Data summary: The U.S. Postal Service introduced the Forever Stamp in 2007 at 41¢. As of July 12, 2026, the First-Class Mail 1-ounce letter rate is 82¢. That is a 100% increase from the original 2007 rate.
Last updated: October 8, 2026. Rates below are based on USPS historical domestic letter-rate data. Postage requirements can vary by mailpiece shape, weight and other characteristics.
Forever Stamp rate history
| Effective date | 1 oz letter rate | Change |
|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2007 | $0.41 | Forever Stamp introduced |
| May 12, 2008 | $0.42 | +$0.01 |
| May 11, 2009 | $0.44 | +$0.02 |
| Jan. 22, 2012 | $0.45 | +$0.01 |
| Jan. 27, 2013 | $0.46 | +$0.01 |
| Jan. 26, 2014 | $0.49 | +$0.03 |
| Apr. 10, 2016 | $0.47 | −$0.02 |
| Jan. 22, 2017 | $0.49 | +$0.02 |
| Jan. 21, 2018 | $0.50 | +$0.01 |
| Jan. 27, 2019 | $0.55 | +$0.05 |
| Aug. 29, 2021 | $0.58 | +$0.03 |
| July 10, 2022 | $0.60 | +$0.02 |
| Jan. 22, 2023 | $0.63 | +$0.03 |
| July 9, 2023 | $0.66 | +$0.03 |
| Jan. 21, 2024 | $0.68 | +$0.02 |
| July 14, 2024 | $0.73 | +$0.05 |
| July 13, 2025 | $0.78 | +$0.05 |
| July 12, 2026 | $0.82 | +$0.04 |
What the data shows
The nominal 1-ounce letter rate doubled from 41¢ in 2007 to 82¢ in 2026. The path was not strictly upward: the rate moved from 49¢ to 47¢ in April 2016 before returning to 49¢ in January 2017. More recently, the rate increased from 55¢ in 2019 to 82¢ in 2026, a 49.1% increase.
Why Forever Stamps keep their mailing value
A Forever Stamp does not expire. USPS states that its postage value is the current First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter rate on the day it is used, regardless of the price originally paid. Additional postage may still be required for heavier, nonmachinable or otherwise differently priced mailpieces.
Planning example at the 2026 rate
| 1 oz letters | Forever Stamps needed | Postage value at 82¢ each |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 100 | $82.00 |
| 500 | 500 | $410.00 |
| 1,000 | 1,000 | $820.00 |
These figures show postage value at the current USPS 1-ounce letter rate, not PostageGrid product pricing.
Primary sources
PostageGrid is an independent retailer and is not the U.S. Postal Service. Always verify current postal requirements with USPS before mailing.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Forever Stamp worth in 2026?
As of July 12, 2026, a Forever Stamp carries the value of the current USPS First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter rate: 82¢.
Did the Forever Stamp rate ever decrease?
Yes. The 1-ounce letter rate moved from 49¢ to 47¢ on April 10, 2016, then returned to 49¢ on January 22, 2017.
Does an old Forever Stamp expire?
No. A genuine unused Forever Stamp does not expire; its postage value tracks the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce letter rate when used.