how much is a us postage stamp 2026

A U.S. Forever stamp is 82 cents in 2026, after the July 12 rate change. The previous price was 78 cents, so if you bought stamps earlier in the year, they were still valid even after the increase.

Current stamp price

• First-Class Mail Forever stamp: 82 cents.

• Earlier 2026 price: 78 cents.

Related postage

• Domestic postcard: 65 cents.

• International postcard and international 1 oz letter: $1.75.

• Extra ounce for a single-piece letter: 29 cents.

Practical note

A Forever stamp always covers the current 1 oz First-Class letter rate, so you do not need to add more postage just because the price changed later in the year.

Bottom line

For a standard letter in mid-2026, the answer is 82 cents per stamp.