E-Stamp Verification Online: How to Check if Your E-Stamp Certificate Is Genuine
A landlord's broker hands you a neatly printed rent agreement on e-stamp paper. It has a QR code, a barcode and an official-looking header. Is it real? You don't have to guess. Every genuine e-stamp certificate is recorded in a central database, and e-stamp verification takes under a minute.
This guide shows you how to verify an e-stamp certificate online, what to compare, how verification works in states outside SHCIL, and what to do if the result doesn't match.
E-Stamp Verification: Quick Details
| Particular | Details |
| Where to verify (most states) | www.shcilestamp.com → "Verify e-Stamp Certificate" |
| What you need | Certificate number (UIN), state, issue date |
| Cost | Free |
| Time taken | Under 1 minute |
| Alternate method | Scan the QR code on the certificate, or use the SHCIL mobile app |
| Maharashtra | Verify the GRAS challan / e-SBTR through the state's GRAS portal or the issuing bank |
| Karnataka | Digital e-stamps generated on KAVERI-2 (since January 2026) are verified through the state system |
Why E-Stamp Verification Matters
Stamp paper fraud has a long history in India, and fake e-stamps do circulate. They are usually colour copies of a real certificate with the names changed, or entirely fabricated documents with a working but unrelated QR code.
If your agreement sits on a fake certificate, the stamp duty was never paid. The document is then treated as unstamped. Courts won't admit it as evidence until you pay the full duty plus a penalty, and you may have already paid the "duty" to whoever supplied the paper.
For businesses, the risk shows up at the worst time: a deposit dispute with a landlord, a vendor default, or a partner exit.
How to Verify E-Stamp Certificate on SHCIL
This works for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, J&K and other SHCIL states.
Open Portal
Visit www.shcilestamp.com and click "Verify e-Stamp Certificate" on the homepage. You don't need to log in or create an account to run an e-stamp verification.
Select State
Choose the state printed on your e-stamp certificate. Verification only works when the state matches, because each state's e-stamp records are kept under its own stamp duty account.
Enter Number
Type the certificate number or UIN exactly as printed, including letters such as "IN-DL" or "IN-UP". A single wrong character returns "no record", which can be mistaken for a fake.
Choose Type
Select the certificate type (for example "Certificate Issued" or "e-Stamp Certificate") and enter the issue date where asked. Then complete the captcha and submit the e-stamp verification request.
Compare Details
The portal shows the stored record. Compare the first party, second party, stamp duty amount, article, purpose and issue date with your paper. Every field should match exactly.
Verify E-Stamp Using the QR Code
Most e-stamp certificates issued in recent years carry a QR code.
- Open any QR scanner on your phone.
- Scan the code on the certificate.
- It should open the SHCIL or state verification page with the same details printed on the paper.
Watch for: a QR code that opens an unfamiliar website, a page with no government or SHCIL branding, or details that differ from the paper. A real certificate's QR always resolves to the official record.
What to Compare (Checklist)
| Field on certificate | What to check |
| Certificate No. / UIN | Matches the portal record exactly |
| Certificate issued date | Same date; also check it isn't years old |
| Account reference | Shows the issuing collection centre |
| Purchased by | Matches the person who should have bought it |
| Description of document | Correct article (Lease, Agreement, Affidavit, etc.) |
| Consideration price | Matches the rent, capital or value in your agreement |
| First party / Second party | Exact names of the parties |
| Stamp duty paid | Correct amount for your state and document |
If the portal shows "Locked" or "Used" status, the certificate has already been linked to a document. A fresh agreement should not be printed on it.
E-Stamp Verification in Non-SHCIL States
Maharashtra
Maharashtra collects stamp duty through GRAS (gras.mahakosh.gov.in) and e-SBTR from authorised banks. Verify a GRAS challan by its GRN number on the portal, and confirm e-SBTR details with the issuing bank.
Karnataka
Karnataka notified its digital e-stamp system on KAVERI-2 in January 2026. Stamps generated there are linked to the instrument and verified within the state system. Check the Department of Stamps and Registration website for the current verification option.
Franking
Some states still allow franking, a stamp impression made by an authorised bank or agent. Franking cannot be verified online the same way, so keep the franking receipt and confirm with the issuing bank if in doubt.
What to Do If Verification Fails
- Re-check your typing. Most failures come from a mistyped UIN or the wrong state.
- Ask for the purchase receipt. A genuine buyer will have a payment receipt or a SHCIL login record.
- Don't sign. If the record still doesn't exist or the details differ, do not execute the agreement on that paper.
- Buy a fresh certificate yourself. It's often simplest to buy the e-stamp in the correct names directly on SHCIL. See our guide on how to buy e-stamp paper online.
- Report suspected forgery. Inform the local Sub-Registrar or the state stamp authority. Forging stamps is a criminal offence.
Common Mistakes
- Verifying only the QR code: A copied QR from a different real certificate can still open a valid page. Always compare names and amounts, not just "it opened".
- Ignoring the issue date: An old, unused certificate can be genuine but questionable for a new document. Most states expect execution within six months of purchase.
- Accepting stamp in the wrong names: A genuine certificate bought in a broker's name is still a weak document for your agreement.
- Not keeping a screenshot: Save a screenshot or PDF of the verification result with your agreement records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I verify an e-stamp certificate online?
Go to shcilestamp.com, click "Verify e-Stamp Certificate", select the state, enter the certificate number and issue date, and compare the details shown with your paper copy.
Is e-stamp verification free?
Yes. Verifying an e-stamp certificate on SHCIL or a state portal costs nothing and doesn't require login.
Can I verify e-stamp paper by scanning the QR code?
Yes. Scan the QR code with your phone. It should open the official record with the same party names, amount and date. If it doesn't, treat the certificate as suspicious.
What does "Locked" status mean in e-stamp verification?
It means the certificate has already been used or locked against a document. It should not be reused for a new agreement.
How do I verify Maharashtra e-stamp or GRAS challan?
Use the GRN number on the GRAS portal (gras.mahakosh.gov.in) to verify the challan. For e-SBTR, confirm the details with the issuing bank.
What happens if my e-stamp is fake?
The stamp duty is treated as unpaid. The agreement becomes inadmissible as evidence until proper duty and penalty are paid. Don't sign on a certificate that fails verification.
Can a bank or court verify my e-stamp?
Yes. Banks, courts and registration offices routinely verify e-stamp certificates using the same UIN-based system.
Conclusion
E-stamp verification is the simplest fraud check in any agreement process, and it's free. Verify every certificate you didn't buy yourself, compare every field rather than just scanning the QR code, and save the result with your records.
For new office leases, partnership deeds and vendor agreements, read our complete guide to e-stamp paper online, or contact the StartupFlora team for help with business documentation and registrations.