What to do if you’ve franked the wrong date on your mail

If you’ve franked an item with the wrong date, don’t panic – it’s one of the most common franking mistakes and it’s easily fixed. Put a single line through the incorrect date in black ink, correct the date on your machine, then re-frank the item (or add a franking label) with the right date before you post it.

If you have a Mailmark franking machine

1. Draw a line through the incorrect date in black ink.
2. Run a Zero-value test print and check the date is now set correctly on the machine.
3. Re-frank the envelope with the correct date – either on the bottom left-hand corner / shorter edge, or, if using a franking label, place it to the left of the original impression.
4. If you used Zero test print, remember to re-select the correct product before your next item to avoid underpayment and Royal Mail surcharges.

If you have a standard (non-Mailmark) franking machine

1. Draw a line through the incorrect date in black ink.
2. Change the date on your franking machine to the correct day.
3. Re-frank the item with the correct date, or apply a correctly dated franking label.

Not sure which type of machine you have? Check with your franking machine supplier before you send.

How to avoid franking the wrong date

Most date errors happen first thing in the morning before the machine’s date has rolled over, or after a long weekend. A quick test print at the start of each day is the simplest way to catch it.

Running low on franking labels? Browse our franking labels.

FAQs

Can I just cross out the wrong date and post it? Yes – cross out the wrong date in black ink and add the correct date by re-franking or with a label. Don’t leave two conflicting dates uncrossed, as it can delay your mail.

Will the wrong date cause a surcharge? The date itself won’t, but if you use Zero test print and forget to re-select the right product, you can underpay – which can lead to a Royal Mail surcharge.

Can I reuse a mis-franked label? No. Apply a fresh, correctly dated label to the left of the original impression.