A complete guide to applying for GSTIN online in India — no CA needed for the basics.
Getting a GST number is 100% online. It takes about 2-3 days if your documents are ready. No need to visit any government office.
Before you start, check if you actually need it. You must register if any of the following apply:
Keep these ready before you start. Upload them as PDFs or clear photos:
| Document | What Exactly |
|---|---|
| PAN Card | Of the business owner or company |
| Aadhaar Card | Of the owner / authorized signatory |
| Address Proof | Electricity bill, rent agreement, or property docs (last 3 months) |
| Bank Details | Cancelled cheque or bank statement with account number & IFSC |
| Business Photo | Photo of your shop/office entrance or workspace |
| Digital Signature | Only for companies and LLPs, not sole proprietors |
Visit www.gst.gov.in — the only official site. Avoid third-party sites that charge fees for "helping" you register.
Go to Registration → New Registration. Select "Regular Taxpayer" for normal business or "Composition" if turnover is under ₹1.5 crore and you want a simpler scheme.
Fill in your name, PAN, email, and mobile number. You'll receive an OTP to verify. Keep both mobile and email ready.
Enter your business name, address, nature of business, and HSN codes for your products/services. Not sure about HSN codes? Google "[your product] HSN code India".
Upload all documents listed above. Make sure photos are clear and readable. Blurry uploads get rejected and cause delays.
Review everything, then submit. You'll get an Application Reference Number (ARN). Government usually processes it in 2-7 working days.
Once approved, your GSTIN arrives via email. It's a 15-character alphanumeric code. Save it — you'll use it on every invoice.
1. Wrong address proof: Bill must be from the last 3 months. Old documents get rejected.
2. Name mismatch: Name on PAN, Aadhaar, and application must match exactly.
3. Fake portals: Only use gst.gov.in. Many fake sites charge ₹2,000-5,000 for free work.
4. Wrong HSN codes: Incorrect codes cause compliance issues later.
5. Not updating bank details: Under Rule 10A, failure to do this can suspend your registration.
Once you have your GSTIN, you need to print it and display it at your business, add it to all your invoices, file GST returns monthly or quarterly depending on your turnover, and keep all records for at least 6 years.
Use our free GST Risk Auditor to see if your registration and filing are on track.
🛡️ Run My GST Audit →