Starting in 1854, Burma used the stamps of British India without any form of overprinting. The stamps may be identified by the postmarks used which, after 1856, were specially prepared for Burma post offices.

The first stamps of Burma were stamps of British India overprinted BURMA from 1 April 1937.

The first stamps inscribed Burma in the design, rather than simple overprints, were definitive stamps of King George VI issued between 1938 and 1940. On 6 May 1940 a commemorative stamp was issued to celebrate the centenary of the first postage stamp. The stamp was created by overprinting a regular 2 Anna, 6 Pies, definitive stamp with a special design.