Forever stamps let you mail a one-ounce first-class letter at any time, no matter when you bought them. You do not see a price on these stamps. You can use them even if postage rates go up. This gives you both convenience and protection from price changes.
Key Takeaways
- Forever stamps allow you to mail a one-ounce first-class letter at any time, regardless of when you bought them. They protect you from future price increases.
- You can use old forever stamps as long as they are in good condition. They do not expire, making them a reliable choice for mailing.
- Buying forever stamps now locks in the current rate, saving you money as postage prices rise in the future.
How Forever Stamps Work
Using Forever Stamps
You can use forever stamps to mail a one-ounce first-class letter, no matter when you bought them. The value of a forever stamp always matches the current first-class rate. If the price goes up, your stamp still covers the cost. For example, the price changed from 73 cents to 78 cents on July 13, 2025. You do not need to add extra postage if you use a forever stamp for a one-ounce letter.
| Date | Previous Price | New Price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 13, 2025 | 73 cents | 78 cents | +5 cents |
If your letter weighs more than one ounce, you need to add extra stamps. Here is a simple guide:
| Type of Mail | Stamps Required |
|---|---|
| Domestic Letters | 1 Forever Stamp for up to 1 ounce; add more stamps for heavier letters |
| – 2 ounces: 1 Forever Stamp + 20-cent stamp (total 78 cents) | |
| – 3 ounces: 1 Forever Stamp + 2 x 20-cent stamps (total 88 cents) | |
| – 3.5 ounces: 1 Forever Stamp + 1 Postcard Stamp + 10-cent stamp (total $1.08) | |
| International Letters | 1 Global Forever Stamp for up to 2 ounces ($1.30); if using Domestic Forever Stamps, total must be at least $1.30 |
Tip: You can use old forever stamps for mailing. The USPS accepts them as long as they are in good condition and not damaged.
Validity and Expiration
Forever stamps do not expire. You can use them any time, even years after buying them. The USPS confirms that all forever stamps remain valid, no matter how old they are. People have mailed letters with vintage forever stamps, and the mail arrived without problems. The postal service honors this rule for all genuine forever stamps.
- Forever stamps stay valid for first-class mail, no matter when you bought them.
- The USPS checks that your stamp is not damaged or already used.
- You do not need to worry about expiration dates.
Note: All postage stamps issued since 1860, including forever stamps, remain valid if they meet current postage rules.
Regular vs. Forever Stamps
You may wonder how regular stamps compare to forever stamps. Regular first-class stamps show a specific value, like 73 cents. If the rate goes up, you must add more stamps to reach the new price. Forever stamps do not show a value. They always match the current rate, so you do not need to buy extra stamps when prices change.
| Feature | Regular First-Class Stamps | Forever Stamps |
|---|---|---|
| Monetary Value | Shows a set price | Matches current rate, no value shown |
| Expiration | May become outdated | Never expire |
| Indicator | Shows price | Says “Forever” |
| Usage | Only for current rate | Works for future rates |
Forever stamps give you peace of mind. You do not need to worry about rate changes or buying new stamps.
Value and Benefits of Forever Stamps
Current Value
You pay 78 cents for a Forever Stamp when you send a one-ounce first-class letter in the United States. This price matches the current rate at the Post Office. If you buy forever stamps now, you lock in this rate, even if prices go up later. Over the years, the price of a Forever Stamp has changed many times. You can see how the price has increased since 2007:
| Date | Price |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2007 | $0.41 |
| May 12, 2008 | $0.42 |
| May 11, 2009 | $0.44 |
| January 22, 2012 | $0.45 |
| January 27, 2013 | $0.46 |
| January 26, 2014 | $0.49 |
| April 10, 2016 | $0.47 |
| January 22, 2017 | $0.49 |
| January 21, 2018 | $0.50 |
| January 27, 2019 | $0.55 |
| August 29, 2021 | $0.58 |
| July 10, 2022 | $0.60 |
| January 22, 2023 | $0.63 |
| July 9, 2023 | $0.66 |
| January 21, 2024 | $0.68 |
You can see that postage rates keep rising. If you buy forever stamps before a price increase, you save money each time you mail a letter.
Main Benefits
Forever stamps help you avoid extra costs when rates go up. You do not need to worry about adding more stamps or buying new ones. You keep things simple and save time. Here are the main benefits you get:
- You protect yourself from future price increases.
- You keep the value of your stamps, even as inflation rises.
- You do not need to calculate new postage rates.
- You make mailing easier, especially if you do not send letters often.
Tip: If you buy forever stamps now and use them later, you pay less than people who buy stamps after the price goes up.
Businesses also benefit from forever stamps. When you send many letters, you can plan your budget better. If you buy stamps before a rate change, you avoid higher costs. This helps you keep your mailing expenses steady.
| Feature | Forever Stamps | Regular Stamps |
|---|---|---|
| Rate Protection | Yes, they protect against rate increases | No, they can lose value when rates increase |
| Postage Calculations | Eliminated, simplifying the mailing process | Required, necessitating planning |
| Ideal for Infrequent Mailers | Yes, never become obsolete | No, can lose value over time |
| Convenience vs. Planning | High convenience, low planning | Low convenience, high planning |
You can see that forever stamps offer more convenience and less hassle than regular stamps.
Global Forever Stamps
If you want to send mail outside the United States, you can use Global Forever Stamps. These stamps work for international letters and postcards. You pay $1.55 for each Global Forever Stamp. The stamp covers the cost of sending a letter or postcard to any country. Global Forever Stamps look different from domestic ones. They are round, while regular forever stamps are rectangular.
| Feature | Domestic Forever Stamps | Global Forever Stamps |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Mail within the U.S. | Mail internationally |
| Value | Current domestic rate | Current international rate |
| Aesthetic | Rectangular | Round |
| Cost (as of Jan 1, 2024) | Varies | $1.55 |
| Suitable for heavier mail | No | No (requires additional stamps) |
Note: If your international letter weighs more than the allowed limit, you need to add extra postage.
Forever stamps make mailing easy, whether you send letters across town or around the world. You do not need to worry about changing rates or buying new stamps for each country.
Where to Buy Forever Stamps
USPS Locations
You can find Forever Stamps at many places in your community. The most reliable spot is your local Post Office. You can also pick up stamps while shopping for groceries or running errands. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and big box retailers sell Forever Stamps at their customer service counters or checkout lanes. Here are some common places where you can buy them:
- Post Offices
- Grocery stores like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and Walmart Supercenters
- Pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid
- Banks including Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, and PNC Bank
- Big box retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club
Tip: Buying stamps at these locations ensures you get genuine Forever Stamps at the correct price.
Online Options
You can also buy Forever Stamps online. The official USPS website offers a safe and easy way to order stamps and have them delivered to your home. Some large retailers and pharmacies also sell stamps through their websites. Here is a quick look at authorized online vendors:
| Authorized Vendors |
|---|
| Costco |
| Walgreens |
| CVS |
When shopping online, always use trusted sources. Some websites and sellers offer stamps at big discounts, but these may be counterfeit. Buying fake stamps is illegal. The Postal Service may treat mail with counterfeit postage as abandoned, which means your letter might never arrive. Scammers often sell fake stamps in bulk at prices 20% to 50% below face value. To avoid problems, stick with well-known stores and the official USPS site.
Note: If a deal on stamps seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always buy from trusted sellers to protect your mail.
You get lasting value and convenience with Forever Stamps. They protect you from rising postage costs and save you time.
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Value | Always matches the current first-class rate |
| Convenience | No need to buy new stamps when prices rise |
| Cost Protection | Helps you avoid extra costs in the future |
- Buying Forever Stamps now means you save money as rates go up.
- You simplify your mailing process and gain peace of mind.
- Forever Stamps make mailing a smart choice for everyone.
FAQ
Can you use Forever Stamps for packages?
You can use Forever Stamps for packages. You must add enough stamps to cover the total postage cost. Check the USPS rate chart for exact amounts.
What happens if you use a damaged Forever Stamp?
USPS may reject damaged stamps. Always use stamps that are clean and not torn. If you use a damaged stamp, your mail might not get delivered.
Can you exchange Forever Stamps for cash?
You cannot exchange Forever Stamps for cash. USPS does not offer refunds or cash back for unused stamps. You must use them for mailing only.
