The latest USPS Forever stamp price increase took effect July 12, 2026. The price of a one-ounce First-Class Mail Forever stamp rose from 78 cents to 82 cents, an increase of 4 cents, or about 5.1%. Forever stamps bought before the change remain valid for a qualifying one-ounce domestic letter without added postage.
| Rate | Before July 12, 2026 | From July 12, 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-ounce letter / ordinary Forever stamp | 78¢ | 82¢ | +4¢ |
| Metered one-ounce letter | 74¢ | 78¢ | +4¢ |
| Domestic postcard | 61¢ | 65¢ | +4¢ |
| International one-ounce letter or postcard | $1.70 | $1.75 | +5¢ |
Did the Forever stamp price increase already happen?
Yes. USPS proposed the change on April 9, 2026, the Postal Regulatory Commission completed its review, and the final domestic standards became effective July 12, 2026. The 82-cent figure is therefore an effective rate, not a pending proposal.
When will Forever stamps go up again?
As of September 3, 2026, the sources checked for this update do not establish a later approved effective date. A proposal, a regulatory review and an effective date are different stages. This page will label a future change as proposed until final implementation is confirmed.
What the increase means for stamps you already own
- An unused ordinary Forever stamp continues to cover the current one-ounce domestic First-Class Mail letter rate.
- A fixed-denomination stamp still supplies only the amount printed on it.
- Postcard, Global Forever, Additional Ounce and other value-indicator stamps follow their own postage categories.
- Weight, shape, thickness, rigidity, destination and extra services can require more postage.
Should you buy before a future increase?
Buying genuine Forever stamps before an effective-date increase locks in the current purchase price for postage you expect to use later. Estimate realistic mailing volume rather than treating postage as an investment. Compare the seller’s actual checkout price, package count and return terms before deciding.
See the current Forever stamp value, the complete historical price table, or browse available Forever stamps.
Official verification
USPS announced the proposed 78-to-82-cent change in its April 2026 price notice. The Postal Bulletin implementation notice confirms the July 12 effective date. Facts checked September 3, 2026.