Stamp Paper In Chennai Guide 2026: Types, Duty & Original Check

Stamp paper in Chennai includes various categories, and one of the most commonly used types is the non-judicial stamp paper. Non-judicial stamp papers are more versatile compared to judicial ones.

Stamp Paper is available in four main forms:

• Judicial Stamp Paper

• Non-Judicial Stamp Paper

• E-Stamp Paper (Electronic Stamp)

• Franking (Machine-Stamped Paper)

Judicial stamp papers are used only for court-related matters, such as court fees and legal filings. These cannot be used for regular or commercial purposes.

On the other hand, non-judicial stamp papers are more versatile. They can be used for both court purposes and general documentation, including property registration, affidavits, rental agreements, indemnity bonds, partnership deeds, export documents, import shipments, and many other legal agreements.

Stamps, on the other hand, are different from stamp papers. For example, revenue stamps are used when an organization makes a cash payment of ₹5,000 or above to an individual to acknowledge receipt of money.
A notarial stamp is an adhesive stamp used by a notary public to certify or authenticate documents.
Postage stamps, also known as adhesive stamps, are used for mailing letters and parcels through the postal service.

Why Do You Need a Stamp Paper?

A stamp paper is an official government-issued paper used to prepare legal, financial, and registration documents. It proves that the required stamp duty (government tax) has been paid.

Documents written on stamp paper become legally valid, enforceable, and acceptable by government offices, banks, and courts.
They help establish authenticity, prevent disputes, and provide legal proof of the agreement between parties.

Using stamp paper offers several important legal benefits:
✔ Proves that the required stamp duty has been paid
✔ Makes agreements and contracts legally binding
✔ Helps prevent disputes and fraud
✔ Ensures the document can be used as valid evidence in courts, banks, and government offices.

Stamp Paper Denominations Available in Chennai (2026 Update)

As of 2025, the following stamp paper denominations are available in Chennai, Tamil Nadu:

• ₹100

• ₹500

• ₹1,000

• ₹5,000

The Tamil Nadu Government has stopped issuing both lower and higher denominations, including:

• ₹10, ₹20, ₹50

• ₹10,000, ₹15,000, ₹20,000, ₹25,000

This change was introduced to reduce the cost and logistics of printing and transporting physical stamp papers.

In place of discontinued denominations, the government now encourages the use of E-Stamp Paper, a digital version of stamp duty that is:

• Tamper-proof

• Easy to verify

• Widely accepted for registrations, agreements, and legal documentation

Another option is franking, where a franking machine prints the stamp duty directly onto the document. Franking is mainly used by banks, financial institutions, and registration offices.

Documents Required for Buying Stamp Paper in Chennai

To purchase stamp paper in Chennai, the requirements are simple.

• For general purposes, you only need to mention the name of the person for whom the stamp paper is being issued.

• For property registration or legal registration, documents such as Aadhaar Card, driver’s license, or any government ID proof may be required.

Common Stamp Duty Rates in Chennai (General Overview)

(Actual rates may vary depending on document type, property value, and transaction category.)

1. Property Sale / Transfer

• Stamp Duty: Around 7% of the property value

• Registration Fee: Around 1%
  (Rates may differ based on locality, market value, and guideline value.)

2. Rental/Lease Agreements

• Usually requires a fixed stamp duty, based on rent amount and lease duration

• Commonly executed on ₹200 Non-Judicial Stamp Paper

3. Affidavits / Declarations

• Typically done on ₹100 Non-Judicial Stamp Paper

4. Power of Attorney (POA)

• Charges vary depending on whether the POA is general, special, or property-related

• Values may start from ₹100 and go up to higher denominations.

5. Business Contracts / Agreements

• Usually executed on ₹100 or ₹200 stamp papers, depending on the nature of the agreement.

  How to Identify Original vs Fake Stamp Paper (Easy Guide)

  1. Check the Security Water mark

• Hold the stamp paper against the light

• Original stamp papers show:

  • A vertical security watermark, or

  • A transparent Ashoka Emblem

• Fake papers often have:

  • Printed or repetitive marks

  • Blurry or low-quality watermarks

    2. Verify the Paper Quality

• Genuine stamp papers are printed on special security paper

• The paper feels:

  • Slightly thicker,

  • Sharper, and

  • Of higher quality

• Fake papers may feel:

  • Thin

  • Rough

  • Low-quality or easily tearable

3. Check the Texture and Thickness of the Paper

Original stamp papers are printed on special security-grade paper. They feel slightly rough, thick, and firm. Fake stamp papers often feel:

• Too smooth

• Too thin

• Similar to regular printer paper

If the paper texture feels unusually soft or flimsy, it may be counterfeit.

4. Verify Seller/Stamp Vendor Details

Every genuine stamp paper issued in Tamil Nadu must include:

• Name of the Licensed Stamp Vendor

• Vendor License Number

• Unique Serial Number

• Date of Issue

If any of these details are missing, unclear, overwritten, or suspiciously printed, the stamp paper is likely fake or invalid.

Buying Backdated Stamp Paper – Is It Legal in Tamil Nadu?

No. Buying or using backdated stamp papers is illegal.

As per the Tamil Nadu Registration Department, stamp papers must be:

• Sold only by licensed stamp vendors

• Issued at face value

• Printed with a valid and current date of issue

• Traceable through an official serial number

Attempting to purchase or use backdated or fraudulent stamp papers constitutes:

• Forgery

• Cheating/Fraud

• Violation of the Indian Stamp Act

Engaging in such activity is both unethical and punishable under Indian law.

Note: You Can Now Buy Physical Non-Judicial Stamp Paper in Denominations Such as Rs.100, Rs.500, Rs.1000, and Rs.5000/- at Durgammal Associates, No.336, MKN Road, Alandur, Chennai-600016, Adjacent to Alandur Court, next to Kurinji Exports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I buy stamp paper in Chennai?

From licensed stamp vendors, Sub-Registrar Offices, or through e-stamping.

2. Is e-stamp paper valid in Tamil Nadu?

Yes. It is fully valid, tamper-proof, and preferred by authorities.

3. Can I buy stamp paper online?

Yes, e-stamps can be purchased from authorized service providers.

4. Is backdated stamp paper legal?

No. Backdated stamp paper is considered fraudulent.

5. What is the validity of stamp paper?

Stamp paper does not expire, but must be used in compliance with government rules.