Current Forever Stamp Price
The United States Postal Service raised the price of a Forever Stamp to $0.73 for regular mail on July 14, 2024, making it the standard first-class letter rate for any weight up to one ounce. This adjustment aligns with the annual price cap formula and affects retail customers, online sellers, and small businesses sending standard envelopes or cards. The increase was part of a broader USPS rate change that also adjusted prices for additional ounces, postcards, and commercial flats.
Consumers can still purchase Forever Stamps at the current rate and use them for future mailings without worrying about further surcharges, as the stamp remains valid for first-class letters regardless of future rate hikes. The USPS sells Forever Stamps at post offices, on usps.com, and through authorized retailers, and the stamp is often preferred by buyers who want to lock in postage costs ahead of scheduled increases.
USPS Rate History and Structure
The Forever Stamp was introduced in 2007 as a non-denominated stamp that always covers the current first-class letter rate, and its price has risen steadily over the years in line with inflation, labor costs, and delivery network expenses. Prior to the July 2024 increase, the Forever Stamp price was $0.68, and the USPS has adjusted the rate almost annually since the stamp was launched, reflecting changes in operating costs and regulatory requirements.
Key Rate Milestones
The USPS has documented its rate changes in official announcements and regulatory filings, and the most recent increase followed a public comment period and a decision by the Postal Regulatory Commission. The commission reviews proposed rate changes to ensure they are fair and reasonable, and the process typically includes data on delivery volume, revenue needs, and competitive comparisons with private carriers such as FedEx and UPS.
Where to Buy Forever Stamps at the Current Price
Buyers can purchase Forever Stamps at the current $0.73 price through the USPS website, at physical post offices, at many grocery and convenience stores, and through authorized online retailers. The USPS also offers bulk books of stamps, and the Forever Stamp design is updated periodically with new themes, making it a collectible item for some buyers while remaining a practical tool for everyday mailers.
For businesses that send large volumes of mail, the USPS provides commercial pricing options and online tools to calculate exact postage, and these services can help reduce costs compared to retail rates. The official USPS page on current rates and the Postal Regulatory Commission’s public docket are useful resources for tracking rate changes and understanding the factors behind price adjustments.