Can You Still Use Stamps with the Queens Head On?

Quick Answer – Are Stamps with the Queen’s Head Still Valid in 2025?

Wondering can you still use stamps with the queens head on? As of 2025, most non-barcoded stamps featuring Queen Elizabeth II’s profile are no longer valid for postage in the UK. But not all Queen stamps are the same — and some can still be used legally.

In short:

If it’s a standard stamp (like 1st or 2nd class) with the Queen’s head and no barcode, it’s not valid.
If it’s a commemorative stamp (with images, artwork, or issued for special events), it can still be used.
If it’s a barcoded stamp, even with the Queen’s head, it’s completely valid.

So yes for your question can you still use stamps with the queens head on — you can still use some stamps with the Queen’s head, but only if they meet the current Royal Mail standards.

Why Did Royal Mail Change the Rules on Stamps?

Introducing Barcoded Stamps

In 2022, Royal Mail began introducing a new generation of stamps — with printed barcodes next to the main design. This marked a major shift in how postage is processed in the UK.

These barcoded stamps look similar to the old ones but come with a:

Unique barcode printed on the right side
Matching colour and denomination (like 1st or 2nd class)
Slightly different layout and security features

Why Replace the Traditional Queen Stamps?

There were a few key reasons behind the change:

Security: Preventing the rising issue of counterfeit stamps
Tracking: Barcodes allow improved internal processing
Modernisation: A move toward a more efficient, tech-driven postal system

While the timing of the change came before Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, the transition also aligned with a natural shift toward stamps bearing King Charles III’s portrait.

Which Stamps with the Queen’s Head Can Still Be Used?

Let’s break this down in more detail — because not every Queen stamp falls into the same category.

1. Non-Barcoded Definitive Stamps (Queen’s Head Only)

These are the regular stamps you’ve likely seen for decades:

Small in size
Feature just the Queen’s profile (side view, no image or background)
Indicate value as “1st”, “2nd”, or a printed amount (e.g. 68p)

These stamps became invalid after 31 July 2023 and can no longer be used.

If you post with them, your mail will likely be returned or face a surcharge.

2. Barcoded Definitive Stamps (Queen or King)

These are the updated versions of the same stamps, but with a barcode next to the Queen’s (or King’s) profile.

These stamps are 100% valid for postage, whether they feature Queen Elizabeth II or King Charles III.

Barcoded Queen stamps are still in circulation and can be used without issue.

3. Commemorative or Special Stamps Featuring the Queen’s Head

These are often colourful, illustrated stamps released for:

Royal occasions
Anniversaries
Cultural or historical events

They may feature:

The Queen’s head (in a small corner or overprinted design)
A larger image, such as castles, actors, or artwork

These remain valid as long as they were issued by Royal Mail for use.

Even without barcodes, commemorative stamps are exempt from the barcode requirement.

How Do You Know if Your Stamp is Still Valid?

Use this simple visual checklist:

Stamp Type	Has Barcode?	Valid for Postage in 2025?
Standard Queen’s head stamp (1st/2nd)	❌ No	❌ Invalid
Barcoded Queen or King stamp	✅ Yes	✅ Valid
Commemorative Queen stamps (colourful/image)	❌ Usually No	✅ Valid
Damaged, reused or altered stamps	N/A	❌ Invalid

Always check both:

The presence of a barcode
The type of stamp — definitive (standard) or commemorative

What to Do If You Have Old Non-Barcoded Queen Stamps?

Don’t bin them — there’s still value in your old collection.

Royal Mail’s “Swap Out” Scheme

If you have non-barcoded definitive Queen stamps, you can exchange them for new barcoded stamps at no cost through Royal Mail’s national “Swap Out” scheme.

This scheme allows you to:

Trade any quantity of unused non-barcoded stamps
Receive new barcoded versions in return
Keep your postage investment intact

How to Swap Them?

There are two options:

Download a Swap Out form, print and complete it
Collect a form from a Post Office branch

Once filled in, post your old stamps along with the form to:

Freepost SWAP OUT

[No postcode or stamp needed]

Your replacement barcoded stamps will arrive by post.

Is There a Deadline to Swap?

As of 2025, the scheme is still ongoing, and Royal Mail has not announced an end date. But it’s wise to act sooner rather than later — these schemes can close without much notice.

What Happens If You Use an Invalid Queen Stamp?

You might think an old stamp will “sneak through” — but Royal Mail’s systems are now much stricter.

If you post an item using an invalid non-barcoded Queen stamp, here’s what could happen:

✅ Your item may be returned to you (the sender)
⚠️ The recipient may be asked to pay a surcharge — currently £1.50 or more
❌ Your mail could be delayed or destroyed if there’s no return address

So it’s not worth the risk — better to check and swap them out beforehand.