This Stamp Could Be Mailed ‘Forever’

The Postal Service is planning a “forever” stamp for letters, good no matter how many times postal rates increase.

That means patrons could say goodbye to annoying 2-cent or 3-cent stamps that have to be added every time rates go up. Sheets, rolls, books or loose forever stamps would always be good.

The idea for the special stamps was included in proposals announced Wednesday that would also raise stamp prices 3 cents, to 42 cents, next year.

“A forever stamp would help ease the transition to any future price adjustments,” board Chairman James C. Miller III said.

Under the proposal, if the 3-cent increase takes effect next year, the forever stamp would be made available for 42 cents, the same as other first-class stamps. If the first-class rate were to rise to 45 cents in a few years, the 42-cent forever stamp would still be honored. Once the new price took effect, forever stamps would then sell for 45 cents.