GST registration is mandatory for businesses whose annual turnover crosses the prescribed threshold. Once registered, you receive a GSTIN (GST Identification Number) — a 15-digit number that identifies your business in the GST system. This guide explains who needs to register, what documents are required, and how to complete the online registration on the GST portal.
Who needs to register for GST?
GST registration is mandatory for:
Businesses with turnover above the threshold — ₹40 lakh per year for goods suppliers (₹20 lakh for service providers; ₹10 lakh in special category states like North-East and hill states).
Inter-state suppliers — Any business supplying goods or services across state borders must register, regardless of turnover.
E-commerce sellers — Sellers making inter-state supplies through an e-commerce platform (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.), or exceeding the turnover threshold, must register for GST. Since October 2023, small intra-state-only sellers below the ₹40 lakh/₹20 lakh threshold can sell through e-commerce platforms without full registration, using an Enrolment Number instead.
Casual and non-resident taxable persons — Those who supply goods/services occasionally or from outside India must register before starting operations.
Reverse charge recipients — Businesses that pay GST under the reverse charge mechanism must be registered.
Documents required for GST registration
Prepare the following before starting your application:
PAN card — PAN of the business entity (or proprietor for sole proprietorships).
Aadhaar card — Aadhaar of the proprietor, partners, or directors as applicable.
Proof of business address — Electricity bill, water bill, property tax receipt, or rent/lease agreement for the registered business address.
Bank account details — A cancelled cheque or bank statement showing your account number and IFSC code.
Passport-size photograph — A recent photograph of the proprietor, partners, or directors.
Constitution documents — Partnership deed (for partnerships), Certificate of Incorporation (for companies and LLPs), or relevant registration certificate.
How to register for GST online — step by step
All GST registrations are done online at the GST portal (gst.gov.in):
1
Visit gst.gov.inGo to the GST portal and click 'Register Now' under the 'New Registration' section on the homepage.
2
Submit Part A of the applicationSelect your taxpayer type (Regular Taxpayer for most businesses). Enter your PAN, mobile number, and email address. An OTP will be sent to verify both.
3
Receive your Temporary Reference Number (TRN)After Part A verification, a TRN is issued. This lets you save and resume your application.
4
Complete Part B using your TRNLog in with your TRN and fill in Part B — business details, promoter information, authorised signatory, principal place of business, and bank account details.
5
Upload documentsUpload scanned copies of all required documents. Ensure they are clear and within the file size limits specified on the portal.
6
Sign and submit using DSC or EVCSubmit the application using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for companies and LLPs, or an Electronic Verification Code (EVC — Aadhaar OTP) for other entities.
7
Receive your ARNAfter submission, an Application Reference Number (ARN) is issued. Use this to track the status of your registration.
How long does GST registration take?
If your application is Aadhaar-authenticated and not flagged as high-risk, approval typically takes around 3 working days, with your GSTIN issued immediately.
Some applications are flagged for biometric-based Aadhaar authentication and in-person document verification under GST's risk-based framework — these can take up to 21 working days. You can now complete this biometric step at a facilitation centre in your home state rather than travelling to your registered jurisdiction.
If the GST officer raises a query or requests additional documents (shown as 'Notice' in your dashboard), you must respond within 7 working days. Failure to respond results in rejection.
After registration — what you need to do
Once registered, you must display your GSTIN on your invoices, signboards, and other business documents. You are also required to file GST returns — the frequency (monthly or quarterly) depends on your turnover and return type.
Keep your registration details updated. Address changes, addition of new business verticals, or changes in authorised signatories must be updated on the GST portal within 15 days.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if your annual service income exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special category states). Even below the threshold, voluntary registration is allowed and can be beneficial if your clients require a GSTIN for input tax credit.
Around 3 working days for a correctly submitted, Aadhaar-authenticated application that isn't flagged as high-risk. Applications flagged for biometric Aadhaar authentication and in-person verification can take up to 21 working days.
Your PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-character tax identity issued by the Income Tax Department. A GSTIN (GST Identification Number) is a 15-character number issued for GST purposes — it is derived from your PAN (characters 3 to 12 of the GSTIN match your PAN). Both are required for business tax compliance, but they serve different systems.
Yes. For home-based businesses or freelancers, your residential address can be used as the registered business address. You will need to provide a utility bill or property document for the address as proof.
Need help with GST registration?
A verified specialist on Krakens will fill out your application, prepare and upload your documents, and follow up with the GST portal until your GSTIN is issued.
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