First-Class Mail & Postage - USPS

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Mail in 1–5 Days

First-Class Mail® service is an affordable and easy way to send envelopes and postcards. First-Class Mail Forever® stamps cost $0.78 (the current 1 oz price) and will never expire, even if the First-Class™ postage rate goes up.To send packages, see USPS Ground Advantage® service.

Buy Stamps First-Class Mail Prices

A person addressing a letter with First-Class Mail Forever® holiday stamps on the table.

Features & Pricing

Mail delivered in 1–5 days
Our best-priced service for items up to 13 oz

A postmark stamp that shows a cancellation date of January 13, 2025, in New York, NY.

Postmarking & Proof of Mailing:
- If you want to ensure that your mail receives a postmark on the day you mail it, ask a retail associate at a Post Office retail counter to hand-cancel it for free. Learn more.
- To get an official record that you sent an item on a specific date, you can pay an extra service fee for a Certificate of Mailing. See all insurance and extra services.
Proof of Delivery: First-Class Mail items are eligible for Delivery Confirmation™ services such as Certified Mail®.
One price for up to 3.5 ounces with commercially priced letters and cards
Prices based on shape and weight

Standard Letter & Postcard Sizes See Insurance & Extra Services

Letters

Standard-sized, rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.78.
Square, oversized, or unusually shaped envelope stamps start at $1.27.

Postcards

Standard-sized, rectangular postcard stamps start at $0.61.
Oversized postcards need letter stamps, which start at $0.78.

Large Envelopes

Large envelopes (flats) start at $1.63.

Weight, Size, & Shape Requirements

Maximum weight for First-Class Mail letters is 3.5 oz; for large First-Class Mail envelopes, the maximum weight is 13 oz.
All postcards and envelopes (or flats) must be rectangular, otherwise an additional charge may apply. Additional size restrictions apply depending on the type of mailpiece you're sending.

Additional Charges for Irregular Mailpieces & Envelopes

Nonmachinable Envelopes

Unusually shaped mail, like square or vertical envelopes, lumpy envelopes, rigid envelopes, and mail with clasps, string, or buttons, must be hand-canceled. They are charged a nonmachinable surcharge even if they weigh less than 1 oz.

Large Mailpieces

Letters that exceed the First-Class standard envelope maximum length, height, or thickness are charged large envelope (flat) prices.

Large Envelopes (flats) Treated as Small Packages

Large First-Class envelopes (flats) that exceed maximum dimensions or are rigid, non-rectangular, or not uniformly thick are charged package prices and shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.

TIP: Use the USPS® Price Calculator tool to calculate your domestic postage costs. You’ll need to know your mailpiece’s weight, shape, and size measurements.

Calculate a Price More First-Class Mail Details How to Send Letter: Domestic

Additional Information

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Mailing Restrictions & Prohibitions

There are specific regulations and standards for mailing restricted, prohibited, and hazardous materials, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

Domestically Restricted & Prohibited Items

Learn more about what items you may and may not mail within the U.S.

Domestic Shipping Prohibitions & Restrictions

For Businesses

USPS understands what's most important to our business customers: speed, affordability, security, and customer service. We help businesses provide these services and resources to your customers at discounted rates.

Data-Driven Shipping

First-Class Mail is targetable, trackable (with certain extra services), and measurable, offering a wide range of options for businesses. With address correction and forwarding services, your messages will reach a greater percentage of your target audience.

Commercial Prices & Automation Discounts

Bulk Discounts. First-Class Mail commercial pricing is available for presorted letters and flats with a minimum quantity of 500 mailpieces. Automation discounts may also apply.

Eligibility Requirements for Automation Discounts

One Price Up to 3.5 Ounces. Pay one price for up to 3.5 oz for First-Class Mail presort and automation compatible letters and cards. This is a cost-effective way for businesses to include promotional messages with bills, invoices, and statements. The one price for up to 3.5 oz rate is not a blended rate and does not apply First-Class Mail single-piece letters.

Helpful Links

Shipping for Business
Business Price Calculator
View Commercial Price List
3.5 Ounce Free Fact Sheet RTF (125 KB)

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