The 2026–2027 Federal Duck Stamp costs $25 and is a migratory-bird hunting and conservation credential—not postage for an ordinary letter.
Who needs a Federal Duck Stamp?
Waterfowl hunters age 16 or older must possess a current signed physical Federal Duck Stamp or a valid authorized E-Stamp along with applicable state licenses and permits. Other people may buy one to support habitat conservation, collect the annual art or use the current stamp for qualifying refuge admission.
Physical stamp versus E-Stamp
| Format | How it works | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Federal Duck Stamp | Available through many Post Offices, participating retailers, refuges and approved online channels | Sign it upon receipt when used as the credential |
| Authorized E-Stamp | Purchased through a participating state system or DuckStamp.com for immediate compliant proof | Use the named proof and follow the current delivery process for the physical stamp |
| Retail receipt | Proof of a store transaction | It is not a legal substitute for a signed stamp or valid E-Stamp |
Validity, price and conservation
The current stamp is valid from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The 2026–2027 physical issue is $25. FWS states that 98 cents of each dollar generated by sales goes directly to acquire or protect wetland habitat and conservation easements.
Convenience or transaction charges for an electronic purchase can be separate, so review the live checkout total.
Collecting without confusing the formats
Collectors may encounter the common pane-of-one format, a smaller printing in sheets of 20 and related commemorative products. Record the year, format, condition and provenance separately. Do not infer rarity or resale value from the conservation purpose, and check image-licensing terms before reproducing Duck Stamp art.
For ordinary mail designs and issue research, use the USPS stamp release archive.
Sources and update note
Facts and availability checked September 10, 2026.