Quick answer: A USPS Post Office is a retail location of the United States Postal Service where you can buy stamps, ship packages, rent a PO Box, buy money orders and, at many locations, apply for a passport. To find the nearest one with its exact hours and services, use the official USPS Post Office locator. As of July 12, 2026, a Forever stamp costs 82 cents.
The Postal Service traces its roots to 1775, when the Second Continental Congress named Benjamin Franklin the first Postmaster General. Today it delivers to every U.S. address, including rural and remote areas that private carriers charge extra to reach.
Current USPS Prices (Effective July 12, 2026)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Forever stamp (1-oz First-Class letter) | $0.82 |
| Domestic postcard | $0.65 |
| International letter or postcard (1 oz) | $1.75 |
Source: CBS News. Forever stamps bought at any earlier price are still valid for a 1-ounce letter.
Tip: buy Forever stamps before an announced price increase. They never lose value.
What You Can Do at a USPS Post Office
USPS post offices offer a wide spectrum of services:
Mailing and Shipping
| Service | Best for | Typical delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Mail | Letters, cards and large envelopes | 1–5 business days |
| USPS Ground Advantage | Lightweight and everyday packages (replaced First-Class Package Service in 2023) | 2–5 business days |
| Priority Mail | Faster packages; flat-rate boxes available | 1–3 business days |
| Priority Mail Express | Urgent items; money-back guarantee | 1–2 days, including many overnight routes |
| Media Mail | Books, DVDs and educational media only | 2–8 business days |
Extra services: Certified Mail (proof of mailing and delivery), Registered Mail (high-security), insurance, signature confirmation and return receipts.
PO Boxes and Address Services
- PO Box rental: available in several sizes and rental periods. Prices vary by location.
- Hold Mail: USPS holds your mail for up to 30 days while you’re away.
- Change of address: file online at USPS.com (a small identity verification fee applies) or in person.
- Package receiving: some PO Box locations offer a street address so you can receive packages from UPS, FedEx and others.
Passports
Many post offices are passport acceptance facilities. Under the State Department’s March 2026 fee schedule, an adult’s first passport book costs a $130 application fee paid to the State Department, plus a $35 acceptance fee paid to the post office. Expedited service is an extra $60. Most locations require an appointment. Check the State Department fee chart before you go.
Money Orders
USPS money orders are a safe alternative to cash or personal checks:
- Available up to $1,000 for domestic money orders.
- No bank account needed.
- Can be replaced if lost or stolen, as long as you keep your receipt.
Informed Delivery
Informed Delivery is a free service that emails you grayscale images of the letter-sized mail arriving that day and lets you track incoming packages. It’s useful for spotting mail theft and for keeping track of mail while you travel.
Types of USPS Locations
- Post Offices: full retail counters, PO Boxes and often passport services.
- Contract Postal Units: USPS counters inside stores and pharmacies, with stamps and basic shipping.
- Village Post Offices: small outlets in rural businesses offering stamps and flat-rate boxes.
- Self-Service Kiosks: in many post office lobbies; weigh packages, print labels and buy postage, often outside counter hours.
- Approved Shippers: third-party retailers that sell stamps and accept prepaid packages.
Tip: not every location offers every service. Filter by service (passports, PO Boxes, kiosks) in the locator.
Post Office Hours
Hours vary by location, but most post offices follow this pattern:
- Monday–Friday: usually 8:30 or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday: many open in the morning only.
- Sunday: closed, except a few large-city locations and self-service kiosks.
Check the exact hours, last collection times and passport hours for your branch at tools.usps.com.
USPS Holidays: When Post Offices Are Closed
Post offices close and regular mail isn’t delivered on the 11 federal holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday)
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Remaining 2026 closures: Columbus Day (Oct. 12), Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Christmas (Dec. 25). Priority Mail Express may still be delivered on some holidays.
How to Ship a Package at the Post Office
- Pack it securely in a sturdy box. Free Priority Mail boxes are available at the counter.
- Weigh and measure it, or let the clerk or kiosk do it.
- Choose a service based on speed and price (see the table above).
- Add extras like insurance or signature confirmation if needed.
- Keep your receipt and tracking number. Track at USPS.com.
Save time: print labels at home with Click-N-Ship on USPS.com, then drop the package at the counter or schedule a free carrier pickup.
How to File a Lost or Damaged Package Claim
- Wait for the right time. USPS asks you to wait a set number of days after mailing before filing a missing mail search, depending on the service.
- Submit a Missing Mail search at usps.com/help.
- File an insurance claim online if your package was insured or used Priority Mail, which includes some insurance. You’ll need the tracking number, proof of value and, for damage, photos of the item and packaging.
FAQs
How much is a stamp at the post office in 2026? A Forever stamp costs 82 cents as of July 12, 2026.
Is the post office open on Saturday? Many locations are open Saturday mornings. Check your branch’s hours in the USPS locator.
Is the post office open on Sunday? Most are closed on Sundays, though some large-city locations and lobby kiosks are available.
What’s the difference between Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express? Priority Mail takes 1–3 business days. Priority Mail Express is faster (1–2 days, often overnight) and comes with a money-back guarantee.
Can I get a passport at any post office? No. Only locations that are passport acceptance facilities, and most require an appointment. Use the USPS locator to find one.
What replaced First-Class Package Service? USPS Ground Advantage, launched in July 2023.
How much can a USPS money order be for? Up to $1,000 for domestic money orders.
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This article is not affiliated with the United States Postal Service. Prices and services were checked on October 3, 2026, and can change. Confirm details at USPS.com.
