Quick answer: A practising Company Secretary's main stamp shows the firm or practice name and "Company Secretaries" (or "Company Secretary in Practice"), with the signing member's name, ACS or FCS membership number and Certificate of Practice (CP) number below the signature. Most PCS offices also keep a round or oval seal, an address stamp and a "Certified True Copy" stamp for certifying MCA and bank documents.
What does a CS stamp contain?
| Line | Firm stamp example | Individual practice example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MEHTA & ASSOCIATES | PRIYA MEHTA |
| 2 | Company Secretaries | Company Secretary in Practice |
| 3 | — | ACS No. 12345 | CP No. 6789 |
For a firm, the partner signing adds their name, "Partner", membership number (prefixed ACS or FCS) and CP number below the signature — either handwritten or with a small name stamp.
Why does the CP number matter?
Certifications on MCA e-forms, secretarial audit reports and compliance certificates are issued in the capacity of a Company Secretary in Practice. The CP number shows the certificate holder's practising status. Banks and ROCs look for it on certified documents.
Where does the "Certified True Copy" stamp get used?
Company Secretaries certify copies of board resolutions, incorporation documents, registers and KYC papers almost daily. A Pre-Inked Certified True Copy stamp makes every page consistent, which matters when a bank or an RTA is checking a thick bundle.
Does the stamp replace UDIN?
No. ICSI requires a UDIN for specified certificates and reports issued by members in practice. The UDIN is written on the document; the stamp identifies you and your firm. Use both.
Round or oval stamp?
Neither is prescribed. Round stamps are traditional; oval stamps fit long firm names more comfortably. Choose one and keep it consistent across your practice.
CS stamps available
- CS Stamp for Proprietorship Firm (Pre-Inked)
- CS Stamp for Partnership Firm (Pre-Inked)
- CS Round Stamp and CS Oval Stamp
- CS Firm Address Stamp and CS Certified True Copy Stamp
See the full Company Secretary collection. Advising newly incorporated clients? Point them to Which Stamps Does a New Company or LLP Actually Need?
Frequently asked questions
Should I write ACS or FCS on the stamp?
Write the prefix that matches your current membership — ACS for Associate members, FCS for Fellows — followed by the number. Update the stamp when you become a Fellow.
Do in-house Company secretaries need a CS stamp?
An employed CS usually signs with the Company's Authorised Signatory or Company Secretary designation stamp, not a practice stamp, since they are not issuing certificates in practice.
Can I include my firm's address on the main stamp?
Keep the main stamp short for readability. Use a separate address stamp, or put the address on your letterhead.
How long does a Pre-Inked CS stamp last?
A Pre-Inked Stamp gives thousands of impressions and can be re-inked. See our guide on refilling Pre-Inked Stamps.