First-Class Mail

Assortment of colored envelopes with the Love, Waterfalls, and U.S. Flag First-Class Mail Forever stamps.

First-Class Mail ® service is an affordable and easy way to send envelopes and postcards. First-Class Mail Forever ® stamps cost $0.73 (the current 1 oz price) and will never expire, even if the First-Class ™ postage rate goes up.

Assortment of colored envelopes with the Love, Waterfalls, and U.S. Flag First-Class Mail Forever stamps.

Features & Pricing

Letters

Postcards

Large Envelopes

Weight, Size, & Shape Requirements

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.

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.

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.

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.