The U.S. Postal Service will raise the price of its Forever stamp to 82 cents, marking a 4-cent increase that takes effect on July 12 after approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission. The commission endorsed USPS’s proposed changes to mailing service prices, which include an overall increase of about 4.8%. Other adjustments include: Domestic postcards from 61 to 65 cents; Metered 1-ounce letters from 74 to 78 cents; International postcards from $1.70 to $1.75; International 1-ounce letters from $1.70 to $1.75. The add-on charge for an extra ounce on single-piece letters remains at 29 cents. Postage rates for Forever stamps bought before the new rates remain valid for mailing a standard one-ounce letter.
USPS said the price increase is necessary to cover rising operating costs and longstanding financial challenges. The Postal Service generally does not receive taxpayer funding for operating expenses and relies on revenue from postage, products, and services. In proposing the increase, USPS stressed its obligation to continue fulfilling universal service obligations and serving the American public.
The Postal Regulatory Commission acknowledged USPS’s financial pressures and ongoing service issues, noting long-term challenges such as declining mail volume and a deteriorating financial outlook. While it approved the changes, the commission warned about the broader health of the postal system, including declines in market-dominant mail volume and ongoing service performance concerns. It said it had no legal basis to reject the increase because the proposal complies with current law and uses essentially all the pricing authority available for First-Class Mail under existing regulations.
Consumers and businesses should be aware that Forever stamps purchased before the July 12 date will remain valid for mailing a standard one-ounce letter although use after that date will require the new 82-cent stamp.
