USPS Reveals New Stamps for 2026 — and Where They'll Launch

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced four new stamp designs for 2026. The agency also shared release dates and locations for special launch ceremonies happening across the country. These stamps celebrate American culture, history, and holidays. The releases are part of a big program that also honors the United States' 250th birthday.

The new stamps cover a wide range of topics. Some mark important anniversaries, some raise money for health causes, and others celebrate cultural and religious holidays. Together, they add to a long list of stamps already planned for 2026.

One of the most notable new stamps honors the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on its 150th anniversary. The design shows two famous ships: the USCGC Eagle, which is used to train cadets, and the Bertholf, the Coast Guard's first national security cutter. The stamp will have its first-day ceremony in New London, Connecticut, on September 12.

USPS is also releasing a special 'Know the Facts About Fentanyl' stamp. This type of stamp is called a semipostal, which means it does two things — it pays for postage and raises money for a cause. Money from this stamp will go to the National Institute on Drug Abuse to help fight the opioid crisis. Its launch ceremony will take place in Bethesda, Maryland, on October 6.

Several new stamps celebrate the holiday season. A 'Christmas Cookies' stamp set features images of decorated sugar cookies, and it will launch in Washington, D.C., on September 19. A 'Christmas: Madonna and Child' stamp shows a historic painting called The Virgin and Child Enthroned, which was made around the year 1500. That stamp will debut in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on October 2.

A 'Winter Wreath' stamp is designed for international mail. It shows a snow-covered wreath and is meant to represent the winter season in a way that anyone around the world can enjoy. This stamp will first go on sale in Humble, Texas, on September 18.

USPS is also issuing stamps that honor important cultural and religious festivals. A new 'Diwali' stamp features a rangoli, which is a colorful art design connected to the Hindu festival of light. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil.

Two more holiday stamps have also been updated. A new 'Hanukkah' stamp shows a dreidel, a spinning top that is part of Jewish tradition. The 'Kwanzaa' stamp — the 11th in its series — pictures a father and daughter with items like the unity cup and a gift. Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase meaning 'first fruits' and is celebrated mainly by African Americans from December 26 to January 1.

USPS also announced a new 'Diagonal U.S. Flag' stamped envelope. It features a bold, close-up view of the American flag in a modern style. It will be issued on August 7, 2026, in Linthicum Heights, Maryland.

Most of the new stamps will be sold as 'Forever' stamps. This means that even if postal prices go up in the future, the stamps will still be good to use. That makes them a smart buy for people who send a lot of mail.

The 2026 stamp program already includes many releases from earlier in the year. Early stamps honored figures like Muhammad Ali, Phillis Wheatley, and Bruce Lee. Others celebrated things like Lowriders, Sunflowers, and the Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse.

Spring and summer releases have included stamps about Route 66, the Bald Eagle, American Bison, and the Declaration of Independence. More stamps are expected in the fall, including 'Squirrels and Chipmunks in Snow' and 'International Peace' Forever stamps.