The Punjab government has announced a substantial increase in stamp paper and e-stamp paper fees, effective from January 2026, a move that has triggered concern among citizens already burdened by rising inflation and living costs.
According to an official notification, the minimum fee for e-stamp papers has been raised from Rs100 to Rs300.
Stamp papers used for affidavits and routine documentation will now cost three times more than the previous rate.
The fee for divorce-related stamp papers has seen a sharp jump, rising from Rs100 to Rs1,000.
The cost of stamp papers required for domicile certificates—commonly used for school admissions, scholarships, and employment applications—has also been increased from Rs100 to Rs500.
Similarly, stamp papers needed to obtain new electricity, gas, and water connections will now cost Rs1,000, compared to the earlier Rs100.
Property-related documentation has been significantly affected by the revised rates.
The e-stamp paper fee for property sale agreements has been increased from Rs 1,200 to Rs 3,000.
For agreements valued up to Rs500,000, the fee has also been raised from Rs1,200 to Rs3,000.
For non-property agreements, the e-stamp paper fee has been enhanced from Rs 100 to Rs 500.
Agreements valued between Rs500,000 and Rs1 million will now require stamp papers costing Rs6,000, reflecting an additional Rs3,000 increase.
