Yes, the cost to mail a letter is going up. Here's what you need to know.

From Staff Reports
Updated ·3 min read
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Before dropping a bill payment or letter in the mailbox, know that the price of first-class postage is set to increase on Sunday, Jan. 22. Of course, if you are using previously purchased Forever stamps, you won't have to worry about that for now.
Before dropping a bill payment or letter in the mailbox, know that the price of first-class postage is set to increase on Sunday, Jan. 22. Of course, if you are using previously purchased Forever stamps, you won't have to worry about that for now.

The cost to mail a letter, greeting card or bill payment is going up.

Just six months after the U.S. Postal Service raised the cost of a Forever stamp to 60 cents – a two-cent increase at the time – the service is raising the price to mail a letter another three cents, a move first forecast by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy last year.

Update: The cost to mail a letter is going up – again in July 2023. Here's what you need to know.

In May 2022, DeJoy said he expected the Postal Service to continue to raise prices "at an uncomfortable rate" until the agency becomes self-sufficient.

DeJoy’s remarks followed the passage and signing into law of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, legislation designed to bolster the agency facing increased competition and financial challenges, including 14 straight years of net losses, USA TODAY reported. Even with the passage of the act, the USPS expects to lose $110 billion over the next decade, DeJoy said.

How much does it cost to mail a letter in 2023?

The price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase to 63 cents from 60 cents.

When does the postage increase take place?

The price hike goes into effect on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023.

Are Forever stamps still good for postage?

Yes. As its name implies, you can use a Forever stamp regardless of what price you paid for it or when you bought it.

Why is the U.S. Postal Service increasing postage rates?

The increase in First-Class Mail postage is needed to offset the rise in inflation, the postal service said in October when it announced the price hikes. “As operating expenses continue to rise, these price adjustments provide the Postal Service with much needed revenue to achieve the financial stability sought by its Delivering for America 10-year plan. The prices of the U.S. Postal Service remain among the most affordable in the world.”

What about postcards and metered letters?

Other postage rate increases include:

  • Letters (1 ounce): 63 cents, up from 60 cents

  • Letters (metered, 1 ounce): 60 cents, up from 57 cents

  • Domestic postcards: 48 cents, up from 44 cents

  • International postcards: $1.45, up from $1.40

  • International letter: $1.45, up from $1.40

When did the USPS start using Forever Stamps?

The first Forever stamp, featuring an image of the Liberty Bell, went on sale in April 2007, according to the USPS, at a cost of 41 cents.

How much have Forever stamps increased?

According to the website postageonlinenow.com, the cost of Forever stamps has increased by more than 20 cents since they were first introduced. Here is a breakdown of pricing since 2007:

  • April 12, 2007: 41 cents

  • May 12, 2008: 42 cents

  • May 11, 2009: 44 cents

  • Jan. 22, 2012: 45 cents

  • Jan. 27, 2013: 46 cents

  • Jan. 26, 2014: 49 cents

  • April 10, 2016: 47 cents

  • Jan. 22, 2017: 49 cents

  • Jan. 23, 2018: 50 cents

  • Jan. 30, 2019: 55 cents

  • Jan. 29, 2020: 55 cents

  • Aug. 29, 2021: 58 cents

  • July 10, 2022: 60 cents

  • Jan. 22, 2023: 63 cents

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Forever stamp: Postal service raises cost of first-class stamp in 2023