The price of a USPS Forever Stamp increased, July 12, 2026, as the United States Postal Service introduced its latest round of postage rate changes.
Read also: Forever Stamp Price History
A standard First-Class Mail Forever Stamp now costs 82 cents, up from 78 cents. That is a four-cent increase, or approximately 5.1%.
New USPS Postage Rates Effective July 12, 2026
Several commonly used mailing rates increased today:
| Mailing Service | Previous Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail Forever Stamp | $0.78 | $0.82 |
| Metered 1-ounce letter | $0.74 | $0.78 |
| Domestic postcard | $0.61 | $0.65 |
| International 1-ounce letter | $1.70 | $1.75 |
| International postcard | $1.70 | $1.75 |
| Additional ounce for letters | $0.29 | $0.29 |
The additional-ounce rate remains unchanged at 29 cents.
The new prices apply to mail sent on or after July 12, regardless of when an envelope or card was prepared.
Are Old Forever Stamps Still Valid?
Yes. Forever Stamps purchased before the increase remain valid and can still be used to mail a standard one-ounce First-Class letter.
You do not need to add four cents of postage to an envelope when using an older Forever Stamp. A Forever Stamp always covers the current First-Class Mail one-ounce letter rate, regardless of the amount originally paid for it.
This applies to Forever Stamps purchased at 78 cents, 73 cents or any earlier price.
Older stamps with a printed denomination are different. Those stamps retain only their stated postage value and may need to be combined with additional postage.
How Much Does a Book or Roll of Forever Stamps Cost Now?
At the new 82-cent rate:
- A book of 20 Forever Stamps costs $16.40
- A coil or roll of 100 Forever Stamps costs $82
- 500 Forever Stamps have a postage value of $410
- 1,000 Forever Stamps have a postage value of $820
Someone who purchased 100 Forever Stamps before today at the previous 78-cent rate paid $78 and saved $4 compared with the new price.
Although that difference is relatively small for an occasional mailer, it can become meaningful for businesses, nonprofit organizations, wedding invitations, holiday cards and other larger mailings.
Can You Still Use Multiple Older Stamps?
Yes. USPS allows customers to combine valid postage stamps to reach the amount required for a mailing.
For example, older denominated stamps can be used together as long as their combined value equals or exceeds the current postage rate. However, USPS generally does not refund excess postage placed on an envelope.
Forever Stamps are simpler because their mailing value automatically adjusts whenever the standard First-Class letter price changes.
Why Did USPS Raise Stamp Prices?
USPS periodically adjusts postage rates to offset rising operating expenses and changes in mail volume. The Postal Service announced the proposed July increase in April, and the finalized rates took effect today.
USPS stated that mailing-services prices increased by approximately 4.8% overall. The exact increase varies depending on the mail category and service being used.
The Postal Service generally funds its operations through postage, products and services rather than ordinary federal tax revenue. Declining letter volume, labor expenses, transportation costs and long-term financial obligations have contributed to more frequent rate adjustments.
How to Avoid Underpaying for Postage
Mail deposited with insufficient postage may be returned to the sender or delivered with postage due.
Before mailing an item, check:
- The total weight of the envelope
- Whether it is flexible and uniformly thick
- Whether it qualifies as a standard letter
- Whether it requires additional-ounce postage
- Whether it is square, rigid or unusually shaped
- Whether it is being mailed internationally
One Forever Stamp covers a standard rectangular First-Class letter weighing up to one ounce. Heavier or nonstandard envelopes may require additional postage.
What Today’s Increase Means for Stamp Collectors
The increase does not change the collectibility or validity of previously issued Forever Stamps. Unused Forever Stamps continue to carry the current one-ounce letter value even when their designs are no longer sold by USPS.
Collectors should distinguish between a stamp’s postage value and its potential collector value. Most modern unused Forever Stamps remain worth at least their current mailing value, while certain limited editions, printing varieties or unusual errors may command a premium.
The Bottom Line
As of July 12, 2026, a USPS Forever Stamp costs 82 cents.
Previously purchased Forever Stamps remain fully valid, and no additional postage is required when using one to mail a standard one-ounce letter. Other rates also increased today, including domestic postcards, metered letters and international letters.
Anyone mailing invitations, business correspondence, greeting cards or other First-Class letters should begin calculating postage using the new rates immediately.
