Before 1850
In 1829 a hereditary prince was recognized by the Turkish government and Serbia subsequently became an autonomous principality under Turkish suzerainty. A limited Turkish post operated after 1840, and several POs were in operation by 1866.

First stamps issued were printed locally at the state printing works in Belgrade but the higher values were produced in Vienna.

1871-1914
Serbia was one of the original signatories of the General Postal Union in 1874 and the principality became independent of Turkey in 1878. This was confirmed by Treaty of Berlin on 22 August 1878. At the same time Serbia gained further territory from Turkey including the towns of Nish and Pirot.

In 1882 the assembly elected Prince Milan to become king, and Serbia became a kingdom.

1914-18
When Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina on 28 June 1914, Austria accused Serbia of complicity. Because of the many interlocking alliances, this led to the outbreak of World War I.

During the occupation of Serbia, Austro-Hungarian military post stamps were issued from 1915 and were overprinted from 6 March 1916. Serbia continued to issue its stamps until 1920, when the kingdom of Yugoslavia was created.

During 1919 Serbia occupied the areas of Baranya and Temesvar in Hungary. Overprinted stamps were issued on 5 and 10 May respectively.

Balkans 1800-1913
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