USPS raises price of first-class Forever stamp to 82 cents
The U.S. Postal Service is increasing stamp prices and mailing fees to address financial instability and rising operational costs. See how the adjustments affect domestic and commercial shipping.
Starting Sunday, July 12, 2026, the cost of sending a standard letter through the U.S. Postal Service will rise as the agency implements a new round of price adjustments. The price of a first-class Forever stamp will increase from 78 cents to 82 cents, a 4-cent shift that represents part of a broader, agency-wide effort to address long-term financial instability.
The adjustment is part of a larger series of changes approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission. Overall, the U.S. Postal Service is raising mailing services product prices by an average of 4.8%. While the Forever stamp increase is the most visible change for individual consumers, the new fee structure also affects postcards, metered mail, and various commercial services.
Media additions
Adjusted Rates Effective July 12, 2026
| Service | Current Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Forever Stamp | 78 cents | 82 cents |
| Domestic Postcard | 61 cents | 65 cents |
| International Postcard/Letter | $1.70 | $1.75 |
| Metered Mail (1 ounce) | 74 cents | 78 cents |
The Postal Service has noted that the additional-ounce price for single-piece letters will remain unchanged at 29 cents. Additionally, Forever stamps purchased at lower prices remain valid for use after the increase, as their non-denominated nature is designed to cover the cost of a one-ounce First-Class Mail letter regardless of current postage rates.
Agency leadership, including Postmaster General David Steiner, has characterized these moves as essential to maintaining the universal service obligation. In congressional testimony, Steiner noted that the organization faces a severe financial crisis, reporting a $9 billion net loss for the 2025 fiscal year. Steiner has advocated for aggressive pricing strategies, suggesting in earlier hearings that stamp prices might eventually need to reach 90 to 95 cents to stabilize the agency's controllable losses.
The financial strain stems from a combination of rising operational costs and a steady decline in mail volume. According to a May analysis by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the agency’s operating expenses are currently outpacing its revenue. During the last fiscal year, operating costs rose by $1.8 billion while revenue grew by only $1 billion, and total mail volume declined by 3.7%.
Broader Impacts and New Fees
Beyond standard stamps, the Postal Service is introducing new handling requirements for hazardous materials. A $7.50 handling fee will apply to hazardous packages sent via Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express. the agency has implemented a $50 fine for packages that contain hazardous materials—such as common items like nail polish remover or certain essential oils—that are not properly labeled according to USPS guidelines.
For commercial shippers, the impact is compounded by a lowering of the dimensional weight divisor, which makes shipping large, lightweight packages more expensive. PO box rental fees are scheduled to increase by 3%, and costs for forwarding and returning certain parcels are rising significantly.
Lawmakers have expressed concern regarding both the financial trajectory of the agency and the quality of service. In June, Sen. Josh Hawley launched an investigation into reported mail service failures in Missouri, following similar concerns raised by Rep. Veronica Escobar regarding delivery delays in Texas. Despite these criticisms, the USPS maintains that its prices remain among the most affordable in the world when compared to international standards.
What to Watch Next
- Borrowing Authority: Postmaster General Steiner has warned that without an increase in borrowing capacity from Congress, the agency could face significant cash flow issues by February 2027, potentially impacting its ability to pay employees and vendors.
As the July 12 implementation date approaches, the Postal Regulatory Commission continues to monitor the agency's performance.
