The Punjab government will increase stamp paper fees in January 2026.

The announcement of a significant rise in stamp paper rates by the Punjab government has greatly alarmed the people.

The minimum value of an e-stamp paper has increased from Rs100 to Rs300, per the notification that was released. While the stamp paper needed for domicile certificates, which are used for employment applications and school admissions, has increased from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500, the cost of divorce-related stamp papers has climbed from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1,000.

In a same vein, stamp paper costs for new gas, water, and electricity connections have increased from Rs100 to Rs1,000. From Rs1,200 to Rs3,000, the price of e-stamp paper for real estate transaction agreements has surged dramatically.

The e-stamp paper fee for non-property agreements has increased from Rs100 to Rs500. Additionally, the cost has been raised from Rs1,200 to Rs3,000 for agreements up to Rs500,000, and it will now be Rs6,000 for agreements between Rs500,000 and Rs1 million.

There is now a Rs20,000 increase in the stamp paper fee for agreements worth more than Rs15 million. In the meantime, the cost of e-stamping power of attorney documents has increased from Rs1,500 to Rs1,800.

In order to receive e-stamp paperwork, applicants must also have a SIM card registered in their own name, according to the authorities.

The sharp increase has caused a great deal of discontent among the populace, who claim that it will put further financial strain on those who are already dealing with growing living expenses.