Get ready to pay more for mailing a check or a letter because as of May 11, the cost for a first class postage stamp goes up two cents to 44 cents. The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service have approved the price hike.

Officials says rising costs make the price adjustments necessary – the increase tracks the 2008 rate of inflation.

“The Postal Service is not immune to rising costs which are affecting homes and businesses across America today,” said PMG Jack Potter. “Even with the increases, the Postal Service continues to offer some of the lowest postage prices in the world.”

For the average household, the First-Class Mail stamp price change represents an additional $3 over the course of the year, postal officials said today. When compared to annual increases in other household expenses, such as groceries, healthcare and utilities, the Postal Service continues to be an economical choice for shipping and mailing during tough economic times, postal officials said. For First-Class Mail, there will be no changes in the current additional ounce price, which remains at 17 cents.

Customers can continue to mail letters at today’s prices by purchasing the Forever Stamp before May 11. Forever Stamps were developed to help consumers ease the transition during price changes. Forever Stamps don’t have a denomination and are honored whenever they are used with no need for additional postage for a one-ounce letter mailing, postal officials said. On May 11 the price of the Forever Stamp will be 44 cents.