4 Big Changes Coming to the Post Office in 2025

From higher prices to new stamp designs, here’s what you need to know

Laura Petrecca,

AARP

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En español

Published January 07, 2025

AARP (Getty Images, courtesy USPS)

Whether you’re sending a care package to your granddaughter, waiting for an important delivery or selecting stamps for a special occasion, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) likely plays a role in your life.

Each year, the Postal Service makes changes to its offerings and prices. Here’s a look at what to expect in 2025.

1. You’ll pay more for shipping

In November, the USPS Board of Governors approved several proposed price adjustments. Starting on Jan. 19, the price of some services will increase.

Priority Mail prices will go up by 3.2 percent. With this option, packages typically arrive in one to three business days.
Priority Mail Express prices will also increase by 3.2 percent. This speedier shipping service usually provides delivery in one to two days, with an overnight guarantee to some destinations.
USPS Ground Advantage prices will rise by 3.9 percent. This option can be less expensive, yet delivery can take two to five business days.
Parcel Select prices will jump by 9.2 percent. Mainly used by businesses for bulk shipments, the speed of delivery varies by shipping zones but is typically two to eight days.

2. Forever stamp prices may go up — again

The USPS raised the cost of a first-class mail Forever stamp, which covers the cost to mail a 1-ounce letter, twice in 2024, from 66 cents to 68 cents in January and up to 73 cents in July. Fortunately, the cost will remain 73 cents — at least through the first half of 2025. The USPS will not propose another increase before July, says Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. The price of a Forever stamp, which cost 41 cents when it was introduced in 2007, has increased nine times in the past eight years alone.

3. New stamp designs celebrate nature, art, music and a Golden Girl

Every year the USPS rolls out new stamp designs. The 2025 lineup will feature images of:

Keith Haring artwork. This addition to the Postal Service's popular Love series showcases Haring’s signature style, featuring two of his iconic line-drawn figures dancing under a large red heart. Release date: Jan. 17.
Musician Allen Toussaint. The USPS will honor the pianist, singer, songwriter, composer, arranger and producer by featuring his portrait as part of its Black Heritage stamp series. Release date: Jan. 30.
Nature photographs. New offerings will feature scenic views from the 14 states that make up the Appalachian Trail, snow- and ice-covered winter landscapes and close-ups of dahlia blossoms, as well as brightly colored leaves found on maple, oak, aspen and other trees in the U.S. If you prefer a more playful take on nature, you can purchase stamps that show whimsical illustrations of baby wild animals such as a bear, bobcat and skunk. Release date (Appalachian Trail series): Feb. 28.
Actress Betty White. The stamp will feature an illustration of the beloved TV star known for roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, Boston Legal and Hot in Cleveland and for being a frequent celebrity guest on Password. Release date: March 27.

4. Your mail may take even longer to arrive

The USPS is scaling back some of its on-time mail delivery targets for the 2025 fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025). For instance, it aims to deliver 87 percent of first-class two-day mail and 80 percent of three-to-five-day mail on time, down from its 2024 goals of 93 percent and 90 percent, respectively.

To see delivery speeds in your area, check out the USPS service performance dashboard.

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Laura Petrecca is a contributing writer for AARP. She has written for USA Today, Real Simple, Digiday’s WorkLife, Kiplinger, AARP, Men’s Health, Worth, Crain’s New York Business and Advertising Age.