E-stamping lets parties pay stamp duty online and attach the e-stamp certificate to the agreement. Availability and rates vary by state.
Example
Stamping a rental agreement in Bengaluru
For an 11-month rental of a 2 BHK in Bengaluru at ₹40,000 a month, the parties buy an e-stamp certificate for the stamp duty Karnataka charges on that agreement. The certificate carries a unique number, the parties’ names and the duty paid; it is printed and attached to the agreement, and anyone can check it online.
Figures are illustrative, not market rates.
Across India
- Many states use Stock Holding Corporation of India as the central record-keeping agency for e-stamp certificates.
- Maharashtra collects stamp duty largely through its online GRAS payment system and franking.
- Some states still accept physical stamp paper for lower values while moving larger values online.
Questions about e-Stamp
How do I verify an e-stamp certificate?
Use the certificate number on the e-stamp provider’s website, such as the Stock Holding Corporation of India portal in states that use it. The record should show the same parties, amount and date. A mismatch suggests a forged or reused certificate.
Is an e-stamp valid for a rental agreement?
Yes, where the state has introduced e-stamping. The e-stamp certificate replaces stamp paper and is attached to the agreement. It must be for the correct duty and in the correct names; e-stamping does not replace registration where registration is compulsory.
Can one e-stamp be used for two documents?
No. Each certificate is issued for one instrument and the parties named on it. Reusing a certificate leaves the second document unstamped, and under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 an unstamped or under-stamped document cannot be admitted in evidence until duty and penalty are paid.
Sources
Reviewed