La Poste introduces expiration dates for printable stamps

La Poste is introducing expiration dates for its ‘Mon Timbre en Ligne’ service in France, affecting digital stamps that users print themselves. These stamps will have a limited validity of six months from the date of purchase.

The new rule will apply to all new purchases made starting September 16, 2026. For stamps printed before this date, a grace period has been established, allowing them to remain valid until March 16, 2027. After this deadline, existing stock will become unusable without the possibility of exchange or refund.

The expiration date will be printed directly on the stamp visual and will also be viewable in the customer area under ‘Mes commandes’. To be considered valid, mail must be deposited in a mailbox or at a post office counter before the expiration date.

This change does not affect traditional physical stamps purchased in booklets or individually at post offices or tobacco shops, nor does it apply to collector stamps or e-stamps for registered letters and parcels, which maintain their usual conditions.