BNAPS ORE - Reference Articles

An Introduction to Canadian Revenue Stamps

Christopher D. Ryan

Law Stamps

Law stamps were typically, but not exclusively, used for the payment of fees and/or taxes imposed on documents associated with civil judicial proceedings. The funds from these stamps were often designated for the support of the court system.

"Canadian Law Stamps", an online exhibit by Edward Zaluski, displays the Law stamps of Canada from 1765 to 1970. It also displays the use of these stamps.

There were several exceptions to the usual purpose of Law stamps. One such exception occurred in Québec where for a period of time Law stamps were used to collect a tax on documents recorded at certain registry offices, and were affixed in addition to the usual Registration stamps. Another exception occurred in Ontario where Law stamps were used to pay the fee for searches in land titles offices. In other provinces, such as Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia, separate search-fee stamps or tickets were used.

British Columbia Law stamp affixed to a 1922 affidavit

British Columbia Law stamp affixed to a 1922 affidavit


Introduction |
Airport Departure Fee Tickets | Amusements Tax Tickets | Assurance License Stamps |
Bill Stamps |
Chômage-Unemployment Stamps | Consular Fee Stamps | Customs Duty Stamps |
Electric Light or Electricity Inspection Stamps | Excise and War Tax Stamps |
Excise Duty – Tobacco Stamps and Malt Syrup Stamps |
Garbage Tags | Gas Inspection Stamps | Gasoline Tax Stamps |
Hospitals Aid Stamps | Hunting and Fishing Stamps |
Inland Revenue Stamps |
Law Stamps | Liquor Stamps – Federal | Luxury Tax Stamps |
Postal Note and Scrip Stamps |
Registration Stamps |
Sales Tax Tickets | Saskatchewan Power Commission | Search Fee |
Telegraph Franks | Telephone Franks | Tobacco Tax | Transfer Tax Stamps | Transportation Tax Stamps |
Unemployment Insurance Stamps |
Vacation Pay Credit Stamps |
War Savings and Thrift Stamps | Weights and Measures Stamps


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This page was last modified on 2015-02-03