Do mail stamps expire
In the United States, postage stamps do not expire, but they may become invalid or obsolete under certain circumstances. Here are some scenarios where a stamp might become unusable:
- New postal rates: If the postal rates change, stamps with lower denominations may become invalid. For example, if the rate for a first-class letter increases from $0.55 to $0.60, a $0.55 stamp would no longer be sufficient to mail a letter.
- Retirement of stamps: The United States Postal Service (USPS) periodically retires stamps from circulation when they are no longer needed or are replaced by new designs. In these cases, the retired stamps are no longer valid for postage.
- Special stamps: Some stamps, like commemorative stamps or stamps with special features (e.g., holograms), may have a limited lifespan or be intended for a specific purpose. These stamps may become invalid or obsolete once their purpose is fulfilled.
- International use: Stamps with international rates or denominations may become invalid if the rates change or if the country of origin changes its postal rates.
However, in general, most postage stamps remain valid for use as long as they are in good condition and have not been tampered with. If you have a stamp that you're unsure about, you can always check with the USPS or a philatelic expert to determine its validity.
It's worth noting that some countries may have different policies regarding stamp expiration or invalidation. If you're unsure about the validity of a stamp from another country, it's best to check with the postal authority of that country or a philatelic expert.