NewsUK NewsRoyal Mail Ltd.People could be charged up to £7 to fix the mistake13:18, 31 Jul 2026Anyone who sends a parcel, card or letter through Royal Mail must follow this exact rule every time - or risk being told to pay a penalty. Most Brits who use the national service do this on instinct, but it can catch some people out.‌Royal Mail rules require that people always place their stamp in the top right-hand corner of the front face of the envelope or parcel. This rule is in force for a very specific reason that could see items be delayed from reaching their destination - and it is easily avoidable.‌The stamp must go in the top right-hand corner because Royal Mail's automated sorting machines are programmed to scan that exact area to verify postage. If a stamp is placed anywhere else, the machines cannot read it, causing delays or mail rejection.‌Machines might also mark items that were stamped incorrectly as "no postage paid", which can lead to a yellow surcharge sticker. The person you are sending to must then pay a fee before your item is handed over to them, ranging from £1.50 to £7.The recipient is under no obligation to pay. They can visit the sorting office and ask to look at the envelope, but if they do not recognise the handwriting or refuse to pay the fee, the item is held for 18 days before being returned to the sender (if a return address is written on the back) or destroyed.‌What are the exact rules when using Royal Mail stamps?The Royal Mail is very clear about what will pass its rules. Aside from being stuck in the top right corner, stamps must also be "completely flat and visible" and positioned with the Queen or King's head facing the correct way (upright).It is also important that the room is kept clear around the stamp. Royal Mail uses this space to print tracking codes and digital postmarks, so having something written here will be covered and might make the tracking code difficult to read by Royal Mail machines.Article continues belowAside from stamps, people could get caught out by writing in the address of where their post needs to go wrong. Advice that comes directly from Royal Mail says: "The name and address go on the bottom left corner of the front of the envelope or parcel."Use clear and easy-to-read handwriting (or font if you are printing the address). Use a pen or ink that is clear against the colour of the envelope or parcel."Left align the text (no centred or 'stepped' lines). No commas or full stops. Leave a generous margin around the address."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Royal Mail Ltd.Postal ServiceKing Charles IIIRoyal FamilyExpert AdviceLife hacks