How to Get Stamp Paper Online — e-Stamp Certificate via SHCIL

Gone are the days of standing in long queues at stamp vendors to buy physical stamp paper. India's e-stamping system, operated by SHCIL (Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited), lets you purchase stamp paper online as a digitally secure e-Stamp Certificate. Whether you need it for a rental agreement, affidavit, power of attorney, or property transaction — here's everything you need to know.

What is e-Stamp Paper?

An e-Stamp Certificate is a computer-generated stamp paper issued through the Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA) managed by SHCIL. It serves as a legal substitute for traditional physical stamp paper (non-judicial stamp paper) and is accepted across courts, registration offices, and government departments.

Each e-Stamp Certificate carries a Unique Identification Number (UIN) that can be verified online, making it virtually tamper-proof and impossible to counterfeit.

Key features:

• Issued digitally with a unique UIN and certificate number
• Printed on secure paper with multiple anti-forgery features
• Verifiable online anytime through the SHCIL portal
• Available in any denomination as required by the applicable stamp duty

Why e-Stamp Paper Instead of Physical Stamp Paper?

Physical stamp paper is still valid where available, but many states have phased it out entirely in favour of e-stamping. Even where physical stamp paper exists, e-stamp is the preferred choice for its security and convenience.

What is SHCIL?

Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL) is a government-promoted company appointed as the Central Record Keeping Agency (CRA) for the e-stamping system in India. SHCIL operates the e-stamping infrastructure under an agreement with the respective state governments.

SHCIL manages:

• Issuance of e-Stamp Certificates through its network of Authorised Collection Centres (ACCs)
• A central database of all e-Stamp Certificates issued
• Online verification portal for authenticity checks

Official website: www.shcilestamp.com

How to Buy e-Stamp Certificate Online

Step 1: Visit an Authorised Collection Centre (ACC) or Use Online Services

While SHCIL's core system works through Authorised Collection Centres (banks, post offices, and licensed agents), several states now allow you to initiate the process online:

1. Go to www.shcilestamp.com
2. Select your state from the portal
3. Some states (like Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra) offer online purchase directly or through integrated state portals

Note: In most states, you still need to visit an ACC (such as a designated bank branch or authorised agent) to complete the purchase. The process is quick — typically under 15 minutes.

Step 2: Provide Required Details

You'll need to furnish:

• First party name (the person executing the document)
• Second party name (if applicable)
• Stamp duty amount (denomination value)
• Purpose of the document (e.g., rental agreement, affidavit, sale deed)
• Property details (if related to property transactions)

Step 3: Make Payment

Payment can be made through:

• Cash (at ACC counters)
• Demand draft or cheque
• Online payment (NEFT/RTGS/net banking — where available)

Step 4: Receive Your e-Stamp Certificate

Once payment is confirmed, the e-Stamp Certificate is printed instantly at the ACC. It contains:

• Unique Identification Number (UIN)
• Certificate number
• Stamp duty value
• First and second party details
• Date and time of issuance
• QR code for verification

You can then write or print your agreement/document content on the e-Stamp Certificate itself or attach it to your document.

Denomination and Value Selection

Unlike physical stamp paper that came in fixed denominations (₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, etc.), e-Stamp Certificates can be issued for any exact amount.

For example, if your stamp duty for a rental agreement is ₹500, you get an e-Stamp Certificate for exactly ₹500 — no need to combine multiple stamp papers.

How to determine the correct stamp duty value:

• Stamp duty rates are governed by the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 and respective state stamp duty laws
• Rates vary significantly from state to state
• The amount depends on the type of document (sale deed, lease, affidavit, power of attorney, etc.)
• For property transactions, it's usually a percentage of the property value or circle rate

Important: Always check your state's current stamp duty rates before purchasing. Using a stamp paper of insufficient value can render your document legally invalid or attract penalties.

Stamp Duty Rates — State-Wise Variation

Stamp duty rates in India are not uniform — they are determined by individual state governments. Here's a general idea:

• Property sale/transfer: Typically ranges from 4% to 8% of the property value (varies by state, gender of buyer, and property location)
• Rental agreements: Usually a fixed amount or a small percentage of annual rent (e.g., ₹100 to ₹500 in most states)
• Affidavits: Nominal stamp duty (₹10 to ₹100 in most states)
• Power of Attorney: Varies widely — general POA costs more than specific POA
• Partnership deeds, loan agreements, gift deeds: Each has a separate rate schedule

Always verify the exact rate on your state's registration department website or at the Sub-Registrar Office. For property-related stamp duty, see our property registration guide.

Use Cases for e-Stamp Paper

e-Stamp Certificates are required for virtually any legal document that needs stamping:

Rental / Lease Agreement

The most common use case. Stamp duty for rent agreements varies by state. In many states, it's a percentage of the total rent for the lease period plus the security deposit.

Affidavit

Affidavits for court submissions, name changes, or address proof require nominal stamp duty (typically ₹10–₹100).

Power of Attorney (POA)

Both General Power of Attorney and Special Power of Attorney require stamping. Rates vary significantly. Learn more in our POA registration guide.

Property Sale Deed / Conveyance Deed

The highest stamp duty applies to property transactions. This is usually a percentage of the market value or agreement value (whichever is higher).

Other Documents

• Partnership deeds
• Loan agreements
• Gift deeds
• Indemnity bonds
• Marriage-related documents

How to Verify an e-Stamp Certificate

Verifying the authenticity of an e-Stamp Certificate is simple and free:

Online Verification via SHCIL Portal

1. Visit SHCIL e-Stamp Verification
2. Enter the Certificate Number and Stamp Duty Type
3. Select the State
4. Enter the captcha code
5. Click Submit

The portal will display the complete details of the e-Stamp Certificate including denomination, parties, date of issuance, and status.

Physical Security Features

Genuine e-Stamp Certificates also have:

• Watermark on the paper
• Microprinting visible under magnification
• QR code that can be scanned
• Unique serial number in the header

Tip: Always verify the e-Stamp Certificate online before signing any agreement, especially for high-value property transactions. This takes just 30 seconds and protects you from fraud.

Validity of e-Stamp Certificate

• An e-Stamp Certificate does not expire — it remains valid indefinitely once issued
• However, the document must be executed within 6 months of the stamp paper purchase date (as per the Indian Stamp Act in most states)
• If unused, you can apply for a refund within the time period specified by your state government (usually 6 months)
• A used e-Stamp Certificate cannot be refunded or reused

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Is e-stamp paper legally valid?

Yes. e-Stamp Certificates issued through SHCIL are legally valid and accepted by all courts, banks, registration offices, and government departments across states where e-stamping has been implemented.

Can I buy e-stamp paper online from home?

In select states and through certain authorised platforms, you can initiate the purchase online. However, in most states, you need to visit an Authorised Collection Centre (ACC) — typically a bank branch or licensed agent — where the certificate is printed and handed to you instantly.

What is the minimum denomination for an e-stamp certificate?

There is no fixed minimum denomination. You can purchase an e-Stamp Certificate for any amount, starting from as low as ₹10, depending on your requirement and state rules.

Can I use e-stamp paper from one state in another state?

No. Stamp duty is a state subject. You must purchase the e-Stamp Certificate from the state where the document will be executed or registered. An e-stamp from Maharashtra cannot be used for a document registered in Karnataka.

What if I lose my e-stamp certificate?

Since all e-Stamp Certificates are recorded in SHCIL's central database, you can request a duplicate or verification from the issuing ACC or through the SHCIL portal. Contact the ACC where it was purchased for assistance.

How do I get a refund for an unused e-stamp certificate?

Visit the ACC where the e-stamp was purchased and submit a refund application along with the original e-Stamp Certificate. The refund is processed after deducting a nominal handling fee. The time limit for refund applications varies by state (typically 6 months from issuance).

Is e-stamping available in all states?

e-Stamping has been adopted by most states and union territories in India, but the implementation level varies. States like Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Telangana have fully operational e-stamping systems. Check the SHCIL portal for your state's availability.

Summary

e-Stamp Certificates through SHCIL are the modern, secure, and convenient way to pay stamp duty in India. They eliminate the risks of fraud associated with physical stamp paper and provide instant online verification. Whether you're drafting a rental agreement, registering a property, executing a power of attorney, or filing an affidavit — e-stamp paper is the way to go.

Quick checklist before buying:

1. ✅ Determine the correct stamp duty for your document type and state
2. ✅ Locate your nearest ACC on the SHCIL portal
3. ✅ Carry the names and details of all parties
4. ✅ Make payment and collect your e-Stamp Certificate
5. ✅ Verify the UIN online before executing your document