U.S. Postal Service To Raise Forever Stamp Price To 78 Cents

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) announced on Wednesday a proposed price increase for its mailing services, including a 5-cent jump in the cost of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents. The changes, filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), are set to take effect on July 13, 2025, pending approval.

The rate adjustments, endorsed by the Postal Service’s Board of Governors, would raise mailing services prices by approximately 7.4 percent. Key changes include:

• First-Class Letters (1 oz.): From 73 cents to 78 cents
• Metered Letters (1 oz.): From 69 cents to 74 cents
• Domestic Postcards: From 56 cents to 62 cents
• International Postcards and Letters (1 oz.): From $1.65 to $1.70
• Additional Ounce for Single-Piece Letters: From 28 cents to 29 cents

The USPS also plans to adjust prices for Special Services products, notably introducing a 12 percent reduction in postal insurance costs for mailed items.

Price History of First-Class Forever Stamps

Since their introduction in 2007, Forever stamps have been priced to match the First-Class rate for a 1-ounce letter, adjusting with each rate change. Below is a timeline of key price points:

• 2007: Introduced at 41 cents
• 2011: 44 cents
• 2014: 49 cents
• 2019: 55 cents (largest single hike, 5 cents)
• 2021: 58 cents
• 2023: 66 cents
• 2024: 73 cents (effective July 14)
• 2025: Proposed 78 cents (pending approval)

Prices have risen steadily due to declining mail volume and rising costs, though USPS rates remain competitive globally.