Washington, D.C. ? The cost of mailing a letter will go up on May 14, but you’ll be able to lock in that price – no matter how rates rise in the future – by buying the new “forever” stamp.

The post office governing board agreed Monday to accept the new 41-cent rate for first class mail recommended in February by the independent Postal Regulatory Commission.

The board also agreed to the proposal for a “forever stamp,” that will always be valid for mailing a letter no matter how much rates increase.

The forever stamp could go on sale as soon as next month at the 41-cent rate.

The postal governors asked the regulatory commission to reconsider some of its proposals, saying the suggested price for sending things like catalogs was too high.

For most people, the first-class rate has the greatest impact and the cost of sending a letter will rise from 39 cents to 41 cents, a penny less than the Postal Service originally had requested.

The first forever stamps will sell for 41 cents apiece, but they won’t have a price printed on them and they will remain valid for sending a letter regardless of any future rate increases.