postage-stamps

How much is a forever stamp in 2025? Current price and what it means

A Forever Stamp in the United States costs $0.66 as of 2025 and remains valid for a 1 oz First-Class letter mailed anywhere in the country. It does not increase in price when ad...

Mara Ellison
How much is a forever stamp in 2025? Current price and what it means

Current price of a Forever Stamp in 2025

A Forever Stamp in the United States costs $0.66 as of 2025 and remains valid for a 1 oz First-Class letter mailed anywhere in the country. It does not increase in price when additional ounces are required; instead, you add Extra Ounce or Additional Ounce postage to cover the weight. This overview explains the 1 oz letter rate, domestic delivery expectations, and options for larger or international items.

What a Forever Stamp covers and does not cover

Included in the 1 oz letter rate

  • Flat-rate delivery within the United States for a 1 oz letter via First-Class Mail
  • Transition through the USPS network with a Basic Tracking record (not guaranteed delivery time)

Not covered by the Forever Stamp alone

  • International mail, which requires International Forever Stamps or other international postage
  • Larger envelopes, flats, or parcels, which are priced by size, weight, and zone
  • Additional ounces beyond 1 oz on a letter, which require Extra Ounce or Additional Ounce stamps

Price history and key dates for the Forever Stamp

Date or Period Price (1 oz letter) Notes
2007 $0.41 Forever Stamp introduced in April 2007 at this price
2009 $0.44 Price change in January
2013 $0.46 Price change in January
2014 $0.49 Price change in January
2015 $0.50 Price change in January
2016 $0.55 Price change in January
2018 $0.58 Price change in January
2019 $0.55 Price change in January
2021 $0.58 Price change in August for 1 oz letter (no change to postcard or additional ounce rates at that time)
2022 $0.63 Price change in July
2023 $0.66 Price change in July

How postage is calculated for different items

USPS prices depend on product type, weight, and zone (distance). Below is a concise comparison to illustrate common options.

Product Weight Notes
Forever Stamp 1 oz letter $0.66 in 2025; domestic First-Class
Additional Ounce Each extra oz Required for letters over 1 oz; priced separately
Postcard Up to 1 oz Lower rate than First-Class; no extra charge for 1 oz if postcard-eligible
Large Envelope / Flat 1–13 oz Priced by weight and zone; higher than a letter rate
Retail Ground Variable Slower, price by weight and zone; not time-defined
International Forever Stamp 1 oz letter to select countries Upgraded international option; confirm current pricing at purchase

Where and how to buy Forever Stamps

  • USPS.com is the most reliable source for current pricing and delivery details
  • Retail locations including post offices, grocery stores, and pharmacies
  • Online vendors such as Amazon or Costco may offer bulk options; verify they are Forever and not commemorative or promotional issues
  • Co-branded or commemorative Forever Stamps are visually different but remain valid for the 1 oz letter rate at any future date

Common questions about Forever Stamps

  • Do Forever Stamps expire? No; they remain valid for mailing a 1 oz letter indefinitely.
  • Are older Forever Stamps still valid? Yes, as long as they are stamped Forever and purchased for First-Class letter postage; they retain the ability to cover the 1 oz letter rate even after price changes.
  • What if I have older stamps and prices rise? You do not need additional postage; a Forever Stamp always covers the 1 oz letter rate regardless of when it was issued.
  • Can I use multiple Forever Stamps for heavier letters? Technically yes, but it is inefficient; Extra Ounce or Additional Ounce stamps are more cost-effective for letters over 1 oz.
  • Are Forever Stamps the same as Additional Ounce stamps? No; Additional Ounce stamps apply only to each extra ounce beyond 1 oz and are priced differently.