If you’re mailing a standard letter in the U.S., a Forever Stamp currently costs 82¢ and covers the First-Class Mail postage for a letter weighing up to 1 ounce.
The important part is that the stamp does not become worthless if USPS raises postage rates later. A Forever Stamp remains valid for the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce letter rate, so you can use one you bought years ago without adding postage simply because the price has increased.
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How Much Is a Forever Stamp?
The current price of a USPS Forever Stamp is 82¢.
USPS describes Forever Stamps as postage for sending domestic First-Class Mail weighing up to 1 ounce. The stamp does not have a dollar amount printed on it because its postage value is tied to the applicable First-Class Mail 1-ounce letter rate.
For example, if you bought a Forever Stamp when the price was lower, you can still use that stamp today for a standard 1-ounce First-Class Mail letter.
You do not need to replace old Forever Stamps when USPS changes its postage rates.
What Is a Forever Stamp Worth?
A Forever Stamp is worth the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce letter rate.
As of August 25, 2026, that rate is 82¢. (USPS Store)
This means an older Forever Stamp does not retain the price you originally paid for it. Instead, its postage value adjusts with the applicable 1-ounce First-Class Mail letter rate.
For example:
- You bought a Forever Stamp several years ago.
- USPS later increased the price of a 1-ounce First-Class Mail letter.
- Your old Forever Stamp can still be used by itself for that 1-ounce letter.
- You do not have to add postage just because you paid less for the stamp originally.
That is the main advantage of Forever Stamps.
How Much Mail Does One Forever Stamp Cover?
One Forever Stamp covers one ounce of domestic First-Class Mail when the mailpiece qualifies as a standard letter.
USPS says a 1-ounce Forever Stamp can be used for letters and cards weighing up to 1 ounce sent within the United States, including U.S. territories and military bases overseas.
However, not every envelope can be mailed with one Forever Stamp.
The postage you need can change based on the mailpiece’s:
- Weight
- Size
- Shape
- Thickness
- Flexibility
- Machinability
So, if your envelope is heavier, unusually shaped, rigid, or otherwise requires additional postage, one Forever Stamp may not be enough.
What If My Letter Weighs More Than 1 Ounce?
A Forever Stamp covers the first ounce. Additional postage is required for each additional ounce.
For standard First-Class Mail letters, USPS currently lists the additional-ounce price at 29¢.
For example, if a qualifying letter weighs 2 ounces, you need postage covering:
- The first ounce: 82¢
- The second ounce: 29¢
- Total: $1.11
USPS currently lists the 2-ounce First-Class Mail letter rate at $1.11.
A 3-ounce letter currently costs $1.40, which is the 82¢ 1-ounce rate plus two additional 29¢ ounces.
If you are unsure how much postage your particular mailpiece needs, use the USPS postage calculator rather than relying on the number of stamps alone.
Does a Forever Stamp Cover a Nonmachinable Letter?
Not necessarily.
A standard Forever Stamp covers the current 1-ounce First-Class Mail letter rate, but some letters require an additional nonmachinable surcharge.
USPS identifies examples of nonmachinable characteristics such as envelopes that are lumpy or rigid, have clasps, string, or buttons. Square or vertically oriented envelopes can also require additional postage.
USPS currently lists the nonmachinable surcharge at 49¢ for applicable letters.
So a 1-ounce letter that does not meet machinability requirements may need more than one standard Forever Stamp’s value.
The key distinction is:
Weight and shape are separate postage considerations.
A letter can weigh 1 ounce and still require additional postage because of its shape or physical characteristics.
What If I Need to Mail Something Larger Than a Letter?
A Forever Stamp is designed around the First-Class Mail 1-ounce letter rate. It should not be treated as a universal postage stamp for every type of mail.
Larger envelopes, heavier pieces, packages, and other mail categories can have different postage requirements.
For example, USPS notes that large envelopes have their own rates, while packages use different pricing.
If your mailpiece is unusually large, heavy, rigid, or thick, check the USPS rate for that specific mailpiece before adding stamps.
Forever Stamp vs. Additional Postage
It helps to think of Forever Stamps as the starting point for a qualifying 1-ounce First-Class Mail letter.
| Mailpiece | Current postage |
| Standard First-Class Mail letter, 1 oz | 82¢ |
| First-Class Mail letter, 2 oz | $1.11 |
| First-Class Mail letter, 3 oz | $1.40 |
| Additional ounce for a qualifying letter | 29¢ |
| Nonmachinable surcharge | 49¢ |
These rates are current as of August 25, 2026 and should be checked against USPS before mailing because postal rates can change.
Ultimately If you send physical mail regularly, stocking up on USPS Forever Stamps is one of the simplest ways to lock in current rates and avoid the hassle of counting change for future price adjustments.
