Time is running out to use regular stamps without a barcode.

After July 31 anyone found using non-barcoded definitive stamps to send a letter risks a surcharge being added to their post – so here’s how the changeover is set to work.

What is changing?

Royal Mail has added barcodes to all of its regular stamps.

The change, it says, will help connect physical stamps to the digital world through the Royal Mail app and pave the way for exciting new services to be introduced in the future.

The time has now come therefore, says the postal service, for all non-barcoded stamps to be replaced with those carrying the new high-tech design.

Most stamps are being barcoded, says Royal Mail, but not all.

Definitive stamps are defined as the regular ‘everyday’ stamps featuring the profile of either the late Queen – or new monarch King Charles. All ‘definitive’ stamps are being barcoded and this will include the annual Christmas stamps.

Special stamps, printed to commemorate a person or special event are not going to be barcoded, and these will remain valid for postage.

And while Christmas stamps are soon to get their own barcode, previous non-barcoded Christmas stamps will also remain valid after the deadline so there is no need to rush to use them up or swap them out.

The deadline to now use non-barcoded stamps is July 31 – after a six month grace period was added to the initial January 31 deadline.

You can either use your non-barcoded stamps before this deadline or swap them for the new barcoded ones.

How does the swap scheme work?

For those with non-barcoded stamps they know they won’t use in time, Royal Mail is running a swap-out scheme to replace old unused stamps with the new look design.

To use it, you’ll need to obtain the dedicated form that may have come through your door, is available from the Post Office or can be downloaded from the Royal Mail website. For those without a printer, you can also ask for a form to be posted to you directly.

The company says it is aiming to process all applications for a swap within seven working days, however in busy periods, as deadlines come and go, there may be times when demand is higher and requests take longer to process.

Can the Post Office swap stamps?

While you can request a swap out form from the Post Office, and a freepost envelope to send your stamps back in, staff there will not actually be able to swap the stamps there for you on the spot.

What happens if I use a non-barcoded stamp after July 31?

From August 1 all everyday stamps being used must carry the new-look barcode.

Anyone sending an item with a non-barcoded stamp will have that item treated by Royal Mail as if it is carrying insufficient postage.

Any item that has insufficient postage is subject to a surcharge, and possible admin fee, depending the size and weight of the letter or package affected.