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Frequently asked questions about postage stamps answered

Frequently asked questions about postage stamps answered

The post office issues postage stamps as evidence for the pre-payment of postal services, that is, the cost involved in moving, insuring, or registering mail. In the country, the first-ever postage stamp was offered for sale in 1847. Over time, these stamps have evolved into a miniature gateway to the world, sharing glimpses of history, geography, biography, art, and culture. Let’s dive deeper into the world of postage stamps.

Where do I buy stamps from?
Postage stamps are important when sending physical mail. Currently, a stamp costs 60 cents to send a one-ounce standard-sized envelope via the United States Postal Services (USPS). Customers can purchase forever stamps (available in booklets of 20) to use in the future, regardless of price fluctuations.

Stamps can be purchased from:

Your local post office
If you want to get your hands on some regular stamps quickly, use the electronic self-service kiosks at your local post office. However, if you are looking for specialty stamps, you may need to join the queue and wait for your turn to buy some.

USPS.com
The USPS website offers a wide variety of stamps, celebrating festive occasions, themed options, and notable personalities. You can order stamps of your preference online.

Retailers
Several retailers, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, also carry stamp booklets. You can find out if a store near you carries stamps by visiting the USPS website and using their location tool.

Banks
Some banks and credit unions also sell stamps via their ATMs and tellers. However, this may vary by location, so be sure to check with them beforehand.

Other options
There are several other ways of securing postal stamps for your mail, such as:

  • Order stamps through your mail carrier using an order form
  • Order stamps by phone call
  • Email for larger business orders
  • Visit the USPS Philatelic catalog and use the order form to begin your stamp collection journey
  • Use online services to print postage at home (these are charged monthly)

Can postage stamps be reused?
No! Postal stamps are only meant to be used once; reusing them is a federal offense. Post officers check new letters for any evidence of a postmark that indicates the postal code and the time the letter was sent. Stamps that have been affixed and posted with one document cannot be legally removed and attached to another. Doing so could invite penalties or punishments as stated under 26 U.S.C. 7208.

Although this generally does not invite arrest or legal charges, mail with previously used stamps may either be returned to the sender or require the recipient to cover additional charges. Repeated violations of this rule or selling used stamps in the market may lead to arrest.

What can I do with unused stamps?
If you have old, unused stamps and are concerned about what to do with them, the answer is simple – use them! The value of each stamp is generally indicated on it. If you are falling short of the required value, you can purchase additional value stamps and use them in combination. This will help you save money and utilize your current set of stamps.

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