If you still rely on snail mail, it just got a little more expensive.

As of July 13, the price of a Forever stamp has increased to 78 cents, up from the previous rate of 73 cents. The U.S. Postal Service announced the hike earlier this year, and it’s the latest in a long line of increases over the past decade.

To put things in perspective, a Forever stamp cost just 45 cents in 2012. Since then, there have been annual increases almost every year with exceptions in 2015 and 2020.

According to USPS officials, the price adjustment is part of a broader effort to bring in more revenue and help the agency remain financially stable. These price changes are necessary to achieve the financial stability sought by our Delivering for America plan,the USPS said in a statement.

Alongside the price change, the USPS has also rolled out service updates. That includes updated delivery time standards for First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage, with a goal of improving delivery within 2-4 business days for most items.

Why It Matters

While many people have moved to digital communication, millions still depend on the Postal Service for bills, documents, and packages. Even small changes like this can add up especially for small businesses or those on fixed incomes.

Quick Look:

New Forever Stamp Price: 78 cents

Previous Price: 73 cents

Price in 2012: 45 cents

Effective Date: July 13, 2025

What’s Next?

With inflation and delivery costs continuing to shift, more USPS changes could be on the horizon. For now, you might want to grab a few extra Forever stamps they’ll still cover a first-class letter no matter how much prices rise in the future.