U.S. Postal Service to Raise Forever Stamp Price from 78 Cents to 82 Cents on July 12

The U.S. Postal Service will raise the price of Forever stamps from 78 cents to 82 cents on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Usa Today reported that the agency is also increasing prices on other mailing services by about 4.8 percent overall.

Domestic postcard postage will rise from 61 cents to 65 cents. Metered one-ounce letter postage will increase from 74 cents to 78 cents, while standard one-ounce letter postage moves from 78 cents to 82 cents. International postcard and one-ounce letter postage will each increase from $1.70 to $1.75.

The additional-ounce price for single-piece letters remains 29 cents. The Postal Service filed its intent to raise prices on April 9, 2026. The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the changes on May 27.

Usa Today reported that the agency cited rising costs and ongoing financial challenges as reasons for the adjustments. Forever stamps were introduced in 2007 at 41 cents each.

With the latest increase, the cost has doubled over 19 years. Stamps purchased at 78 cents or less remain valid for postage after the change. The Postal Service recorded a net loss of $2.7 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.

The Postal Regulatory Commission noted in a May 21 report that the agency has operated at a loss for the past decade, creating a gap between assets and liabilities. "In the midst of the severe financial crisis facing the Postal Service and continued rising operational costs, the Postal Service is using all available tools, including available regulatory pricing authority, to ensure we can continue to fulfill our universal service obligation and serve the American public," the Postal Service said in its announcement.