Can I reuse an unused stamp?

Once a postage stamp has been used, it is a federal crime to: Reuse a stamp whether cancelled or not. If you have questions concerning the reuse of postage, please contact your local Postal Inspector.

How many times can a stamp be used?

As mentioned above, postal stamps do not expire and can be used indefinitely. In the event of a price increase, customers can purchase Denomination Stamps to make up the price for postage or use Forever Stamps. Can I purchase 1-cent or 3-cent stamps to makeup the increase in postage?

How can I tell if a stamp has been used?

the post office has an imprint they put on over it indicating the stamp is now used and spent. If the back of the stamp no longer has ‘unmoistened’ gum or if there is any trace of a franking mark on the front, it will have been used.

Is it OK to reuse unfranked stamps?

An unfranked stamp is one which has been through the postal system but which hasn’t been marked as used. Buying and selling unfranked stamps isn’t in itself illegal if they are for collections. Reusing unfranked stamps as new is, however, an offence. You can hear the Moneybox radio article here, commencing at 08m 10s.

Can you tape unused stamps?

Affix your stamps securely, but do not put tape over the stamp(s) — this invalidates the postage. If your envelope is textured, or contains decorative fibers or floral inclusions, you may want to secure the postage using a glue stick.

Is it illegal to reuse an unused stamp?

It is illegal to reuse a stamp. Think of an unused stamp as a receipt for a service that has not yet been done. In addition to being difficult to remove from the envelope, the gum usually washes off and must be replaced. This can be messy and easy to spot.

How long does a postage stamp last?

, Thirty five years in retail, from woodstoves to postage stamps. It is illegal to reuse a stamp. Think of an unused stamp as a receipt for a service that has not yet been done. In addition to being difficult to remove from the envelope, the gum usually washes off and must be replaced. This can be messy and easy to spot.

How do you remove stamps from paper without damaging them?

Here’s how you can do that. Trim the paper around the stamp carefully. Leave a good quarter inch or more around the stamps to avoid cutting or damaging them with your scissors. Soak the paper in water to loosen the stamp without tearing or damaging it. Cover the paper completely with water.

How do postage stamps get cancelled?

When the letter goes through the system (once it’s cleared to be in, it gets ink rolled onto the stamp area ( in the old days it was with a manual Stamping with ink upon a gavel stamp) with the sortation location in there somewhere… this cancels the stamp. Postage stamps are a “one-time use” item.