How to Draft an Affidavit on Stamp Paper (Execution Guide)
State non-judicial stamp duty rates, e-Stamping via SHCIL, notary attestation vs oath commissioner, and print margin clearance.
- Affidavits must be printed on non-judicial stamp paper of appropriate state denomination (typically ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, or ₹100)
- Official e-Stamping is managed by Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL) across participating states
- Sworn statements must be signed in the physical presence of an authorized Notary Public or Executive Magistrate
1. What is an Affidavit Under Indian Law
An affidavit is a written, voluntary statement of facts confirmed by the oath or solemn affirmation of the deponent, taken before an authorized officer such as a Notary Public, Oath Commissioner, or Executive Magistrate.
Under Order XIX of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and the Indian Evidence Act, an affidavit functions as admissible evidence when sworn in accordance with statutory rules.
2. State-Wise Stamp Paper Denominations
Under Article 4 of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 and respective State Stamp Acts, affidavits must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper:
- Delhi: ₹10 standard non-judicial stamp paper for general affidavits.
- Maharashtra: ₹100 stamp duty prescribed under the Maharashtra Stamp Act.
- Uttar Pradesh: ₹10 or ₹50 stamp paper depending on the receiving department.
- Karnataka: ₹20 or ₹50 e-Stamp paper certificate.
- Tamil Nadu: ₹20 standard non-judicial stamp paper.
3. Obtaining e-Stamp Paper via SHCIL
Most Indian states have replaced physical treasury stamp papers with electronic e-Stamping managed by Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL) or state e-GRAS portals.
You can purchase an e-Stamp paper from licensed e-Stamping collection centers, cooperative banks, or court complexes. The e-Stamp certificate bears a unique Certificate Number, Date of Issue, and secure barcode.
4. Top Margin Clearance for Printing
When printing your draft affidavit onto non-judicial stamp paper, the legal text must not overlap the printed government emblem and treasury serial header on the first page.
Ensure your document formatting sets a top margin of at least 2.5 to 3 inches (70–80 mm) on Page 1. Easy to Doc's Create Documents studio includes a built-in 'Stamp Paper Top Margin' slider to automate this clearance.
General Purpose Affidavit Studio
Draft, customize, and print legal affidavits with automated stamp paper top margin clearance.
5. Notary Public Attestation & Register Entry
After printing, do NOT sign the document in advance. You must sign the deponent signature and verification clause in the physical presence of the Notary Public.
The Notary Public will verify your identity proof (Aadhaar or Voter ID), record the transaction in their official Notarial Register, and affix:
- Official Notarial Embossed Seal or Rubber Stamp.
- Notary Registration Number and State of Practice.
- Notary Serial Entry Number and Notarial Stamp ticket.
- Dated signature of the Notary Public.
Official Government Sources & Portals
To ensure utmost accuracy, this guide is referenced against statutory documentation and circulars issued by Indian government authorities:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about requirements, timelines, and procedures.
No. Unless an official government department specifically requests a 'Self-Declaration' on plain paper, formal affidavits require non-judicial stamp paper. An un-stamped affidavit is inadmissible under the Indian Stamp Act.
Researched using official gazette notifications, ministry circulars (UIDAI, MEA, MoRTH, Income Tax Department, ECI), and state e-District guidelines. Reviewed periodically for procedural accuracy.
Independent Advisory Notice: Easy to Doc is an independent informational and utility platform. Requirements and procedural workflows are researched from publicly available official portals and are subject to revision by authorities. Check the latest rules on the respective official portal prior to submission.