Quick answer: A practising Chartered Accountant usually keeps three to five stamps: a firm stamp (firm name, "Chartered Accountants", and the ICAI Firm Registration Number), a round or oval seal, an address stamp, and a "Certified True Copy" stamp. The partner's name and ICAI membership number are written or stamped below the signature on reports and certificates, alongside the UDIN generated on the ICAI portal.
What does a CA firm stamp contain?
| Line | Example |
|---|---|
| 1 | SHARMA & CO. |
| 2 | Chartered Accountants |
| 3 | FRN: 123456W |
The Firm Registration Number (FRN) is issued by ICAI when a firm is registered and is expected on audit reports and certificates. Proprietorship practices also have an FRN; individual members practising in their own name use their membership number instead.
Where do the partner's name and membership number go?
Below the signature, after the firm stamp: the signing partner's name, the word "Partner" or "Proprietor", and "M. No." followed by the ICAI membership number. Many CAs keep this as a separate small stamp so they don't need to handwrite it on every page.
Round stamp vs oval stamp — which one?
Both are common and neither is prescribed. A round stamp with the firm name around the edge and "Chartered Accountants" in the centre is the classic choice. An oval stamp fits longer firm names better. Pick one and use it consistently, so clients and banks recognise it.
What is the "Certified True Copy" stamp for?
Clients often need copies of documents attested for banks, tenders, visas and registrations. A Pre-Inked "Certified True Copy" stamp keeps the impression uniform and saves time when you are attesting dozens of pages.
Does the stamp replace UDIN?
No. ICAI requires a Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN) for certificates, audit reports and other attest services, generated on the UDIN portal. The UDIN is written on the document; the stamp shows the firm identity. Both serve different purposes and are used together.
Can I use the CA logo on my stamp?
ICAI issues guidelines on how members may use the CA India logo, and those guidelines change from time to time. Check the current ICAI guidance before adding the logo; a plain-text stamp is always acceptable.
CA stamps available
- CA Stamp for Proprietorship Firm (Pre-Inked)
- CA Stamp for Partnership Firm (Pre-Inked)
- CA Round Stamp and CA Oval Stamp
- CA Firm Address Stamp and CA Certified True Copy Stamp
See the full Chartered Accountant collection.
Frequently asked questions
Is a stamp mandatory for a CA's signature?
Professional practice in India is to sign with the firm stamp, name, membership number and UDIN on attest documents. The stamp is expected by banks and regulators even where no rule names it explicitly.
What is FRN on a CA stamp?
FRN is the Firm Registration Number issued by ICAI to a registered CA firm. It identifies the firm on audit reports and certificates.
Can a newly qualified CA order stamps before getting a Certificate of Practice?
Order the stamp once you hold a Certificate of Practice and, for a firm, an FRN — those details need to be final before engraving.
Which ink colour do CAs use?
Blue and violet are most common for attestation; some firms prefer black. Keep it consistent across your practice.