Learn everything about Court Fee Stamps, Notarial Stamps, Adhesive & Impressed Stamps in India. Understand their uses, importance, and where to buy them. An invaluable guide for anyone pursuing a career in law
Introduction
In Indian legal practice, you will often notice small paper slips attached to petitions, affidavits, or agreements. These are not just pieces of paper – they are official stamps that serve as proof of payment of government fees. Without proper stamping, many documents are not valid in court. This article explains Court Fee Stamps, Notarial Stamps, Adhesive Stamps, and Impressed Stamps in a simple and structured way for lawyers, law students, and professionals.
Who issues these stamps?
- Issued by the Government of India and respective State Governments.
- Governed by the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, and the respective State Court Fees Acts.
- Printed by the India Security Press, Nashik.
- Distributed through licensed vendors, post offices, and treasuries.
Why are they used?
- Certification that the statutory fee has been paid to the government.
- Ensures that the document is legally valid and admissible in court.
- Prevents revenue loss to the government.
Types of Stamps in India
Court Fee Stamps
Used for:
- Petitions
- Plaints
- Appeals
- Vakalatnamas
- Applications filed in court
Notarial Stamps
Used for documents attested by notaries, such as:
- Affidavits
- Powers of Attorney
- Agreements
- Declarations
Copying Fee Stamps
- Required for obtaining certified copies of:
- Judgments
- Orders
- FIRs
- Pleadings
Revenue Stamps
- Affixed on receipts above ₹5,000 (as per the Indian Stamp Act).
Adhesive & Impressed Stamps
- Adhesive Stamps: Paper stamps pasted on agreements, affidavits, bonds, and leases.
- Impressed Stamps: Stamps embossed or printed directly onto the document.
- Nowadays, many states are shifting towards E-Stamping through SHCIL (Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd.).
Where to Buy Stamps?
- Licensed stamp vendors near courts.
- Post offices.
- Treasury offices.
- Online through E-stamping facilities in several states.
Importance for Lawyers & Law Students
- Ensures admissibility and enforceability of documents.
- Reflects compliance with legal procedures.
- Saves clients from rejection, delay, or financial penalties.
💡 Pro Tip: Always double-check which stamp (and what value) is required before filing any document in court.
FAQs on Court Fee & Notarial Stamps in India
What is the difference between Court Fee Stamps and Notarial Stamps?
Court Fee Stamps are for court filings like petitions and appeals, while Notarial Stamps are for affidavits, powers of attorney, and agreements attested by a notary.
What is the difference between Adhesive and Impressed Stamps?
Adhesive Stamps are stick-on paper stamps affixed to documents.
Impressed Stamps are embossed or printed directly on the paper, often used for high-value agreements.
Are Revenue Stamps still required?
Yes, Revenue Stamps are required on receipts above ₹5,000 as per the Indian Stamp Act.
What happens if a document is not stamped properly?
Such documents may be rejected, deemed inadmissible in court, or considered legally invalid.
Key Takeaway: These stamps may look small, but they carry big legal weight. Every vakalatnama, affidavit, or petition moves forward only when the correct stamp is affixed.
