Mailing A Letter Will Cost More Starting July 12

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sending a letter through the U.S. Postal Service will cost more beginning Sunday as new postage rates approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission take effect.

The price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase by 4 cents, rising from 78 cents to 82 cents. The increase is part of an overall 4.8 percent adjustment in mailing service prices approved by the U.S. Postal Service.

Several other mailing products will also see price increases:

• Metered first-class letters (1 ounce): 74 cents to 78 cents
• Domestic postcards: 61 cents to 65 cents
• International postcards: $1.70 to $1.75
• International letters (1 ounce): $1.70 to $1.75

The cost to mail an additional ounce on a single-piece first-class letter will remain unchanged at 29 cents.

Postal officials said the rate increases are necessary as the agency continues to address financial challenges and rising operating expenses. Unlike many government agencies, the U.S. Postal Service generally does not receive tax dollars for its operating costs and instead relies on revenue generated through the sale of postage, products and services.

The Postal Service said it is also adjusting prices for several other mailing and shipping products, including USPS Marketing Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and selected Special Services.

The new rates take effect Sunday, July 12.