USPS Rate Increase History: Every Change Since 2007
The first Forever stamp went on sale on April 12, 2007 for $0.41, before the $0.41 one-ounce letter rate took effect on May 14. From May 2008 through July 2026, the rate changed 17 times, including the temporary decrease in 2016.
| Date | New Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2007 | $0.41 | — |
| 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 |
| Jul 10, 2022 | $0.60 | +$0.02 |
| Jan 22, 2023 | $0.63 | +$0.03 |
| Jul 9, 2023 | $0.66 | +$0.03 |
| Jan 21, 2024 | $0.68 | +$0.02 |
| Jul 14, 2024 | $0.73 | +$0.05 |
| Jul 13, 2025 | $0.78 | +$0.05 |
| Jul 12, 2026 | $0.82 | +$0.04 |
*The 2016 decrease was temporary due to the expiration of an exigent surcharge that had been added in 2014.
The Trend
The rate doubled from $0.41 in 2007 to $0.82 in 2026, and changes became more frequent after 2021. A valid unused Forever stamp retains the current one-ounce stamped-letter value, but future prices and the resale value of any stamp cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does USPS raise stamp prices?
Since 2021, changes have occurred once or twice in several years, commonly in January or July. Earlier changes were generally less frequent.
Who decides when stamp prices go up?
The Postal Service develops price changes, its Governors approve them, and the Postal Service files them with the Postal Regulatory Commission. The Commission reviews whether the filing complies with applicable law and regulations.
Will stamp prices ever stop increasing?
No one can guarantee the direction or timing of future rates. Proposed changes are filed and reviewed through the applicable postal regulatory process.
Sources and Scope
- U.S. Postal Service — Postal Explorer — Notice 123 Price List, First-Class Mail retail prices, effective July 12, 2026.
- U.S. Postal Service — Postal Bulletin archive — domestic mailing price-change notices.
- Postal Regulatory Commission — rate-case dockets and Annual Compliance Determination reports.
Postage values and examples were reviewed on August 1, 2026. A reseller's live selling price is separate from the postage value and must be checked on the product page and at checkout.