Washington, D.C. ? The post office will get an extra 2-cents worth when you mail a letter starting in May.

The U.S. Postal Service announced Tuesday that the price of a first-class stamp will rise to 44 cents May 11.

That gives plenty of time to stock up on Forever Stamps, which will continue to sell at the current 42-cent rate until the increase occurs. They will remain valid in the future regardless of rate increases.

Other changes taking effect May 11:

• The postcard stamp increases 1 cent to 28 cents.

• The first ounce of a large envelope increases 5 cents to 88 cents.

• The first ounce of a parcel increases 5 cents to $1.22.

• New international postcard and letter prices are, for 1 ounce, 75 cents to Canada; 79 cents to Mexico; and 98 cents elsewhere.

Most Postal Service shipping services prices were adjusted in January and will not change in May.