• Aggregate turnover crossing threshold (Rs 40L goods / Rs 20L services / Rs 10L special states)
• Inter-state supply of goods (any turnover)
• E-commerce sellers (any turnover)
• Casual taxable person / non-resident
• Voluntary if below threshold (for ITC)

1. Visit gst.gov.in — Click “Register Now” → New Registration → fill Part A.
2. Part A — basic details — PAN + email + mobile + state. Receive separate OTPs on email + mobile. Get TRN (Temporary Reference Number).
3. Part B — full details — Business legal name (PAN), trade name, constitution, principal place of business, additional places, bank account, authorized signatory.
4. Aadhaar authentication — For partner/director/proprietor — OTP-based. Speeds approval to 3 days.
5. Upload documents — PAN, Aadhaar, photo, address proof of premises (rent agreement / electricity bill), bank statement, partnership deed / MoA / proprietorship declaration.
6. Goods + services details — HSN/SAC codes. Multiple HSNs allowed.
7. Submit ARN (Application Reference Number) — Track status at gst.gov.in.
8. GSTIN issued — 7 working days (3 with Aadhaar auth). 15-digit GSTIN: 2 (state) + 10 (PAN) + 1 (entity) + 1 (Z) + 1 (check).
9. Display GSTIN — Mandatory at place of business + on invoices + on letterhead.

• Online portal: GST Portal
• Offline: CA / GST practitioner offices — but self-registration is straightforward.
• Fee: Free registration. Beware of CA agents charging Rs 1,000-3,000 for self-registration.
• Timeline: With Aadhaar auth: 3 days · Without Aadhaar auth: 7 working days · Physical verification (if flagged): +30 days

See our complete checklist: Documents required for gst registration — covers mandatory + optional + size/format specs.

• Aadhaar auth failed — name spelling must match PAN. Update one to match.
• Premises proof rejected — must be electricity bill / property tax / rent agreement (registered or notarised).
• Bank account mismatch — current account name = entity name. Saving account in personal name not accepted (proprietorship: personal allowed).
• Physical verification flagged — risky industries (precious metals, scrap) get inspected. Comply with officer questions.

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. The name + designation of the dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. The reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. The likely date of issuance of my certificate / approval.

Auto-fill the PIO details + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

Track your application status: How to check status guide

Goods: Rs 40L (Rs 20L for special states). Services: Rs 20L (Rs 10L for special states). Inter-state / e-com: any turnover.

Yes — Form CMP-02 within 30 days of registration. Lower tax rate (1-6%) but no ITC.

Yes — separate GSTIN for each state where you have a place of business.

Pro: ITC available, B2B credibility. Con: All compliances apply (returns, records).

Grievance at selfservice.gstsystem.in OR RTI to State GST Commissioner.

• How to check status — 25 high-traffic services
• Documents required — 30 checklists
• All state RTI portals
• Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios

• Official portal: https://www.gst.gov.in
• Citizen feedback collected via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).
• Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.