Short answer: no, they never expire, even though postage rates are increasing in 2020! They are valid forever as long as they can be validated as legitimate postage. This means if you put an old stamp that looks stained and ratty on a letter with tape, it will likely be rejected.
Are old stamps still valid?
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.
How long are stamps good for?
Do U.S. Postal stamps expire? No, U.S. postage never expires; you can use existing stamps indefinitely. All postage stamps issued by the United States since 1860 are valid for postage from any point in the United States or from any other place where U.S. Mail service operates.
Do stamps go out of date?
Short answer: no, they never expire, even though postage rates are increasing in 2020! They are valid forever as long as they can be validated as legitimate postage. This means if you put an old stamp that looks stained and ratty on a letter with tape, it will likely be rejected.
Can I exchange old stamps for new ones?
No — you can’t swap your non-barcoded stamps out at a Post Office. You will need to pick up a ‘Swap Out’ form and send in your non-barcoded stamps to Royal Mail (free post address on the form).
Will Forever stamps work in 2021?
The U.S. Postal Service has announced that postage rates will be increasing in the new year — with one big exception. The price of a “forever” stamp, used on the standard first-class letter, stays at 55 cents in 2021.
Can I use a 2018 Forever Stamp in 2022?
As the name suggests, Forever Stamps can be used to mail a one-ounce letter regardless of when the stamps are purchased or used and no matter how prices may change in the future.
Can I still use Christmas stamps from 2020?
If you have old Christmas stamps you CAN continue to use them after 31 January 2023 following a Royal Mail U-turn. The postal service had initially announced, as part of a wider shake-up, that Christmas stamps would be replaced by new barcoded versions from 31 January 2023.
References:
- https://inews.co.uk/news/why-stamps-barcodes-now-new-royal-mail-postage-explained-still-use-old-stamps-1557737
- https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Postage-Stamps-The-Basics
- https://www.postageonlinenow.com/guides/do-stamps-expire/
- https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/price-forever-stamp-going-2021-213000804.html
- https://about.usps.com/news/fact-sheets/forever-stamp-facts.htm
- https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/03/royal-mail-u-turn-means-old-christmas-stamps-can-still-be-used-a/