Postal Service proposes another stamp price increase

• The July 2025 proposed hike ties the record as the highest stamp increase ever and the third 5-cent increase.

The big picture: This would be the 20th stamp rate change since 2000 — and it comes as Americans continue to reduce what they send via snail mail.

• Rates last went up in July 2024 after USPS punted on a January increase.
• Before that, they rose in January 2024, July 2023, January 2023 and July 2022.

Between the lines: U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy stepped down from his job last month, days after asking DOGE for help cutting costs.

• The Postal Service has been the focus of intense scrutiny with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. Members of the Trump administration have publicly contemplated privatizing or overhauling the service.

USPS stamp increase could start July 13

Driving the news: USPS filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission Wednesday to raise prices by approximately 7.4% effective July 13, 2025.

• If approved, the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp would increase from 73 cents to 78 cents.

• Costs to send postcards and international mail also increase under the proposal.

More stamp price increases planned

What's next: USPS said in a document submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission in September that after the July 2025 hike, it planned for twice-yearly increases — January and July for both 2026 and 2027.

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