Using Two Forever Stamps for Extra Postage: Coverage and Usage Guidelines

When considering adding extra postage to your mail piece, using two Forever stamps is often a convenient and practical solution. This article will explore the rules and benefits of utilizing two Forever stamps for extra postage, ensuring that your mail is accurately and efficiently processed.

Standard First-Class Mail and Forever Stamps

Standard First-Class Mail: A single Forever stamp is sufficient to send a 1-ounce letter through First-Class mail within the United States. This policy ensures that your mail remains affordable and accessible to the public.

Additional Ounces and Postage Costs

If your letter weighs more than 1 ounce, you will need to add more postage to cover the additional weight:

Each additional ounce of postage costs $0.20 as of 2021. To cover an additional weight, you can use a second or third Forever stamp.

Using Two Forever Stamps for Extra Postage

To cover an initial 1-ounce letter, you can use a single Forever stamp. For a letter weighing between 1.1 and 2.0 ounces, you can add a second Forever stamp to cover the extra postage. This method ensures that you pay the correct amount for the additional weight.

Usage Guidelines: Attach the second Forever stamp next to the first one. Remember that the second stamp covers the additional postage for each ounce over the initial 1-ounce weight. Two stamps will cover a current rate of $1.20, regardless of the individual cost of each stamp.

Additional Cost Calculation for Increased Weight

Consider the following example to illustrate how extra postage works:

2 Oz letter size envelope: $0.60 for the first ounce and $0.24 for the second ounce, totaling $0.84. Using two Forever stamps: $1.20.

This example shows that using two Forever stamps for a 2-ounce envelope overpays by $0.36, which could be a worthwhile risk if you’re concerned about accurate postage but unwilling to weigh the piece or visit the post office.

Conclusion

Using two Forever stamps is a practical solution for adding extra postage, especially if you’re unsure about the exact weight of your mail. This method ensures that you don’t underpay, which can lead to mail delays or issues. Whether you choose to overpay slightly or weigh your mail, understanding these guidelines can help you send your mail with confidence and efficiency.

Further Reading

First-Class Mail Forever Stamps - USPS
Learn more about Forever stamps and their value over time. How Many Stamps Per Ounce - US Global Mail
Discover the weight and size requirements for your mail piece. Forever Stamps: What Are They and Are They Worth Using
Explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of Forever stamps.