Can old stamps no longer sold by the post office still be used? A complete explanation of USPS policies.

In this era of “fast fashion” and electronic products being replaced every year, we’ve become accustomed to things becoming “outdated.”

flower stamps issued in 2018 on our website for half price, your first reaction might be:

“Are these stamps still sold by the USPS? If the post office has stopped selling them, can I still use them to send letters?”

The answer is simple and resounding: yes. Absolutely.

In fact, the USPS not only accepts these “old” stamps, but in many cases, using them is a wiser financial choice than buying new ones. Here are all the rules you need to know about old stamps.

Core rule: Stamps do not have an “expiration date.”

Unlike milk or coupons, U.S. Postal Service stamps never expire.

Whether the stamp was printed in 2024 or 1994, it is valid legal postage as long as it is unused and in good condition.

The USPS doesn’t care whether the image on the stamp is of the current president or a cartoon character from 10 years ago. They only care about one thing: whether the postage value is sufficient.

Scenario 1: If you have “Forever Stamps”

This is the simplest and most advantageous situation for you.

The rules of the game have changed since the USPS introduced the Forever Stamp in 2007. If your old stamp has “Forever” printed on it (even if the price hasn’t been crossed out):

Rule: Its value is always equal to the current rate for a standard ounce of First-Class Mail (1 oz).

Example: Suppose you have a roll of Forever Stamps that you bought in 2018 for $0.50 each.

Now: Postage in 2025 has increased to $0.73 per stamp.

Result: You can directly affix that old 2018 stamp and mail the letter without paying the difference. That stamp, which was once only worth $0.50, has now automatically appreciated to $0.73.

Conclusion: Forever Stamps, regardless of the year they were issued or how “outdated” the design may be, are functionally equivalent to the new stamps you buy at the post office today.

Scenario 2: If you own “denominated stamps”

If you find older stamps (usually from before 2007), they will have a specific amount printed on them, such as “37¢” or “34 cents.”

Rule: They are still valid, but their value is fixed at the amount printed on them.

Problem: The current postage is $0.73 (hypothetically). If you affix an old 37¢ stamp, the postage won’t be enough.

Solution: You need to make up the difference by using more stamps. For example: 37¢ (old stamps) + 37¢ (old stamps) = 74¢ > 73¢. This way, it can be mailed out.

Under what circumstances will old stamps become “invalid”?

While time doesn’t kill stamps, wear and tear will. Do not use your old stamps if they meet any of the following conditions:

Canceled: A stamp with a black wavy line or postmark on its surface indicates that it has been used.

Tape covering: As we mentioned in our previous article, tape can interfere with machine recognition.

Damaged or missing stamps: If the stamps are torn or even missing a corner, USPS may refuse to accept them.

No adhesive: Although it can be glued on, if the stamp looks like it was cut from an old envelope (without the original adhesive), it may raise suspicion.

Why are most of today’s “discount stamps” older models?

This reveals a secret in our industry.

See us selling authentic Forever Stamps at 50% OFF in [Sale Discount Stamp]; you’ll find many designs that were released in 2018, 2019, or 2020.

This is not because they are “bad,” but because they are liquidation stocks.

The company stockpiled these stamps several years ago for office use.

These inventories are now being released as businesses close down or undergo digital transformation.

Because the design is no longer the “latest style,” the price can be discounted.

But for you, this is fantastic news: you’ve bought the right to enjoy the current high postage rates for a price that was low (or even lower) a few years ago.

Conclusion: The New Value of Old Stamps

Don’t look down on a stamp just because the design is from a few years ago. In the world of postal services, older stamps = classic + cost-effective.

Using discontinued stamps is not only 100% compliant, but it can also add a unique retro touch to your mail. The next time you mail a letter, confidently affix that 2019 flag stamp—your mail will arrive on time and safely, just like it’s affixed with the new 2025 stamp.

Want to buy these “perfectly designed” classic stamps at half price?

[ Browse our clearance inventory: 2018-2023 Classic Pattern Forever Stamps (Save 50%) ]