41 Cent Stamp Price in Effect; Forever Stamp Debuts

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The cost of mailing a card or letter went up two cents Monday, to 41 cents.

The new "forever'' stamp is also available. It will remain valid regardless of any future rate increase.

There is a break on the cost of mailing a letter that weighs more than one ounce. The cost for each additional ounce drops to 17 cents, so heavier letters such as wedding invitations will cost less to mail. The rate had been 24 cents per extra ounce.

Because most post offices were closed Monday, officials said items that were dropped in a box that will not be collected until Monday should have the higher postage on them. However, the post office does not plan a rash of returns for insufficient postage.

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