How to check GST registration status — ARN tracker (2026)

Direct answer. Visit gst.gov.in → Track Application Status → enter your 15-digit ARN (Application Reference Number). New GST registration SLA: 3-7 working days under CGST Rules 2017 §9. Status flow: Submitted → Pending for Processing → Approved (GSTIN issued) / Rejected.

Quick facts

What you need 15-digit ARN from GST application acknowledgment
Official portal gst.gov.in
SLA 3-7 working days (CGST Rules 2017)
Helpline 1800-103-4786 (GST helpdesk, toll-free)
Email [email protected]
Statutory base Central Goods and Services Tax Act 2017

Step-by-step

  1. Visit gst.gov.in → Services → Registration → Track Application Status.
  2. Enter your ARN (15 digits, format AA0511220012345 or similar).
  3. Status shows current stage.
  4. If “Pending for Processing” beyond 7 days, the proper officer must explain delay.
  5. If “Approved”, download GST Registration Certificate (Form REG-06).
  6. If “Rejected”, note the reason and re-apply with corrections.

Real story from a citizen

What we hear from RTI Wiki users: Akash, a 27-year-old SaaS founder in Bengaluru, applied for GST in March 2024. ARN said “Pending Processing” for 14 days despite 7-day SLA. He filed an RTI to GST Bengaluru zonal office under §6 asking processing officer + reason for delay + projected approval. Reply in 16 days revealed his Aadhaar-authentication wasn't marked complete (he'd done OTP but system needed re-sync). Re-authenticated; GSTIN issued in 4 days.

7 reasons your status may be stuck

  • Aadhaar authentication failed — most common rejection cause post-2021. Fix: redo OTP at GST portal.
  • Documents mismatch — PAN/business name inconsistency. Fix: gazette correction.
  • Registered address proof — utility bill > 1 month old. Fix: gas bill or fresh rent agreement.
  • Place of business not visited by officer for verification. Fix: ensure name displayed at premises.
  • Bank details proof issue — cancelled cheque blurry or wrong format. Fix: clear scanned cheque + first page of passbook.
  • Multiple registrations attempted under same PAN. System flags duplicate.
  • Composition scheme eligibility — turnover > Rs. 1.5 cr (Rs. 75 L for special states) auto-rejected for composition.

Pro tips most don't know

  • Aadhaar authentication via OTP speeds up registration to 3 days vs 7-day default. Most don't know this option.
  • Composition scheme (1% turnover tax for goods up to Rs. 1.5 cr) — opt-in within 30 days of registration; can't change mid-year.
  • E-invoicing mandate for businesses above Rs. 5 cr turnover (since Aug 2023). Check e-invoice eligibility at irp.gst.gov.in.
  • LUT (Letter of Undertaking) required for export without IGST — file annually by 31 March.
  • Multiple branches in different states — separate GSTIN per state.

Helpline + contact

GST helpdesk: 1800-103-4786 · [email protected] · State GST commissionerate helplines · GSTN: 1800-1200-232

If status is delayed beyond SLA — file an RTI

The official SLA on this service is published. If your status is stuck beyond it, you have a statutory right under §6 RTI Act 2005 to demand information from the public authority. Reply mandatory in 30 days.

File an RTI to: GST proper officer (Range / Division / Commissionerate)

Ask these 5 questions:

  1. ARN current stage
  2. processing officer
  3. reason for delay beyond 7-day SLA
  4. documents requiring re-submission
  5. projected approval date

Use our free AI RTI Drafter to generate a complete §6(1) application in 60 seconds. The Drafter pre-fills your name, address, fee statement, and the 5 questions above.

Or speak it in हिन्दी / English / 9 other Indian languages via AwaazRTI.

For deeper case-law on this scenario: Read the full RTI guide for utilization certificate.

GSTIN status check

For gstin status, gst number status check, gstin verification:

  1. Enter the 15-digit GSTIN.
  2. Status shows: Active, Cancelled, Suspended, Pending Verification, Inactive.

If status is Suspended or Cancelled, the business cannot raise GST invoices — verify with the supplier before any large transaction.

ARN status

For arn status, arn check gst:

After applying for GST registration, you receive a 15-digit ARN (Application Reference Number) starting with letters of state + year + month + sequential number (e.g., AA070420000123).

  1. Enter ARN.
  2. Status: Pending, Approved, Rejected, Awaiting Documents.

SLA: 7 working days for fresh registration approval.

TRN status

For trn status, trn application gst:

TRN (Temporary Reference Number) is issued when you start a GST application but haven't completed it. Use TRN to log back in and finish.

  1. At gst.gov.in/registrationTrack via TRN.
  2. Enter TRN + captcha.
  3. Resume the application.

GST cancellation status

For gst cancellation status, surrender gst registration:

After applying for cancellation:

  1. Enter ARN of the refund application.
  2. Status flows: Pending VerificationOrder IssuedRefund SanctionedRefund Disbursed.
  3. SLA: 60 days from filing for refund (90 days if pre-deposit involved).

If stuck beyond 60 days, file an RTI to the GST Range Officer.

🔔 Track GST policy changes + refund SLA breaches by email. Help RTI Wiki yearly →

Frequently asked questions

GST registration is mandatory above what turnover?

Rs. 40 lakh (goods, most states); Rs. 20 lakh (services); Rs. 20/10 lakh in special states (NE + hill).

Can I voluntarily register below threshold?

Yes — useful for B2B credit recovery. Apply via gst.gov.in.

What is composition scheme?

1% turnover tax (goods) / 6% (services) — simple, no input credit. Opt-in within 30 days.

Can I cancel my GST registration?

Yes — Form GST REG-16 at portal. Final return REG-10 mandatory.

What if my GSTIN is cancelled by officer?

Apply for revocation within 30 days via Form GST REG-21. Otherwise, fresh registration required.

Summary + what to do next

To check status: use the official portal listed above with your reference number. SLA is published; if stuck beyond it, file a free RTI.

  • If status is normal → wait the published SLA, then download/use your document
  • If status is delayed → click 🪄 AI RTI Drafter now; complete §6 application in 60 seconds
  • If status is rejected → demand reasons under §4(1)(d) RTI Act; appeal/represent
  • For state-specific guidance → see state-by-state guide

All RTI Wiki tools (free, no login)

Sources

  • RTI Act 2005 §§6, 7, 19
  • Official portal (linked in Quick Facts)
  • Statute referenced in Quick Facts

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.

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