The U.S. Postal Service is raising the price of a first-class Forever stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents effective Sunday, July 12, according to an agency announcement. This increase, approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission in May, marks the sixth price hike in five years as the USPS attempts to offset a $9 billion loss reported for fiscal year 2025.
Why is the cost of postage rising?
The USPS reports that operating expenses are climbing faster than revenue, necessitating these periodic adjustments. According to a May analysis by the Postal Regulatory Commission, agency costs rose by $1.8 billion in fiscal year 2025, while revenue growth lagged at $1 billion. During that same period, total mail volume declined by 3.7%. The agency previously raised rates by approximately 15% between July 2024 and the end of the 2025 fiscal year to combat these financial pressures.
Forever stamps remain valid regardless of future price increases. Because they are non-denominated, the USPS honors them as valid postage for a one-ounce First-Class letter at the current market rate, regardless of when they were purchased.
What are the new rates for other services?
Beyond the standard first-class stamp, several other mailing products will see price adjustments starting July 12:
- Domestic postcards: Increasing to 65 cents from 61 cents.
- International letters and postcards: Increasing to $1.75 from $1.70.
Could stamp prices increase again?
Additional price hikes are likely, according to testimony provided by Postmaster General David Steiner. During a House panel hearing in March, Steiner suggested that the price of a first-class stamp may eventually need to reach between 90 cents and 95 cents to stabilize the agency’s long-term financial health. Steiner noted that the USPS faces a potential cash shortfall within 12 months, arguing that higher prices on mail and package products are essential to mitigating “controllable losses.”
How are lawmakers responding to service delays?
While the agency pursues price hikes to bolster finances, it faces mounting scrutiny regarding delivery performance. Lawmakers have voiced concerns over service reliability in several regions. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., announced in June that he was launching an investigation into “ongoing mail service failures” within his state. Similarly, Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, flagged persistent delivery delays in the El Paso area in November.
If you have a stockpile of older Forever stamps, there is no need to add additional postage. Simply use them as you normally would; the USPS system recognizes them at the current first-class rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my old stamps still work after July 12?
Yes. Forever stamps purchased at any previous price point remain valid for current first-class mail delivery without the need for additional postage.
Why is the USPS losing money?
According to the Postal Regulatory Commission, the agency is struggling with a combination of rising operating costs and a 3.7% decline in mail volume recorded during the last fiscal year.
Are prices for packages also increasing?
Postmaster General David Steiner has indicated that the agency intends to seek higher prices on both package and mail products to improve financial performance.
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