoded definitive, it’s not valid and risks fees/returns.
The main difference with international post is the price: you may need to combine stamps or add extra postage to meet the correct rate.
The quickest way to identify your stamp (a quick check)
If you’re searching, can you still use stamps with the Queens head on? This quick checklist will help you work it out in seconds:
- Does it have a barcode?
- If yes → it’s generally fine to use (including Queen’s head barcoded definitives).
- If no → go to step 2.
- Is it a “picture” commemorative/special stamp or an older Christmas stamp?
- If yes → still valid.
- If no → it’s likely a non-barcoded definitive (the everyday type) and should be swapped out.
Here’s the same guidance laid out in a table for easy reference.
| What you’re holding | Typical look | Barcode? | Still valid for postage? | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Definitive “everyday” Queen profile (Machin) | Queen profile on plain colour background | Yes | Yes | Use as normal |
| Definitive “everyday” Queen profile (Machin) | Queen profile on plain colour background | No | No | Swap out for a barcoded equivalent |
| Special/commemorative stamp | Picture/scene/person/event | Often No | Yes | Use as normal (no swap needed) |
| Older Christmas stamps | Christmas-themed designs | Often No | Yes | Use as normal (no swap needed) |
It’s worth clearing up the difference between everyday and special stamps, because that’s what stops you wasting postage.
Why Queen’s head stamp doesn’t automatically mean invalid
Royal Mail’s barcoding change targets definitive (everyday) stamps, especially the familiar Queen-profile design most households have. But the Queen’s portrait can appear in more than one context:
- Definitives (everyday stamps): plain background, mass-used, the ones most people have in drawers. These are the ones that became invalid if non-barcoded.
- Commemoratives/special issues: usually picture-based. These remain valid without barcodes.
In short, it’s not about Queen vs King; it comes down to the barcode and the type of stamp.
While the Queen’s image continues to appear on valid postage in some cases, questions around royal titles remain topical, such as If King Charles dies will Camilla still be Queen, which explores how royal consort titles work under British monarchy traditions.
What happens if you use an old non-barcoded definitive stamp by mistake?
If you post with a non-barcoded definitive (the plain-background Queen head), it can be treated as insufficient postage. In day-to-day terms, that usually means:
- The item may still be delivered, but the recipient can receive a Fee to Pay request.
- If the fee isn’t paid, the item can be returned (if a return address exists) or held for a limited time.
Typical fees are higher than the price of doing it right, which is why swapping is usually the best move if you have a stack of old stamps.
How to tell if your stamp has a barcode?
Barcoded “everyday” stamps have a barcode panel on the right side of the stamp.
Two quick tips to avoid issues:
- Don’t put tape over the barcode area (it can stop scanning).
- Don’t try to reuse a stamp (stamps are for one-time use; reuse can lead to non-delivery and/or charges).
How to swap old stamps for new ones (Royal Mail Swap Out scheme)
If your drawer stash is mostly non-barcoded “everyday” stamps, swapping is the cleanest fix.
How the Swap Out scheme works:
- Get a Swap Out form
- There’s a standard form for up to £200 worth of stamps, and a bulk option for higher values.
- If you don’t have a printer, you can request a form to be posted to you (or find one via Royal Mail guidance).
- Send your stamps with the form
- For standard swaps (up to the stated threshold), you can send using the Freepost address shown on the form.
- For larger values, it’s sensible to use a tracked/insured service.
- Receive barcoded equivalents back
- Your non-barcoded definitives are swapped for the barcoded equivalent.
Is there a deadline to swap out?
Royal Mail hasn’t announced an end date for swapping out non-barcoded stamps.
Will you lose money/value when swapping?
You’ll be sent the equivalent barcoded stamps back, so you’re not left out of pocket just because you bought them years ago.
Can you use them up instead of swapping?
If the stamps are valid, yes, you can use multiple stamps together to make up the correct postage value.
But if the stamp is a non-barcoded definitive, “using it up” is the risky part: it’s the exact category that’s no longer valid for postage, and it can lead to fees for the recipient.
A handy rule of thumb:
- Use up valid stamps (barcoded definitives, commemoratives, older Christmas designs).
- Swap out non-barcoded definitives.
Common misunderstandings
-
“All Queen’s head stamps are invalid now.”
Not true. Queen’s head stamps with a barcode are valid, and special/Christmas exceptions exist.
-
“Only King Charles stamps work.”
Not true. Validity depends on stamp type and barcode, not monarch.
-
“Commemorative picture stamps need swapping too.”
Not true. Picture (special) stamps remain valid without barcodes.
-
“The Post Office will swap them on the spot.”
Usually, you can pick up forms there, but swaps are processed via Royal Mail’s Swap Out process.
Practical scenarios – what to do in common situations
Scenario 1: You find a full book of green 2nd class stamps with the Queen on a plain background and no barcode.
Do this: Don’t post with them. Swap them out for barcoded equivalents.
Scenario 2: You find a sheet of picture stamps (e.g., an event/anniversary), no barcode.
Do this: You can still use them.
Scenario 3: You’ve got older Christmas stamps left over, and they’re not barcoded.
Do this: You can still use them.
Scenario 4: You already posted something, and the recipient gets a “Fee to Pay”.
Do this: Treat it like an underpaid item. Pay the fee promptly (or contact Royal Mail if you think it was incorrectly assessed).
Two quick checklists you can use straight away
- If you’re unsure whether a Queen-head stamp is valid, do this:
- Look for a barcode panel.
- If there’s no barcode, check whether it’s a picture/commemorative or older Christmas stamp (both can still be valid).
- If it’s a plain background Queen profile, plan to Swap Out.
- If you’re preparing a swap, do this:
- Sort stamps into definitive (plain) vs special/Christmas.
- Use the correct form for up to £200 vs bulk.
- Post according to the instructions on the Swap Out form.
What do people talk about this online?
Does anyone know if stamps with the queen’s head are still valid?
byu/Inevitable-Regret411 inroyalmail
Final takeaway
If you came here asking can you still use stamps with the Queens head on, the rule you can rely on is this:
- Yes, you can use Queen-head stamps if they’re barcoded.
- No, you shouldn’t use non-barcoded “everyday” definitive Queen-head stamps; swap them out.
- Yes, commemorative picture stamps and older non-barcoded Christmas stamps remain valid.
FAQ
Can you still use stamps with the Queen’s head on?
Yes, if they’re barcoded. If they’re non-barcoded everyday definitives, they’re not valid for postage and should be swapped.
Do all stamps need a barcode now?
No. Everyday stamps moved to barcodes, but special/commemorative and older Christmas stamps can still be used without barcodes.
Are commemorative stamps still valid without barcodes?
Yes, picture stamps are still valid.
What happens if I use an old stamp?
If it’s a non-barcoded definitive, it can be treated as insufficient postage and trigger a fee.
How do I exchange old stamps for new ones?
Use the Royal Mail Swap Out scheme: fill in the form, send your stamps, and you’ll receive barcoded equivalents.
About this guide
This article is based on practical UK postal scenarios and careful reading of Royal Mail’s public guidance on barcoded stamps, swap-out rules, and how underpaid/invalid postage is handled.
