How to register for GST online in India: step-by-step process
GST registration is done entirely online through Form GST REG-01 on the GST portal (gst.gov.in). You submit PAN, business address proof, bank details, and identity documents, complete Aadhaar authentication, and the GSTIN is typically issued within 7 working days if everything is in order — longer if the officer flags the application for physical verification.
Who this process is for
This process applies to any business — proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company — applying for a fresh GST registration, whether because turnover has crossed the mandatory threshold or the business wants to register voluntarily.
The same REG-01 form and process applies regardless of business structure; what differs is the supporting documents required for each entity type.
Step 1 — generate a Temporary Reference Number (TRN)
On the GST portal, select 'New Registration' and enter PAN, mobile number, and email. An OTP is sent to both the mobile number and email for verification, after which a TRN is generated. This TRN is valid for 15 days and is used to complete the rest of the application.
Step 2 — complete Part B of REG-01 using the TRN
Log in with the TRN and complete the detailed application: business details, promoter/partner details, principal place of business, additional places of business (if any), goods and services to be supplied (HSN/SAC codes), and bank account details.
Aadhaar authentication is required at this stage for most applicants — an OTP is sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number of the primary authorised signatory. Applicants who skip or fail Aadhaar authentication are routed to mandatory physical verification of the business premises, which extends the timeline significantly.
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Talk to a CA →Step 3 — upload supporting documents
Upload PAN card, photograph of the proprietor/partners/directors, proof of principal place of business (electricity bill, rent agreement, or property tax receipt), bank account proof (cancelled cheque or bank statement), and — for companies and LLPs — the Certificate of Incorporation and board resolution authorising the signatory.
Step 4 — ARN generation and officer review
On submission, an Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated, and the application moves to the jurisdictional GST officer for review. If the application and Aadhaar authentication are clean, approval is typically automatic within 7 working days. If the officer raises a query (Form REG-03), you must respond within 7 working days via Form REG-04, or the application is liable to be rejected.
Step 5 — GSTIN issuance
Once approved, the GSTIN and registration certificate (Form REG-06) are available for download from the portal. The GSTIN is a 15-digit number based on the state code and PAN, and it becomes the identifier for all future GST filings and invoicing.
Common causes of delay
The most frequent causes of delay are a mismatch between the address proof and the declared principal place of business, an incomplete or blurry document upload, failed Aadhaar authentication triggering physical verification, and slow responses to officer queries. Physical verification, when triggered, can push the timeline out to 30 days.
Can I register for GST without Aadhaar authentication?
Yes, but it triggers mandatory physical verification of your business premises by a GST officer, which extends the registration timeline from the standard 7 working days to up to 30 days. Completing Aadhaar authentication for the primary authorised signatory is the fastest path to approval and is strongly recommended unless there is a specific reason to skip it.
This article is for general information only. For your specific situation, consult a practicing CA.
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