If you've ever gone to a stationery shop or the collector's office asking for "stamp paper for an affidavit," you've probably been confused by the options — ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, or even ₹500. Choosing the wrong value can get your affidavit rejected by the receiving authority.
In this complete stamp paper guide, we'll explain exactly which value you need for your affidavit — with a state-wise breakdown, e-stamp paper rules, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is Stamp Paper?
Stamp paper (also called non-judicial stamp paper or judicial stamp paper in specific contexts) is a government-issued paper that carries a prepaid stamp duty. It is used for legal documents like affidavits, agreements, and declarations to make them legally enforceable.
You cannot print an affidavit on plain paper — most authorities require it to be printed or typed on stamp paper of the correct denomination, and then notarized.
Simple rule: The stamp paper value acts as a "government tax" on your legal document. Different documents and different states have different fixed rates.
Why Does the Value Matter?
You might wonder — if I use ₹100 stamp paper instead of ₹10, is that a problem? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Here's why the value matters:
- Legal validity — A document on insufficiently stamped paper may be treated as invalid.
- State-specific rules — Each state has its own Stamp Act with fixed rates for affidavits.
- Purpose-specific rules — Income affidavits, name change affidavits, and marriage affidavits may require different values.
- Authority requirements — Banks, courts, and government departments often specify the exact value they accept.
Which Value Should You Buy?
For most personal affidavits (income, name change, marriage, gap certificate), the required value is one of these four denominations:
| Stamp Paper Value | Typically Used For |
|---|---|
| ₹10 | Simple declarations, gap certificate, scholarship affidavits |
| ₹20 | Name change, address proof, general purpose affidavits |
| ₹50 | Marriage affidavit, bank loan affidavits |
| ₹100 | Property-related affidavits, court submissions |
| ₹500 | High-value agreements, specific state requirements |
Important: Always confirm with the receiving authority before buying — many banks and colleges specify the exact value in their checklist.
State-wise Stamp Paper Rules for Affidavits
Stamp duty is a state subject in India. Here's a quick reference for the most common affidavit values by state:
| State / UT | Typical Affidavit Stamp Paper |
|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹10 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹10 / ₹50 |
| Maharashtra | ₹100 / ₹500 |
| Karnataka | ₹20 / ₹50 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹20 |
| West Bengal | ₹10 / ₹50 |
| Gujarat | ₹20 / ₹100 |
| Rajasthan | ₹10 / ₹50 |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹10 / ₹50 |
| Kerala | ₹20 / ₹50 |
| Punjab | ₹10 / ₹50 |
| Haryana | ₹10 / ₹50 |
| Bihar | ₹10 / ₹50 |
| Odisha | ₹10 / ₹20 |
| Telangana | ₹20 / ₹100 |
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹20 / ₹100 |
| Assam | ₹10 / ₹50 |
| Punjab | ₹10 / ₹50 |
Note: This is a general guide. Rates can change and often vary by purpose within the same state. Always verify with a local notary or the receiving authority.
Physical Stamp Paper vs E-Stamp Paper
There are two ways to buy stamp paper in India today:
1. Physical (Traditional) Stamp Paper
Purchased from licensed stamp vendors or the district treasury. Carries the government emblem, serial number, and value printed on it. Still widely accepted.
2. E-Stamp Paper (Electronic)
Generated online via the SHCIL (Stock Holding Corporation of India) portal or authorised banks. You get a digitally signed certificate with a unique certificate number. Widely accepted by courts, banks, and government offices.
| Feature | Physical Stamp | E-Stamp |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Vendor / Treasury | Online |
| Speed | Immediate | Instant download |
| Storage | Physical paper | PDF certificate |
| Acceptance | Universal | Widely accepted |
| Cost | Face value + vendor margin | Face value + small fee |
How to Buy Stamp Paper
Buying stamp paper is straightforward. Here's how:
- Confirm the value. Check with the authority (bank, college, court) what value they accept for your affidavit.
- Visit a licensed vendor. Look for an authorised stamp vendor near your local court or collector's office. Or use the SHCIL e-stamp portal.
- Provide your details. Vendors will ask for your name and the purpose. For e-stamp, you fill in the details online.
- Check the stamp. Ensure the vendor's name, date, and serial number are printed correctly.
- Print the affidavit. Once you have the stamp paper, print or type the affidavit content on it (or on the sheet attached to the e-stamp certificate).
Common Stamp Paper Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most common errors people make with stamp paper:
- Buying the wrong value. Always confirm the exact value with the receiving authority — do not assume.
- Using an old stamp paper. While stamp papers don't technically expire, most authorities prefer them purchased within the last 6 months.
- Writing on the stamp before signing. Sign only in front of the Notary Public.
- Purchasing from an unauthorised vendor. Always buy from a licensed vendor or the SHCIL portal.
- Damaging the stamp. Tears, smudges, or defacing can invalidate the stamp paper.
- Not attaching the e-stamp certificate. If using e-stamp, attach the certificate to the affidavit.
Pro Tip: Buy one extra stamp paper of the same value as a backup. Vendors rarely accept returns, and losing a stamped document means buying a fresh one.
How Much Does Stamp Paper Cost?
The cost of stamp paper equals the face value plus a small vendor margin (typically ₹5 to ₹20). For affidavits:
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| ₹10 stamp paper | ₹10 – ₹15 |
| ₹20 stamp paper | ₹20 – ₹25 |
| ₹50 stamp paper | ₹50 – ₹55 |
| ₹100 stamp paper | ₹100 – ₹110 |
| E-stamp (₹10 – ₹100) | Face value + ₹5 – ₹10 convenience fee |
So a typical affidavit costs just ₹15 to ₹150 for the stamp paper itself — very affordable.
Can You Use the Same Stamp Paper for Multiple Affidavits?
No. Each affidavit must be printed on its own stamp paper. A single stamp paper cannot be used for two separate affidavits, even if both are for the same purpose.
If you need two affidavits, buy two stamp papers. Some states allow one stamp paper to contain multiple affidavits if all content is signed together — but this is rare and best avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most affidavits require ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, or ₹100 non-judicial stamp paper. The exact value depends on your state and the purpose of the affidavit.
Yes, in most states using a higher value stamp paper than required is legally valid, but the authority may reject it if the prescribed value is exactly specified.
Yes, e-stamp paper issued through SHCIL or authorised banks is legally valid and accepted by most authorities across India.
Using the wrong stamp paper value can lead to rejection of your affidavit by the receiving authority. It may also be treated as an insufficiently stamped document.
Non-judicial stamp papers do not expire, but many authorities prefer affidavits to be executed within 6 months of purchasing the stamp paper.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right stamp paper is one of the most important steps in making a valid affidavit. Get it wrong and your document gets rejected — get it right and the process takes less than an hour.
As a quick rule of thumb:
- ₹10 — Simple declarations and scholarships
- ₹20 — Name change and address proof
- ₹50 — Marriage and bank loan affidavits
- ₹100 — Property and court submissions
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