How Much Does an Affidavit Cost in India?

Affidavits are legal documents used to declare facts under oath. They serve a variety of purposes in both civil and legal proceedings, and understanding the cost associated with drafting and notarizing an affidavit is crucial for anyone needing this service. In this blog, we will discuss the factors that influence the cost of an affidavit in India, the steps involved in obtaining one, and the potential variations in cost depending on the type of affidavit required.

1. What is an Affidavit?

An affidavit is a written statement made voluntarily under an oath or affirmation, usually administered by a person authorized by law, such as a notary public. It is used as evidence in legal matters or to verify the truth of certain facts. Common uses include:

  • Identity proof in name change processes

  • Proof of address for legal documentation

  • Legal matters like divorce or child custody cases

  • Property-related declarations

2. Factors That Influence the Cost of an Affidavit

The cost of preparing an affidavit in India can vary depending on several factors:

  • Type of Affidavit: There are different types of affidavits—such as affidavits for marriage, name changes, and property disputes. Each type may have varying costs.

  • Stamp Paper Value: In India, affidavits must be printed on non-judicial stamp paper. The value of the stamp paper differs by state. For example, in some states, affidavits require stamp paper worth ₹10, while in others it may be ₹100.

  • Notary Fee: A notary is a public official authorized to attest the authenticity of documents. The fee charged by notaries is typically nominal, but it can vary slightly by region or complexity of the affidavit.

  • Lawyer’s Fee: If you require legal assistance in drafting the affidavit, you may need to pay a lawyer. Lawyers usually charge based on the complexity and nature of the affidavit.

3. Estimated Costs of Affidavit in Different States

Since the cost of an affidavit varies across states due to stamp duty regulations, it is essential to know the approximate costs in different parts of the country.

  • Delhi: For most common affidavits (name change, address proof, etc.), the stamp paper cost ranges between ₹10 and ₹100, while the notary charges may range between ₹50 and ₹200.

  • Maharashtra: Affidavits generally require stamp paper worth ₹100, and the notary charges may range between ₹50 and ₹150.

  • Uttar Pradesh: Stamp paper for affidavits may cost ₹10 or ₹20 depending on the type of affidavit, with notary charges of around ₹50 to ₹100.

  • Karnataka: Affidavit stamp papers typically cost between ₹20 and ₹100, with additional notary fees between ₹50 and ₹150.

4. The Process of Drafting and Attesting an Affidavit

The process of obtaining an affidavit involves several steps, and each step may incur costs. Here's a breakdown of the process:

  1. Drafting the Affidavit:
    You can either draft the affidavit yourself or hire a lawyer to draft it for you. If you draft it yourself, you can save on legal fees. Lawyers usually charge anywhere between ₹500 to ₹3000 for drafting, depending on the complexity.

  2. Purchasing Stamp Paper:
    Once the affidavit is drafted, it must be printed on non-judicial stamp paper. You can purchase this from a licensed stamp vendor. As mentioned earlier, the cost of stamp paper varies by state.

  3. Notarization of the Affidavit:
    After printing the affidavit, it must be notarized by a notary public. The notary will verify the identity of the affiant (the person making the affidavit) and witness the signing. Notarization fees usually range from ₹50 to ₹200 depending on the region.

5. Can an Affidavit be Made Online?

In recent years, online legal services have gained popularity in India, making it easier to obtain affidavits. Many platforms allow users to draft and purchase stamp paper online, eliminating the need for physically visiting a stamp vendor. The cost of online services may slightly differ due to convenience fees or delivery charges, but they typically remain within the standard range.

Online affidavit services provide users with a ready-made template and an option to choose the required stamp paper denomination. After you provide the necessary information, the platform drafts the affidavit and sends a digital or physical copy to your address. Notarization can also be arranged online, further simplifying the process.

The cost of making an affidavit online generally includes:

  • Stamp paper cost: ₹10 to ₹100 (depending on the type and state)

  • Online service fees: ₹100 to ₹500

  • Delivery charges (if applicable): ₹50 to ₹200

6. Is a Lawyer Always Required for an Affidavit?

For simple affidavits, such as name change affidavits or address proof affidavits, you may not necessarily need a lawyer. Many online platforms offer templates where you can fill in your details and have the affidavit ready for notarization. However, for more complex matters, such as property disputes, child custody, or legal declarations, consulting a lawyer is advisable to ensure all legal aspects are covered.

7. Affidavit Costs for Specific Legal Purposes

Different affidavits serve different legal purposes, and their costs may vary. Here are some common types of affidavits and their estimated costs:

  • Name Change Affidavit: The cost usually involves a ₹10 or ₹20 stamp paper and notary fees of ₹100 to ₹150.

  • Affidavit for Address Proof: Generally requires a ₹10 stamp paper, with nominal notary fees of ₹50 to ₹100.

  • Affidavit for Property Matters: The cost can be higher, ranging from ₹100 to ₹500 for stamp paper, and notary fees ranging from ₹100 to ₹200.

  • Affidavit for Divorce or Child Custody: Legal affidavits in such cases may require higher-value stamp papers (₹50 to ₹100), and lawyer fees can range from ₹1000 to ₹5000 depending on the complexity.

8. Conclusion

The cost of obtaining an affidavit in India can vary based on the type of affidavit, the stamp paper value, the notary charges, and whether legal assistance is needed. For simple affidavits, you can manage with minimal costs, but for complex legal matters, the cost will increase accordingly. By understanding these factors, you can better prepare yourself for the process of drafting and notarizing an affidavit in India.

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