How to Draft an Affidavit on Non-Judicial Stamp Paper
Complete legal guide to state stamp duties, e-stamping via SHCIL, top margin clearance, and notary public attestation.
- Standard stamp duty for general affidavits is ₹10 to ₹50 depending on state stamp legislation
- e-Stamping is available online through Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL) or state e-GRAS portals
- Notarization requires signing in person before a certified Notary Public with notarial register entry
1. Legal Definition & Purpose of an Affidavit
An affidavit is a voluntary, written statement of facts confirmed by the oath or solemn affirmation of the person making it (called the deponent), taken before a person having the authority to administer such oath under the Notaries Act, 1952, or the Oaths Act, 1969.
Affidavits are widely required for government applications, college admissions (gap certificates), passport verification (Annexure D/E), name discrepancy resolutions, and court proceedings to hold the deponent legally accountable under Section 193 of the Indian Penal Code against false statements.
2. State-Wise Stamp Duty Requirements
Under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, and state amendments, an affidavit must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper. Denominations vary by state:
- Delhi, Haryana, Punjab: ₹10 standard non-judicial stamp paper for general affidavits.
- Maharashtra, Gujarat: ₹100 stamp duty standard for affidavits and undertakings.
- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar: ₹10 or ₹20 non-judicial stamp paper.
- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu: ₹20 to ₹50 stamp paper.
3. How to Obtain e-Stamp Paper Online (SHCIL)
In over 20 states, physical non-judicial stamp papers have been replaced by secure digital e-stamping managed by Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL) or state e-GRAS portals.
Citizens can generate e-stamp certificates online by registering on the SHCIL e-Stamping portal, selecting Article 4 (Affidavit), entering First Party (Deponent) and Second Party (Authority/Government) details, and downloading the e-Stamp certificate immediately after paying via UPI or net banking.
4. Printing Clearance & Layout Formatting
When printing your legal draft onto physical or e-stamp paper, the top half of the first page is occupied by the government emblem, treasury bar codes, and transaction numbers.
You must leave a 2.5 to 3.5-inch top margin on page 1 so that the text begins cleanly below the printed header. Subsequent pages should be printed on plain white legal/A4 paper.
Easy to Doc Affidavit Generator
Draft affidavit with automated stamp paper top margin
5. Notary Public Attestation & Oath Verification
Once printed, the deponent must appear in person before an authorized Notary Public or Oath Commissioner. Do not sign the document beforehand.
The Notary Public will verify your identity (via Aadhaar or Voter ID), administer the verbal oath, record the entry in the Notarial Register, and affix their official round seal, signature, and Notarial stamp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about requirements, timelines, and procedures.
Only if the receiving department explicitly requests a 'Self-Declaration' or 'Undertaking' without stamp duty. Formal affidavits submitted to courts, passport offices, or government registries must be on non-judicial stamp paper to be legally admissible.
Advocate practicing in civil documentation, revenue courts, and notarized affidavits. Advises on compliance with the Indian Stamp Act and State Stamp Duties.