Last reviewed: August 25, 2026. Postal prices can change; verify unusual pieces with USPS before mailing.
Forever stamps are nondenominated U.S. postage stamps whose value tracks the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce letter price. A genuine unused regular Forever stamp is worth $0.82 in 2026, regardless of its design or original purchase price.
Choose the answer you need
- Current price: one stamp, books, rolls, and sheets
- Validity: old, damaged, and previously owned stamps
- Domestic letters: count stamps by weight
- Large envelopes: 9×12 flats and 2026 rates
- Canada: Global and regular stamp combinations
- Packages: when stamps can pay parcel postage
- Buying safety: counterfeit warning signs
- Design index: identify Forever issues by year
What one stamp covers
One regular Forever stamp covers a machinable domestic letter weighing 1 ounce or less. It does not guarantee the price for a square card, rigid mailer, large envelope, package, or international letter. Those pieces must first be classified and weighed.
A Global Forever stamp is a different denomination. It tracks the base 1-ounce First-Class Mail International letter price—$1.75 in 2026. Read the international guide before mailing heavier pieces or goods.
Do Forever stamps expire?
No. Genuine unused Forever stamps continue to represent the applicable current rate even after prices rise. Condition still matters: a stamp that has been used, canceled, substantially damaged, or removed in a way that violates USPS rules should not be reused. Read the full expiration and condition guide.
How to calculate postage without guessing
- Seal and weigh the complete mailpiece.
- Measure its dimensions and check flexibility and thickness.
- Identify letter, flat, or parcel classification.
- Look up the current rate for the service and destination.
- Combine valid stamps to meet that amount, or buy exact postage.
The MaxPob calculator helps convert a known dollar price into stamp combinations. It is not a substitute for USPS classification or zone pricing.
Buy safely
USPS, Post Office locations, and established authorized retail channels are the clearest places to buy. Deep discounts from unfamiliar sellers are a risk signal because Forever stamps do not lose postage value with age. Review the seller, compare the print and die-cut quality with official images, and avoid listings that create false urgency.
MaxPob is an independent educational site. We do not sell stamps and are not affiliated with or endorsed by USPS. Our research method explains how we separate official postal rules from user questions and review themes.
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