Yes, you can absolutely still use picture stamps for postage in the UK! Many special and commemorative issues, including those featuring various designs and images, remain valid for sending mail.
The Validity of Picture Stamps Explained
Unlike standard 'everyday' stamps, special stamps — including those with pictures — and Christmas stamps were explicitly exempt from the requirement to be barcoded. This means they continue to be valid for postage, even after the changes introduced from 31 January 2023 that saw non-barcoded everyday stamps phased out. You do not need to worry about these pictorial stamps becoming unusable.
What Qualifies as a Picture Stamp?
Picture stamps encompass a wide variety of designs beyond the standard profile of the monarch. These typically include:
- Christmas stamps: Issued annually with festive designs.
- Commemorative issues: Celebrating significant events, anniversaries, or cultural milestones.
- Special edition stamps: Featuring themes such as nature, historical figures, popular culture, or specific charities.
As long as these stamps have a pictorial design, they are generally considered 'picture stamps' in this context and retain their postal value.
Distinguishing Between Stamp Types
It's important to differentiate between the various types of stamps to understand their current validity. The primary change affected the plain, non-barcoded 'everyday' stamps.
Here's a quick guide to stamp validity:
| Stamp Type | Description | Validity Status | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture Stamps (Special & Christmas) | Stamps featuring specific designs, images, or themes (e.g., Christmas, commemorative, special editions). | Still Valid | Use them as normal for postage. |
| Barcoded Everyday Stamps | Standard stamps with a barcode, typically featuring the monarch's profile. | Still Valid | Continue to use for postage. |
| Non-Barcoded Everyday Stamps | Plain stamps featuring the monarch's profile without a barcode. | No Longer Valid | You cannot use these for postage; they must be swapped for barcoded versions. |
The introduction of barcodes on everyday stamps aimed to enhance security and efficiency in the postal service. However, due to their unique nature and often limited print runs, special and pictorial stamps were exempted from this update.
Practical Tips for Using Your Stamps
- Check the Value: Always ensure the stamp's value covers the current postal rate for your letter or parcel. If it's an older stamp with an old value, you might need to add another stamp to make up the current rate.
- Good Condition: Ensure your stamps are unused, clean, and in good condition to guarantee they will be accepted for postage.
- Know Your 'Everyday' Stamps: If you have any older, non-barcoded 'everyday' stamps (those without a picture), remember these are no longer valid for postage.
What to Do with Other Old Stamps?
If you have non-barcoded 'everyday' stamps that are no longer valid, you don't have to lose their value. Royal Mail operates a Stamp Swap Out scheme where you can exchange them for the new barcoded versions. You can find more information about this process and how to swap your stamps on the official Royal Mail website.
In summary, feel free to continue using your collection of beautiful picture stamps to send your mail; they are still a perfectly valid form of postage.
