An affidavit is a sworn statement of facts, written on stamp paper and signed before a Notary Public or a Magistrate. Whether you need an affidavit for court proceedings, a name change, address proof, or an income declaration — the first question is always: which stamp paper do you need and for how much?
This guide answers that question for every common type of affidavit in India, with a focus on Maharashtra.
What is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement made under oath. The person making the statement (called the "deponent") declares that the facts in the affidavit are true to the best of their knowledge. Making a false statement in an affidavit is a criminal offence under the Indian Penal Code.
Common uses for affidavits:
- Court proceedings (evidence, bail applications)
- Name change declarations
- Address proof
- Income declarations
- Gap certificates (for education or employment gaps)
- Passport applications
- Property disputes
- Insurance claims
- Self-declarations for government schemes
Stamp Paper Denomination for Affidavits
The stamp paper denomination for affidavits varies by state. Here are the requirements for the most common states:
Maharashtra
| Affidavit Type | Stamp Paper Denomination |
|---|---|
| General affidavit | Rs. 100 |
| Court affidavit | Rs. 100 |
| Name change affidavit | Rs. 100 |
| Income declaration affidavit | Rs. 100 |
| Address proof affidavit | Rs. 100 |
| Gap certificate affidavit | Rs. 100 |
| Affidavit for passport | Rs. 100 |
| Property-related affidavit | Rs. 100 - Rs. 500 |
| Affidavit for court (High Court/Supreme Court) | Rs. 100 - Rs. 500 |
In Maharashtra, most affidavits require Rs. 100 stamp paper. Some courts or specific legal purposes may require higher denominations — always check with your lawyer or the court clerk if you are filing for a specific case.
Other Major States
| State | General Affidavit Stamp Paper |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs. 10 |
| Karnataka | Rs. 20 |
| Tamil Nadu | Rs. 20 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Rs. 10 |
| Gujarat | Rs. 20 |
| Rajasthan | Rs. 10 |
| West Bengal | Rs. 10 |
| Telangana | Rs. 20 |
| Andhra Pradesh | Rs. 20 |
| Kerala | Rs. 50 |
Note: These are general rates. Specific affidavit types may have different requirements. Always verify with local authorities.
Types of Affidavits and Their Requirements
1. Name Change Affidavit
Used when you legally change your name (after marriage, personal preference, or correction).
Required for:
- Updating Aadhaar, PAN, passport
- Updating school/college records
- Gazette notification for name change
Stamp paper: Rs. 100 (Maharashtra) Additional steps: Publication in a local newspaper + Gazette notification
Contents include:
- Old name and new name
- Reason for the change
- Father's/husband's name
- Address
- Date of birth
2. Income Declaration Affidavit
A self-declaration of your annual income, commonly required for:
- Scholarship applications
- Government scheme eligibility (EWS, BPL)
- Court matters (alimony, child support)
- Loan applications (informal)
Stamp paper: Rs. 100 (Maharashtra)
3. Address Proof Affidavit
When you need to prove your residential address but don't have standard address proof documents:
Used for:
- Passport applications (when address proof is limited)
- Bank account opening
- Voter ID applications
- Government schemes
Stamp paper: Rs. 100 (Maharashtra)
4. Gap Certificate Affidavit
Explains gaps in education or employment:
Required for:
- College admissions
- Job applications
- Professional license renewals
- Visa applications
Stamp paper: Rs. 100 (Maharashtra)
5. Court Affidavit
Filed as part of court proceedings — bail applications, evidence, responses to notices:
Stamp paper: Rs. 100 - Rs. 500 (Maharashtra, depending on court)
Important: Court affidavits often have specific formatting requirements. Check with your lawyer or court clerk for the exact format required.
6. Property-Related Affidavit
For property disputes, ownership declarations, or mutation proceedings:
Stamp paper: Rs. 100 - Rs. 500 (Maharashtra)
How to Get Stamp Paper for an Affidavit
Method 1: Online via eStamp by Klodr
The most convenient method:
- Visit estamp.klodr.com
- Select "Affidavit" as the document type
- Choose the appropriate denomination
- Pay online
- Receive your e-stamp certificate digitally
- Print the e-stamp certificate
- Type or print your affidavit content on it (or attach it)
- Get it notarized
Advantages: No vendor visit, exact denomination available, verifiable e-stamp certificate
Method 2: Licensed Stamp Vendor
- Locate a licensed stamp vendor near your area (usually near courts or Sub-Registrar offices)
- Ask for stamp paper of the required denomination
- Pay in cash
- Type or write your affidavit on the stamp paper
Advantages: Immediate availability Disadvantages: May not have your denomination in stock, cash-only, no verification trail
Method 3: Court Complex Vendors
Most court complexes in Mumbai, Pune, and other cities have stamp vendors and typists who can:
- Sell you the stamp paper
- Type the affidavit for you
- Take you to a Notary for attestation
Advantages: One-stop solution Disadvantages: Higher cost (typist charges), time-consuming
Getting Your Affidavit Notarized
An affidavit is not legally valid until it is attested by a Notary Public or a Magistrate/Oath Commissioner. Here is the process:
Step 1: Prepare the Affidavit
- Type or print the affidavit content on the stamp paper
- Leave space for signatures at the bottom
- Include the verification clause: "I, [Name], do hereby verify that the contents of the above affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief..."
Step 2: Visit a Notary Public
- Bring the affidavit on stamp paper
- Bring a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, PAN)
- Bring one passport-size photograph (some notaries require this)
Step 3: Attestation
- The Notary will verify your identity
- You sign the affidavit in the Notary's presence
- The Notary stamps, signs, and seals the affidavit
- The Notary charges a fee (typically Rs. 50-200)
Where to Find a Notary
- Near court complexes (district courts, High Court)
- Near Sub-Registrar offices
- Online directories (search "Notary Public near me" on Google Maps)
- Legal aid centres
Cost Breakdown for an Affidavit
Here is a typical cost breakdown for getting an affidavit made in Maharashtra:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stamp paper (e-stamp certificate) | Rs. 100 |
| Platform service fee (if ordering online) | Rs. 50-150 |
| Typing/drafting (if you need it typed) | Rs. 50-200 |
| Notary fee | Rs. 50-200 |
| Total | Rs. 150-650 |
If you draft the affidavit yourself and order the stamp paper online, you can keep the cost under Rs. 300 in most cases.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Wrong Denomination
Using stamp paper of the wrong value can make your affidavit invalid. When in doubt, use a higher denomination — there is no legal issue with using stamp paper of a higher value than required.
2. Forgetting Notarization
An affidavit without notarization is just a piece of paper. It has no legal standing until attested by a Notary Public or Oath Commissioner.
3. Factual Errors
Since an affidavit is a sworn statement, any factual errors can have legal consequences. Double-check all names, dates, addresses, and facts before signing.
4. Missing Verification Clause
The verification clause at the end ("I hereby verify that the contents...") is legally required. Don't skip it.
5. Overwriting or Corrections
Avoid overwriting or making corrections on the signed affidavit. If there are errors, it is better to create a fresh affidavit than to make corrections that could be questioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an e-stamp certificate for an affidavit?
Yes. E-stamp certificates are legally equivalent to physical stamp paper and can be used for all types of affidavits. Simply print the e-stamp certificate and type/print your affidavit content on it or attach it as an annexure.
Do I need a lawyer to make an affidavit?
No. You can draft an affidavit yourself. Many templates are available online. However, for complex legal matters (court cases, property disputes), consulting a lawyer is recommended to ensure the affidavit covers all necessary legal points.
How long is an affidavit valid?
An affidavit does not have a fixed expiry date. However, courts and authorities may require a recent affidavit (typically within 3-6 months) to ensure the information is current. For time-sensitive matters, always check the specific requirement.
Can I use the same stamp paper for multiple affidavits?
No. Each affidavit requires its own stamp paper. You cannot use a single stamp paper for two different affidavits.
What happens if I make a false statement in an affidavit?
Making a false statement in an affidavit is punishable under Section 191 and Section 193 of the Indian Penal Code. The punishment can include imprisonment of up to 7 years and/or a fine.
Order Stamp Paper for Your Affidavit — Online
Get the right stamp paper denomination for your affidavit, delivered digitally. No vendor visits.
[CTA_BUTTON: Order Stamp Paper | https://estamp.klodr.com]
eStamp by Klodr — The right stamp paper, the right denomination, delivered fast.