Stamps

Available individually, in books or in sheets if you need lots of them, stamps are the quickest and easiest way to send letters, cards and documents. Use them to post within the UK and overseas too

Barcoded stamps

In February 2022 Royal Mail introduced barcodes to stamps. Each barcode is unique and an integral part of the stamp, so when using these new stamps you must keep the barcode attached otherwise they are invalid

The barcode on the stamp makes every stamp unique and provides added security features. It also enables Royal Mail to offer you innovative customer services

Barcoded Stamp

How much does a stamp cost?

1st Class

Format and maximum size Price
Letter
24cm long, 16.5cm wide, 5mm thick, Up to 100g		 £1.35
Large Letter
35.3cm long, 25cm wide, 2.5cm thick, Up to 100g		 £2.10

2nd Class

Format and maximum size Price
Letter
24cm long, 16.5cm wide, 5mm thick, Up to 100g		 85p
Large Letter
35.3cm long, 25cm wide, 2.5cm thick, Up to 100g		 £1.55

You can buy new barcoded stamps in books or business sheets

The price of a stamp depends on how quickly you want your letter to arrive and its size and weight

For additional features like next day delivery, extra compensation, tracking or a signature on delivery, you’ll need to ask in branch for Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery Guaranteed services

Books of stamps

Type of book Price per book
1st Class barcoded book of 4 £5.00
1st Class barcoded book of 8 £10.00
2nd Class barcoded book of 8 £6.00
1st Class large barcoded book of 4 £7.80
2nd Class large barcoded book of 4 £6.20

Business sheets

Type of book Price
1st Class barcoded Business Sheet of 50 £62.50
2nd Class barcoded Business Sheet of 50 £37.50
1st Class large barcoded Business Sheet of 50 £97.50
2nd Class large barcoded Business Sheet of 50 £77.50

Posting abroad

Stamps can also be used to post letters and cards abroad or as make-up values and are available at all Post Offices in denominations from 1p to £5

The postage price depends on the size, weight, destination and if you want tracking or need a signature on delivery. Trust our experts in branch to help you find the perfect service

When posting internationally with Royal Mail:
items usually reach Europe within 3-5 working days and the rest of the world within 6-7 working days

Learn about posting internationally

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Frequently asked questions about stamps

The barcode on the stamp will make every stamp unique. This will provide an additional security feature and enable Royal Mail to develop innovative customer services

All Definitive stamps are being barcoded — including Christmas stamps. Definitive stamps are the regular ‘everyday’ stamps featuring the profile of HM The Queen. Royal Mail are not barcoding special issue stamps — which are printed as a one off to commemorate a person/event and to celebrate the best of the UK’s contribution to the world.

Non-barcoded stamps can be used as postage up until 31 January 2023. If you won’t be able to use them up, you can send them to Royal Mail who will swap them out for barcoded stamps. The ‘Swap Out’ scheme will open on 31 March 2022. ​

‘Swap Out’ forms are not available in our Post Office branches, but are available from Royal Mail’s Customer Service Points, the Royal Mail website or by contacting the Royal Mail Customer Experience Team.

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes look like squares or rectangles and they make each stamp unique providing an additional security layer. The barcode also enables Royal Mail to innovate and create new features such as linking to videos. There will be no personal held data in the barcode.​

If you post an item with a non-barcoded stamp after 31 January 2023 it will be liable to surcharge; the equivalent of it having no postage. Customers are advised to either use up any non-barcoded stamps or swap them out.​