OLD-STYLE first and second class stamps are set to expire in 2023 as Royal Mail rolls out a new barcode system.

The date to use regular stamps that don't have a barcode was originally January 31, but this has been extended until July 31.

It comes after a six-month grace period was introduced to give households more time to use them up.

What stamps will be invalid under the new rules?

Old-style first and second class stamps will become invalid after July 31.

The will be replaced by similar stamps with a barcode attached.

Royal Mail said every barcode will be unique and include the option to add security features – including information about postal services.

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A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Definitive stamps are the stamps that will be very familiar to most people. They feature the profile of HM the Queen.

“The barcodes match the stamp colour and sit alongside the main body of the stamp, separated by a simulated perforation line.

“The new barcode is an integral part of the stamp and must remain intact for the stamp to be valid.”

When do the new rules come into place?

From July 31, 2023, you won't be able to use the current style of stamps that feature an image of the Queen's head.

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Instead, only the new style stamps complete with their new barcodes will be valid.

If you do use any other stamps you'll have to pay a surcharge.

What can I do with my old stamps?

Fortunately, stamps can be traded in before the cut off deadline – and Royal Mail will let you do it for free.

You just have to fill out a "Swap-Out" form on the Royal Mail website, or you can call to request a form.

Alternatively, you can head to your nearest local delivery office – but not a Post Office.

You'll then have to post back the stamps you want to swap to a Freepost address.

The "Swap Out" scheme launched on March 31, 2022.

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