Abstract: A secure stamp system requires that a purchaser/user of stamps provide identifying information, such as name, address, telephone number, bank account information or biometric information at the time the stamps are purchased. This identifying information may be encoded or encrypted and printed on the stamp while corresponding information is stored in a memory that links the identifying information to an individual. Alternatively, the secure stamp system may have serial numbers printed thereon that are correlated to a purchaser/user. This enables the stamp to be traced to the individual who purchased the stamp. The stamps may have a predetermined operational life afterwhich the stamps are no longer valid.