Ireland has become the first country in the world to launch a digital stamp, according to An Post.

The postal service said the innovation will ensure nobody is ever stuck for a stamp again.

The stamp offers next-day delivery within the Republic of Ireland and can be purchased 24/7 through the An Post app.

Users who buy the €2 digital stamp through the An Post app will be sent a unique 12-digit code which they can then handwrite onto their envelope or postcard, where the stamp would normally go.

An Post then offers next working day delivery for correspondence posted in any post box by the latest collection time for delivery.

The postal service will also confirm next-day delivery by text or email.

Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director, An Post Commerce launches the Digital Stamp. Image: Maxwells

An Post Commerce Managing Director Garrett Bridgeman said the stamps are “a great innovation that works for everyone”.

“Busy individuals who are time-poor and want to purchase stamps at a time and place that works for them or last-minute senders as well as [those who] need to post at irregular hours and may not have stamps to hand,” he said.

“The Digital Stamp is incredibly handy, it’s available anywhere and anytime in the An Post App and the confirmation of delivery provides great peace of mind to the customer.”

He said the new technology will complement the “extensive range of beautiful physical stamps available at post offices, shops and online”.

Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director, An Post Commerce alongside Louise McSharry, Tom Hyland and Paddy Smyth as An Post launch the Digital Stamp. Image: Maxwells

An Post said research and customers trials found that the digital stamp offering is extremely popular – with people most likely to use them for birthdays. Last-minute Christmas cards, social welfare and tax-related paperwork and spur-of-the-moment cards and notes to loved ones.

The digital stamp only covers post within the Republic and customers are reminded to include a return address on every envelope.

All “incorrect or illegible” digital stamp codes will be rejected and returned to sender.

Main image shows Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director, An Post Commerce alongside Louise McSharry, Tom Hyland and Paddy Smyth as An Post launch the Digital Stamp. Image: Maxwells