Current answer: The USPS price for an ordinary First-Class Mail Forever stamp increased from 78 cents to 82 cents on July 12, 2026. The increase is already in effect.
What Changed in July 2026?
| Mailing item | Previous price | Price from July 12, 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail one-ounce letter / ordinary Forever stamp | 78¢ | 82¢ | +4¢ |
| Domestic postcard | 61¢ | 65¢ | +4¢ |
| International postcard or eligible one-ounce international letter | $1.70 | $1.75 | +5¢ |
| Additional ounce for a single-piece letter | 29¢ | 29¢ | No change |
The ordinary Forever stamp increase was four cents, or about 5.1 percent. This page covers the 2026 change; use the Forever stamp price history for the full timeline.
How the Increase Affects Common Quantities
| Quantity | Value at 78¢ | Value at 82¢ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 stamp | $0.78 | $0.82 | $0.04 |
| 20 stamps | $15.60 | $16.40 | $0.80 |
| 50 stamps | $39.00 | $41.00 | $2.00 |
| 100 stamps | $78.00 | $82.00 | $4.00 |
| 500 stamps | $390.00 | $410.00 | $20.00 |
| 1,000 stamps | $780.00 | $820.00 | $40.00 |
These figures compare postage value at the two rates. A retailer’s current selling price for a particular design, quantity or package may differ. See the current Forever stamp price and value guide for additional quantity calculations.
What Happens to Forever Stamps Bought at 78 Cents?
Unused, valid ordinary Forever stamps bought before July 12 did not become obsolete. Each now contributes 82 cents of postage toward an eligible mailpiece because its value follows the current First-Class Mail one-ounce letter rate. No four-cent makeup stamp is needed solely because the stamp was purchased at the earlier price.
Additional postage can still be required when the finished mailpiece is heavier, oversized, rigid, square, international or uses another service. Use the postage decision guide and confirm the final amount with USPS.
Was the Increase Proposed or Final?
USPS announced the proposed change in April 2026 and set July 12 as the planned effective date. The 82-cent rate subsequently took effect on that date. Older articles written during the proposal period may still use future-tense wording; they should not be read as the current status.
What Should Stamp Buyers Do Now?
- Continue using valid ordinary Forever stamps purchased at earlier prices.
- Check the live quantity and retail price on any current product listing.
- Do not assume one stamp covers every envelope; verify the completed mailpiece.
- Treat future USPS proposals as proposals until an effective date and final implementation are confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Forever stamps go up in 2026?
The increase took effect July 12, 2026.
How much did the price increase?
The ordinary Forever stamp rose four cents, from 78 cents to 82 cents.
Are Forever stamps going up, or did they already go up?
The July 2026 increase has already taken effect. Any later proposed change should be checked separately against current USPS notices.
Do 78-cent Forever stamps need extra postage now?
Not merely because of the price increase. A valid ordinary Forever stamp now carries the current 82-cent one-ounce letter value, although the mailpiece itself may still require additional postage.
Sources and Verification Date
This article uses the USPS 2026 mailing-services price announcement and final Postal Bulletin implementation materials. Current status and calculations were verified August 31, 2026. Postal rates can change; check the USPS Postal Explorer price-change index before relying on a dynamic rate.