Place Forever stamps in the upper-right corner on the address side of the envelope. One ordinary Forever stamp covers a rectangular, machinable domestic First-Class Mail letter weighing no more than one ounce. Before mailing, check the finished envelope’s weight, dimensions, thickness, shape and any postage already printed on it.
Where Does the Forever Stamp Go?
Upper left: return address
Upper right: Forever stamp or other postage
Center: recipient name and delivery address
Keep the delivery address clear and readable. Do not place stamps over the address, overlap one stamp with another, or cover printed postal markings.
When One Forever Stamp Is Enough
One ordinary Forever stamp is enough when all of these conditions are true:
- The item is a domestic First-Class Mail letter.
- The finished weight is no more than one ounce.
- The envelope is rectangular and machinable.
- It stays within USPS letter dimensions and is no more than 0.25 inch thick.
- It does not require a nonmachinable surcharge or another service.
How to Put Multiple Forever Stamps on an Envelope
Place the first stamp in the upper-right corner and additional stamps directly to its left or below it, leaving each stamp fully visible. USPS counts their combined current postage value. More stamps do not automatically make every envelope mailable; the mail category and physical limits still apply.
Check the Envelope Type First
| Envelope situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Standard one-ounce domestic letter | Place one ordinary Forever stamp in the upper-right corner |
| Heavier letter | Calculate the additional-ounce postage; smaller-denomination stamps can reduce overpayment |
| Square, rigid or unusually shaped envelope | Add the applicable nonmachinable postage after checking the current rate |
| Large envelope or bulky mailer | Calculate it as the applicable flat or package category rather than assuming a stamp count |
| Prepaid or stamped envelope | Read the printed indicium first; see when a Forever stamped envelope needs extra postage |
| International envelope | Use the international rate, destination and weight rules |
If orientation is the concern, see whether a Forever stamp can be placed sideways or horizontally.
Five-Step Mailing Check
- Seal the envelope with all contents inside.
- Write the return address in the upper left and the delivery address in the center.
- Measure and weigh the finished piece.
- Calculate the required postage for its category and characteristics.
- Affix the stamps in the upper right without overlapping them.
Check the envelope-size limits for one Forever stamp, see when two Forever stamps are enough, or use the postage calculator and decision guide.
A stamp that has already paid postage cannot be transferred to another mailing. See whether Forever stamps can be reused for canceled, apparently uncanceled and accidentally attached stamps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a Forever stamp anywhere on the envelope?
Use the designated postage area in the upper-right corner of the address side. Correct placement helps USPS processing equipment identify the postage.
Can Forever stamps overlap on an envelope?
No. Keep every stamp intact and fully visible so the postage and cancellation can be processed.
Can I add a Forever stamp to a prepaid envelope?
Yes, if additional postage is actually required. First identify the value and conditions of the printed indicium, then add only the shortfall.
Placement and postage checked August 31, 2026: USPS addressing guidance, letter-size standards, and Notice 123.
For the core value, validity, weight, and usage rules, see How Do Forever Stamps Work?.