A fresh GST registration is mostly about clean paperwork. Get the documents and the details right, and your GSTIN is usually issued in 3 to 7 working days. Get them wrong, and you invite clarifications that drag the process out for weeks. This guide walks through every document, every step of the portal process, the real timeline, the costs, and the mistakes that get applications rejected.
- GST registration is free on the government portal; you only pay if a professional files it for you.
- With Aadhaar authentication and clean documents, a GSTIN is typically issued in 3–7 working days.
- The documents differ by business structure, but PAN, address proof and bank details are always needed.
- Most rejections come from a blurry address proof or a name mismatch across PAN, Aadhaar and bank records.
Who needs to register for GST
Before collecting documents, confirm you actually need to register. You must register if any of the following apply:
- Turnover threshold crossed — aggregate turnover above Rs 40 lakh for goods (Rs 20 lakh in special-category states), or Rs 20 lakh for services (Rs 10 lakh in special-category states).
- Inter-state supply — you sell goods to customers in another state.
- E-commerce — you sell through Amazon, Flipkart or your own platform that collects TCS.
- Reverse charge — you are liable to pay GST under RCM.
- Casual or non-resident taxable person, or an agent supplying on behalf of others.
Even if none apply, many businesses register voluntarily to claim input tax credit and to look credible to larger B2B customers who prefer GST-registered vendors.
Documents you will need
Keep clear, legible scans (PDF or JPEG) ready before you start. The core set is common to everyone; the entity-specific set depends on your structure.
Common documents (every applicant)
- PAN of the business or proprietor.
- Aadhaar of the proprietor, partners or directors, for authentication.
- Proof of business address — latest electricity bill, rent/lease agreement, or property tax receipt. If rented, add a No-Objection Certificate from the owner.
- Bank details — a cancelled cheque, bank statement or the first page of the passbook.
- Passport-size photographs of the proprietor, partners or directors.
What changes by business type
| Business type | Registered on | Extra documents |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietorship | Proprietor's PAN | None beyond the common set |
| Partnership firm | Firm's PAN | Partnership deed; partners' PAN & Aadhaar |
| LLP | LLP PAN | Certificate of Incorporation; LLP agreement; DSC; designated partners' KYC |
| Private limited company | Company PAN | Certificate of Incorporation; board resolution; DSC; directors' KYC |
The step-by-step registration process
The entire application runs on the GST portal in two parts — Part A creates a temporary reference, Part B is the full application.
- File Part A of Form REG-01 with your PAN, mobile number and email. Verify the OTPs to get a Temporary Reference Number (TRN).
- Log in with the TRN and complete Part B — business details, principal place of business, additional places, goods/services (HSN/SAC codes) and bank account.
- Upload your documents in the specified formats and sizes.
- Complete Aadhaar authentication for the authorised signatory. This is the single biggest accelerator of approval.
- Respond to any clarification (Form REG-03) within seven working days if the officer raises a query, using Form REG-04.
- Receive your 15-digit GSTIN and download the registration certificate (Form REG-06) from the portal.
How long it really takes
| Scenario | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar authenticated, clean documents | 3–7 working days |
| Officer raises a clarification (REG-03) | Add 7–10 working days |
| Aadhaar not authenticated (physical verification) | Up to 30 days |
What does GST registration cost?
Registration on the government portal is free — there is no government fee. The only cost is professional help if you choose it, which buys you correct classification, error-free filing and someone to handle clarifications. For companies and LLPs, a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is required and has a nominal cost if you do not already hold one.
Common reasons applications get rejected
- Address proof mismatch — the document does not match the address entered, is too old, or the NOC is missing for rented premises.
- Name mismatch across PAN, Aadhaar and bank records.
- Blurry or oversized uploads that the portal or officer cannot read.
- Wrong business constitution selected, or authorised signatory details that do not match the board resolution.
- Not responding to REG-03 within the window, which leads to automatic rejection.
“Nine out of ten delayed registrations trace back to one weak document — usually the address proof. Fix that, and approval is routine.”
What to do once your GSTIN is issued
- Display your GSTIN at your principal place of business.
- Start issuing GST-compliant tax invoices with the correct GST rate and HSN/SAC codes.
- File your monthly or quarterly returns on time — see our guide on GSTR-1 vs GSTR-3B.
- If eligible, opt into the QRMP scheme to cut your filing frequency.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a government fee for GST registration?
No. Registration on the GST portal is completely free. You only pay if you engage a professional to file and manage the application for you.
Can I register for GST from home or a co-working space?
Yes. You can register at a residential or co-working address as long as you have valid address proof and, where the premises are not owned by you, a No-Objection Certificate from the owner.
How many GST registrations do I need for multiple states?
GST is state-specific. You need a separate registration for each state where you have a place of business, even though they share the same PAN.
What happens if my application is rejected?
You can re-apply with corrected documents. Most rejections stem from address proof or name mismatches, both of which are easy to fix before re-submitting.
If you would rather have a chartered accountant validate every field before submission, our GST registration service handles the whole application end to end. It is part of our wider GST services, from registration through to returns and refunds.
