It’s funny how something so small—a stamp—can carry so much weight. Not just the literal postage value, but the emotional one too. A Forever Stamp is a promise. A square of paper that says: your words will travel, your message will arrive.
And yet, every year, confusion swirls. How much is a Forever Stamp now? Can I use it for a 2‑ounce letter? What about postcards, or that square wedding invitation that looks so pretty but doesn’t fit the machine?
Let’s clear the fog.
As of July 2025, the Forever Stamp is 78¢. USPS has confirmed there will be no price changes until July 2026 (official announcement here). That’s stability in a world where almost nothing feels stable.
Why Forever Stamps still matter in 2025
You might think: “Who even mails letters anymore?” But here’s the truth—millions of Americans still do. Bills, legal documents, wedding invites, sympathy cards, holiday greetings.
And when you’re standing at the kitchen counter, envelope in hand, stamp sheet nearby, there’s a tiny flicker of doubt: Is one stamp enough? Will this come back to me with that dreaded yellow sticker?
That’s why Forever Stamps matter. They simplify. They reassure. They’re a little anchor in a shifting sea.
The updated USPS rates you need to know
Here’s the 2025–2026 breakdown. Keep this table handy—it’s the cheat sheet you’ll wish you had taped to your fridge.
| Mail Type | Weight/Size | Price | Stamp Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| First‑Class Letter | 1 oz | $0.78 | 1 Forever |
| First‑Class Letter | 2 oz | $1.07 | 1 Two‑Ounce stamp OR 1 Forever + 29¢ |
| First‑Class Letter | 3 oz | $1.36 | 1 Three‑Ounce stamp OR 1 Forever + 58¢ |
| Additional Ounce | Each extra | $0.28 | Add as needed |
| Non‑Machinable Letter (1 oz) | Square/rigid | $1.27 | 1 Non‑Machinable stamp |
| Postcard | Standard | $0.61 | 1 Postcard stamp |
| Global Forever | 1 oz intl. letter | $1.65 | 1 Global Forever |
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Env. | Any weight | $9.85 | Buy label (don’t use stamps) |
| Priority Mail Express | Flat Rate | $31.40 | Buy label (don’t use stamps) |
The hidden rules about size and shape
It’s not just about weight. USPS cares about shape.
- Standard letter: rectangular, flexible, 3.5″–6.125″ tall, 5″–11.5″ long, ≤0.25″ thick.
- Non‑machinable: square, rigid, or with clasps/buttons. That’s why your 6″ × 6″ wedding invite costs $1.27, not 78¢.
- Large envelope (flat): up to 12″ × 15″, ≤0.75″ thick.
- Package: thicker than 0.75″ or irregular.
👉 If you ignore this, your mail gets returned. And nothing feels worse than seeing your carefully written card boomerang back with “insufficient postage.”
The emotional side: a business owner’s moment of doubt
I once spoke with a small business owner in Ohio. She told me:
“I was mailing out 200 invoices. Each envelope had three sheets of paper. I stood there, staring at the stamps. One Forever? Two? I almost cried. It felt ridiculous—crying over stamps—but I couldn’t afford delays.”
She ended up using the $1.07 two‑ounce stamps. And when the payments came back on time, she laughed at herself. “It was silly, but I felt like I’d conquered something.”
That’s the emotional truth: postage isn’t just logistics. It’s trust.
Choosing the right design: more than decoration
Stamps are tiny messengers. They set the tone before the envelope is even opened.
- Flag stamps 🇺🇸: business, government, formal. They say: serious, professional.
- Flowers 🌸: weddings, sympathy, thank‑yous. They soften the message.
- Santa 🎅: holiday cards, family newsletters. They add warmth.
- Global Forever 🌍: international letters. A single $1.65 stamp, one‑and‑done.
Sometimes, the design matters as much as the words inside.
Where to buy—and where not to buy
Buy from:
- USPS.com
- Local post offices
- Authorized retailers (grocery stores, office supply chains)
Avoid:
- “Discount Forever Stamps” at 50% off on Shein, Temu, or random marketplaces. USPS has warned these are 100% counterfeit. They look real, but your mail will be rejected.
As the Federal Trade Commission reminds consumers, if a deal looks too good to be true, it is.
International mailing: the Global Forever advantage
One Global Forever stamp = $1.65 = 1 oz letter to anywhere in the world.
No math, no stress. If heavier, get it weighed. Don’t guess. International returns are slow and painful.
Common mistakes (and how to fix them fast)
- Using one Forever for a 2 oz letter.
- Fix: add 28¢ or use the $1.07 stamp.
- Ignoring shape rules.
- Square = non‑machinable. Use $1.27.
- Stamping Priority Mail.
- Yes, you can cover a $9.85 envelope with 13 Forever stamps. But don’t. Buy a label.
- Falling for fake discounts.
- If you see “100 Forever Stamps for $40,” run.
Quick checklist before you mail
- ✅ Weigh your letter.
- ✅ Check size and shape.
- ✅ Choose correct stamp(s).
- ✅ Place neatly top‑right.
- ✅ Drop in mailbox or hand to clerk.
Simple. But powerful.
Why this still matters in a digital world
We live in an age of instant messages, but physical mail still carries weight. A sympathy card. A wedding invite. A handwritten thank‑you.
There’s a pause when you hold an envelope. A moment of connection. And the stamp—tiny, sticky, overlooked—makes that connection possible.
As The New York Times has reported, USPS remains a lifeline for communities, especially rural ones. Forever Stamps are part of that lifeline.
Final reflection
Forever Stamps are not just postage. They’re a promise. A way to send trust, love, business, or memory across the miles.
So the next time you peel one off the sheet, pause. Feel the weight of it. Not just 78 cents. But the assurance that your words will travel.
FAQ for Forever Stamps 2025–2026
Q: Can I still use Forever Stamps I bought years ago?
Yes. Even if you purchased them at 55¢ or 63¢, they’re always valid for the current 1‑oz First‑Class letter rate (now 78¢).
Q: How many Forever Stamps do I need for a 2‑oz letter?
You’ll need $1.07 in postage. That means either one dedicated 2‑oz stamp, or one Forever plus an additional‑ounce stamp.
Q: What if my envelope is square or rigid?
That’s considered “non‑machinable.” For a 1‑oz square letter, you’ll need the $1.27 non‑machinable stamp. Add extra postage if it’s heavier.
Q: Can I use Forever Stamps for international mail?
Not directly. For a 1‑oz international letter, you’ll need a Global Forever stamp ($1.65). You can combine regular Forever Stamps to reach that value, but it’s easier to use the Global.
Q: Where should I buy Forever Stamps?
Stick with official channels: USPS.com, post offices, or trusted retailers. Avoid “discount” offers on sites like Shein or Temu—those are counterfeit and will get your mail rejected.