First Class and Second Class UK Stamp FAQs
Stamps are an essential part of every wallet, office and kitchen drawer in the UK - here’s everything you need to know about buying stamps, using stamps and the cost of UK stamps.
What’s the cost of a First Class stamp?
A First Class stamp currently costs £1.70
It covers delivery of a standard letter weighing up to 100g, and typically arrives the next working day, including Saturdays.
Standard letters have a maximum size of 240mm x 165mm x 5mm.
What’s the cost of a Second Class stamp?
A Second Class stamp currently costs 87p.
Second Class stamps also cover standard letters up to 100g and usually arrive within two to three working days, including Saturdays.
How much is a First Class Large Letter stamp?
Sending a Large Letter (up to 100g) by First Class costs £3.15.
Prices vary depending on weight and size - you can check exact rates using our Price Finder tool.
How much is a Second Class Large Letter stamp?
The cost of sending a Large Letter by Second Class (up to 100g) is £1.55. For heavier or thicker letters, postage will be slightly more.
Where’s the best place to buy First and Second Class stamps online?
You can buy all your stamps quickly and securely from the Royal Mail Online Shop. We offer free delivery and a full range of stamp types - including barcoded, collector stamps and seasonal stamps. We also sell sets of international postage stamps.
If you’re not buying stamps in bulk and you need a book of four or eight stamps, we also offer smaller stamp books to pop in your purse or wallet.
Can I still use old stamps with Queen Elizabeth II’s head?
Yes, you can still use stamps featuring Queen Elizabeth II’s profile, as long as they have a barcode. Non-barcoded stamps are no longer valid for postage unless exchanged.
Can I take old stamps to be replaced?
Yes. If you have older non-barcoded stamps, you can swap them for new barcoded versions through our Stamp Swap Out scheme.
Simply complete a form and send in your stamps - we’ll send you back new, barcoded stamps in the same denomination and for the same value.
Is there an age limit on the kind of stamps you’ll replace? For example, would you replace unused stamps from 1992?
Yes - Royal Mail will replace unused stamps regardless of age, as long as they are definitive stamps (i.e. regular stamps, not commemorative or special edition stamps) and don’t have a barcode.
Are stamps legal UK tender?
No, stamps are not legal tender. They’re valid for prepaying UK postage but can’t be used to pay for goods or services like coins or banknotes can.
Can I combine stamps to ensure the cost of postage is correct?
Yes, you can use multiple stamps to make up the correct postage value. Just ensure the total value covers the service you need.
My stamp doesn’t have a barcode - can I still use it?
No. As of July 2023, non-barcoded regular stamps are no longer valid for postage. However, you can exchange them for barcoded ones using our Stamp Swap Out scheme.
Can I reuse a stamp with a barcode?
No. All UK stamps - including barcoded ones - can only be used once. Reusing stamps is considered fraud and may result in your item not being delivered or being subject to additional charges.
Can I stick a stamp on with sticky tape?
No, you shouldn’t use sticky tape to affix a stamp, even if it's lost its stickiness - especially not over the barcode, as this can interfere with our scanning systems.
Instead, gently fix the stamp to your letter using a non-obstructive adhesive like a glue stick or stamp hinge underneath the stamp, making sure the stamp lies flat and the barcode is clearly visible and scannable.
What happens if I send a letter without the right postage?
If you send a letter without the correct postage we may still attempt to deliver it, but the recipient may be asked to pay the missing amount - along with a surcharge.
If the recipient doesn’t pay, the item is returned to sender (if a return address is included) or held for a limited time.