You can typically mail standard letters, greeting cards, and other paper items weighing less than 1 ounce (28 grams) with one Forever stamp.
Understanding the Power of a Single Stamp
A single U.S. Forever stamp is designed to cover the postage for a standard, 1-ounce letter sent anywhere within the United States. These stamps are particularly convenient because they always retain their value, meaning they can be used even if postage rates increase in the future. As of July 2023, the value of a single Forever stamp is $0.66.
What Qualifies for One Stamp?
To qualify for a single stamp, your mail item generally needs to meet specific criteria:
- Weight: The item must weigh less than 1 ounce (or approximately 28 grams).
- Dimensions: It should fit within standard envelope dimensions, which are typically:
- Minimum: 3.5 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inches thick
- Maximum: 6.125 inches high x 11.5 inches long x 0.25 inches thick
- Flexibility: The envelope must be somewhat flexible and not too rigid.
Common Items You Can Mail with One Forever Stamp
The versatility of a single Forever stamp makes it suitable for various everyday mailing needs:
- Standard Letters: Most personal or business letters composed of a few sheets of paper.
- Greeting Cards: Typical greeting cards that don't include bulky additions like large embellishments, music chips, or excessive inserts.
- Photographs: A few printed photos, as long as the total weight remains under one ounce.
- Bills and Invoices: Standard payment envelopes or small business correspondence.
- Postcards (oversized): While standard postcards have a lower rate, larger postcards that fit the letter dimensions and weight could use a Forever stamp.
When One Stamp Might Not Be Enough
It's important to recognize situations where you'll need more than one stamp or additional postage:
- Overweight Mail: If your letter or item exceeds 1 ounce. Each additional ounce typically requires extra postage (often an "additional ounce" stamp or equivalent value).
- Oversized or Non-Machinable Mail: Items that are too large, unusually shaped, rigid, or have bulky attachments may incur a "non-machinable surcharge" even if they are under 1 ounce. Examples include square envelopes, envelopes with clasps, or items with lumpy contents.
- Packages: Any item considered a package (even small ones) will require specific package rates, not letter rates.
- International Mail: Sending mail outside the United States requires international postage, which is higher than domestic rates.
How to Ensure Proper Postage
To avoid your mail being returned or delayed, consider these tips:
- Weigh Your Mail: If unsure about the weight, use a kitchen scale or a postal scale.
- Check Dimensions: Ensure your envelope falls within standard letter dimensions.
- Visit the Post Office: For anything unusual, or if you prefer to be certain, take your item to a local post office for accurate weighing and postage assessment.
- Use Online Tools: Reputable postal service websites offer online calculators to help determine postage. For U.S. mail, the USPS website provides comprehensive guides and a postage calculator.
Quick Guide to Domestic Standard Mail
| Item Type | Max Weight (with one Forever Stamp) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Letter | Less than 1 ounce (28 g) | Must fit standard envelope dimensions. |
| Greeting Card | Less than 1 ounce (28 g) | Avoid bulky embellishments. |
| Small Paper Items/Photos | Less than 1 ounce (28 g) | Ensure total contents are flat and flexible. |
| Oversized Postcard | Less than 1 ounce (28 g) | Though standard postcards have a lower rate, one stamp covers larger ones. |
By understanding these guidelines, you can confidently send most standard paper correspondence with a single stamp.
