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Apply for GST registration online through the official GST Portal: open Services > Registration > New Registration, complete Form REG-01, provide the documents relevant to your business and premises, and finish the verification steps assigned to you. First check whether registration is required in your particular case: the rules depend on what you supply, where you supply it, your circumstances and any applicable notifications—not just one turnover figure.
The process is electronic, but it is not only a PAN form. You will need consistent information about the legal entity or proprietor, people responsible for the application, business activities, every relevant premises and the authentication route selected by the portal. The Goods and Services Tax Portal manual and Aadhaar Authentication FAQ reviewed on October 11, 2026, describe the current flow; portal fields and legal requirements can change, so use the live instructions when you file.
Check whether you need to register
Before starting REG-01, establish why you are applying. The Central Goods and Services Tax Act sets out a general turnover-based framework in section 22 and specified compulsory-registration situations in section 24. Voluntary registration is also an option for some businesses. Which rule applies can depend on the type of supply, the state, the business’s legal form and exemptions or notifications in force.
There is no single turnover number that safely answers the question for every business in India. The Act text reviewed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) gives a general threshold of ₹20 lakh and a lower statutory starting figure of ₹10 lakh for the special-category-state provision. It also allows a threshold up to ₹40 lakh for qualifying suppliers exclusively engaged in goods, subject to conditions and notification. These are statutory figures, not universal rules that apply identically to every state, supply or applicant. Check the current Act, applicable notifications and official GST guidance against your actual facts before deciding.
If you are unsure whether you fall within a compulsory-registration category or qualify for an exception, resolve that question before filing. Registration obligations, timing and the effective date can turn on when liability begins; a threshold-only check may miss a separate rule.
A practical liability check
- Identify the supplier: Is the applicant an individual proprietor, partnership, company, trust, society, government-linked body or another constitution? The legal form affects the information and evidence requested.
- Map the supplies: List the goods and services actually supplied, where customers are located and whether any supply falls into a category with compulsory registration rules.
- Check the relevant state: The state or Union Territory and the place from which the business operates matter to the registration record and threshold framework.
- Check notifications and exemptions: A general threshold may not settle the question where a specific statutory category, exemption or notification applies.
- Decide whether the filing is compulsory or voluntary: Do not describe a voluntary application as proof that the business was already liable, and do not postpone a compulsory application while waiting for a turnover estimate.
If the facts are complicated—such as multiple states, mixed supplies, a non-resident operation or a possible compulsory-registration category—obtain qualified tax advice before submitting. A practitioner is optional for a standard application, but a wrong liability date can affect the effective date and later compliance.
What to prepare before opening REG-01
REG-01 has two parts. Part A identifies the applicant and establishes the initial contact details. Part B collects the wider business, people, premises and supply information. Assemble the information before you begin, and use the live portal checklist and upload prompts to determine which evidence applies to your constitution and premises.
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Preparing everything first reduces the chance of inconsistent spelling, expired contact access or an abandoned draft. Keep the source records available while entering data; do not copy an address from memory if the premises document uses a different format.
Applicant and contact information
- PAN and legal name: have the PAN details ready and use the legal name recorded against the PAN. The GST Portal’s “Apply for Registration Normal Taxpayer” manual says, “PAN is mandatory for registration with GST.”
- Location: identify the State or Union Territory and district for the application.
- Primary authorized signatory: prepare the email address and mobile number requested in Part A. Keep access to the relevant inbox and phone for portal messages and verification.
- People connected with the business: gather the promoter, partner, authorized-signatory and, where applicable, representative information requested in Part B.
- Identity consistency: check that names, initials, dates and addresses are written consistently across PAN records, constitution documents, premises evidence and the application.
Business and premises evidence
- Constitution or registration evidence: prepare the document appropriate to the entity’s legal form, where applicable. What is relevant depends on the applicant; there is no one constitution document for all businesses.
- Principal place of business: identify the address and the evidence that fits the actual occupancy arrangement, such as ownership, tenancy or another applicable situation.
- Additional places of business: prepare corresponding details and evidence for any additional premises included in the application.
- Goods and services: prepare descriptions and the classification information requested in the relevant REG-01 tab.
- State-specific information: note any information the portal requests in the state-specific tab rather than leaving it until the final review.
Do not assume that every applicant must upload the same rent agreement, utility bill, bank statement or cancelled cheque. The GST Portal’s document checklist and the choices shown for the premises are situation-dependent. Select evidence that corresponds to the real ownership or occupancy arrangement, and follow the portal’s current requirements for each place of business.
For example, an owned office, a rented shop and a premises used under another lawful arrangement may trigger different document choices. The important test is not whether a popular checklist contains a particular item; it is whether the evidence supports the address and occupancy option selected in your application. If an additional place is included, prepare evidence for that address too rather than relying only on the principal-place document.
Authentication readiness
Be prepared to complete the Aadhaar authentication route assigned by the portal, or the alternate photo-capture and document-verification process if you do not opt for Aadhaar authentication. Depending on the route and risk-based checks, selected promoters or partners and the primary authorized signatory may need to take action. The relevant steps and deadlines are described below.
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Keep the selected people’s phones available, ensure that contact details are entered correctly and watch for portal messages after Part B is submitted. A person who is listed in the application but cannot complete the assigned step can delay the application even when the uploaded documents are otherwise complete.
How to apply online
1. Open the new-registration service
- Go to the official GST Portal and choose Services > Registration > New Registration.
- Select the taxpayer type, State or Union Territory and district requested by Part A.
- Enter the legal name as recorded against PAN, the PAN and the primary authorized signatory’s email and mobile details.
- Complete the portal’s validation and submit Part A as directed. The application then proceeds to Part B under the portal workflow.
The GST Portal manual describes this application route for normal taxpayers and says it is also shared with categories including composition applicants, casual taxable persons, input service distributors and SEZ applicants, subject to category-specific requirements. Choose the correct applicant category and follow any additional prompts rather than assuming every applicant has identical requirements.
Part A is the identity and contact gateway. A mismatch between the PAN-linked legal name and the name entered in the form can create validation trouble, while an inaccessible email or mobile number can prevent you from receiving the next instruction. Review the confirmation shown by the portal before moving on.
2. Fill in Part B carefully
Part B is divided into tabs covering business details; promoters or partners; authorized signatory and representative, where applicable; principal and additional places of business; goods and services; state-specific information; Aadhaar authentication; and verification. Work through the tabs and check entries against the supporting records before moving on.
- Use consistent spellings and addresses across the application and supporting documents.
- Describe all relevant business premises and include additional places where applicable.
- Provide the goods-and-services details and classification information requested by the portal.
- Use the state-specific tab for the information requested for your application.
- Upload evidence that matches the applicant’s constitution and each premises situation, using the live checklist and upload choices.
- Review the authorized-signatory and promoter or partner entries separately; they are not interchangeable fields.
Do not treat an item mentioned in a general online checklist as automatically mandatory for your case. The official portal manual and checklist make the requirements dependent on the applicant and the premises. If a portal prompt is unclear or does not match your circumstances, check current official instructions before submitting rather than attaching unrelated or inconsistent records.
The manual reviewed does not describe bank-account details as part of the initial mandatory fields in the registration workflow. Bank details may be added through a later amendment workflow. That is not permission to ignore a live portal instruction: if the application screen requests a field, follow the current screen and retain the supporting record used.
3. Follow the authentication and verification route shown
Aadhaar authentication is not simply a box to tick and forget. The GST Portal’s Aadhaar Authentication FAQ describes OTP authentication in applicable cases and risk-based biometric verification at a designated GST Suvidha Kendra (GSK) in others. The relevant persons selected by the system may need to complete the prompted action. Monitor the registered contact channels and follow the portal’s instructions for links, appointment details and any required document verification.
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The FAQ states: “You need to verify your Aadhaar details within 15 days from submission of Part -B of REG-01 or else the Aadhaar authentication link will expire.” Treat this as a deadline for the applicable authentication flow, not as a general promise about the time to receive registration. Where biometric or document verification is required, complete that step within the period and instructions given so the application can proceed to ARN generation.
There are three practical branches to keep distinct:
- OTP route: the portal sends an authentication link or OTP instructions to the persons selected for the applicable flow.
- Risk-based biometric route: the portal directs the required person or persons to a designated GSK, potentially with an appointment and document-verification step.
- No-Aadhaar route: where the applicant does not opt for Aadhaar authentication, the FAQ describes photo capture and document verification at a designated GSK.
If you do not opt for Aadhaar authentication, the FAQ describes an alternate route involving photo capture and document verification at a designated GSK. The portal provides centre and appointment information. In-person attendance is therefore not a universal requirement: it depends on the authentication choice and the routing applied to the case.
Do not book an appointment based on an unofficial centre list or assume that every promoter must attend. Use the centre and appointment information issued by the portal, and confirm which named persons are required before travelling.
4. Submit and retain the reference
Complete the verification fields and submit as directed. Retain the Application Reference Number (ARN) once the portal has generated it, and monitor the portal status and registered contact channels for further instructions. If a required authentication or verification step is incomplete, ARN generation may not proceed; submission alone does not mean the application is ready for officer processing.
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Deadlines, effective date and processing expectations
Section 25 of the CGST Act generally requires a person to apply for registration within 30 days from the date the person becomes liable under the Act. Casual taxable persons and non-resident taxable persons generally need to apply at least five days before commencing business. These are statutory timing rules; check the provisions relevant to your applicant category and facts.
Under the registration rules, an application filed within the general 30-day period generally makes registration effective from the date liability arose. A late application generally takes effect from the date registration is granted. The date you file can therefore affect more than just the administrative timeline. Do not wait for the end of the period if you already know registration is required.
There is no supported guarantee that every application will be approved within a fixed number of days. Processing can be affected by officer review, a request for clarification, additional authentication or incomplete information. CBIC FAQ material gives general process expectations, but an individual case can differ. Respond promptly to notices or requests through the channel specified, and check the current portal status rather than treating a general estimate as a guaranteed service deadline.
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Common assumptions that can delay an application
- “My turnover is below one number, so I cannot need registration.” A compulsory-registration category or another applicable rule can matter independently of the general threshold framework. Check both the supply and location facts and the current law.
- “Everyone needs the same premises documents.” Evidence depends on whether the premises are owned, rented or occupied under another arrangement, as well as the portal’s current document choices.
- “Aadhaar OTP is always the only verification.” The portal FAQ describes OTP and risk-based biometric/GSK routes, as well as an alternate GSK route when Aadhaar authentication is not selected.
- “The application is complete as soon as I click submit.” Any required authentication, biometric appointment or document verification may still need completion before ARN generation or further processing.
- “A bank proof or cancelled cheque is always required at the start.” The GST Portal manual reviewed does not list bank-account details among the initial mandatory registration fields it describes; bank details may be added through a later amendment workflow. Portal rules can change, so follow the live application rather than relying on an old checklist.
- “A physical Aadhaar copy or digital-signature token is required for every applicant.” The cited Aadhaar instructions describe electronic OTP and biometric paths, not a universal physical-copy requirement. Digital-signature requirements can vary by applicant type and current portal rules; verify the live instructions for your case.
- “A general FAQ threshold settles my case.” CBIC FAQs can explain the process, but the Act, current notifications and the portal’s category-specific prompts control the decision for your facts.
- “I can use one address document for every location.” The application asks for the principal and additional places separately. Prepare evidence for each location included.
- “Any document is better than none.” An unrelated or inconsistent upload can create a clarification request. Choose evidence that matches the occupancy option and address entered.
- “A practitioner or software purchase is compulsory.” The electronic application does not itself establish a requirement to buy a scanner, printed manual, filing supplies, accounting package or digital-signature token. Seek a qualified GST practitioner when the legal or factual issue is complex, not because a product is automatically required.
After you apply
- Save the ARN and any confirmation or appointment information issued by the portal.
- Check the application status and registered email and mobile channels for authentication instructions, notices or clarification requests.
- Complete any assigned OTP, biometric, photo-capture or document-verification step within the deadline shown in the official instructions.
- If an officer requests clarification or additional information, respond through the prescribed portal process and track the updated status.
- Once registration is granted, note the effective date shown for your case, particularly if you applied after becoming liable.
- Keep the final approval and uploaded-document records with the business’s tax files so later amendments can be matched to the original registration.
The key distinction is between completing the electronic form and completing all steps required for the application to move forward. Keep records consistent, follow the assigned verification path and use the current Act, notifications and portal instructions to make decisions specific to your business.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Applicant situations compared
| Situation | What changes | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Regular taxpayer | Uses the standard REG-01 workflow and the ordinary liability analysis. | Confirm the correct constitution, premises and supply details. |
| Casual or non-resident taxable person | Generally applies at least five days before commencing business. | Do not use the ordinary 30-day expectation without checking the category-specific rule. |
| Turnover-based liability | Section 22’s framework is relevant, subject to state, supply and notification conditions. | Do not apply ₹20 lakh, ₹10 lakh or ₹40 lakh mechanically nationwide. |
| Compulsory-registration category | Section 24 or another applicable rule may require registration independently of the general threshold. | Map the actual supply and statutory category before relying on turnover. |
| Aadhaar OTP | Electronic authentication is completed through the link or OTP route when assigned. | Use the 15-day window stated in the Aadhaar FAQ. |
| Biometric or no-Aadhaar GSK route | Photo capture, biometric or document verification may be required at the designated centre. | Follow the portal’s named-person and appointment instructions. |
| Owned, rented or other premises | The supporting evidence and portal selection differ by occupancy situation. | Match each address and document; include additional places separately. |
Frequently asked practical questions
Use the answers below as process guidance, not as a substitute for checking the current Act, notifications and portal prompts against your facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I start a GST registration application?
On the official GST Portal, go to Services > Registration > New Registration. Complete Part A of REG-01 with the taxpayer type, State or Union Territory, district, PAN-linked legal name and primary authorized signatory contact details.
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What documents are needed for GST registration?
Prepare PAN details, applicant and authorized-signatory information, constitution or registration evidence where applicable, proof for the principal and additional business premises, and the goods-and-services information requested by the portal. The exact premises documents depend on whether the location is owned, rented or occupied under another arrangement, so follow the live checklist rather than a universal list.
Is Aadhaar authentication mandatory for every applicant?
The portal provides different routes. Selected applicants may receive an OTP link, be sent for risk-based biometric verification at a designated GST Suvidha Kendra, or follow the alternate GSK photo-capture and document-verification route when Aadhaar authentication is not selected. The assigned route and named persons appear in the portal instructions.
How long do I have to complete Aadhaar verification?
The GST Portal Aadhaar Authentication FAQ says the applicable Aadhaar details must be verified within 15 days from submission of Part B of REG-01 or the authentication link expires. This is an authentication deadline, not a promise that registration will be approved within 15 days.
When must a person apply for GST registration?
Section 25 generally requires an application within 30 days from the date the person becomes liable. Casual and non-resident taxable persons generally apply at least five days before commencing business. Confirm the rule for the actual applicant category.
What happens if I apply after the 30-day period?
Under the registration rules, a timely application generally makes registration effective from the date liability arose, while a late application generally takes effect from the date registration is granted. The exact result depends on the applicable facts and provisions.
Is a bank statement or cancelled cheque always required with REG-01?
No universal requirement should be assumed. The GST Portal manual reviewed does not describe bank-account details as initial mandatory fields and indicates they may be added later through amendment. Follow the live application if it requests a field for your category.
How quickly will GST registration be approved?
There is no guaranteed individual approval date. Officer review, clarification requests, authentication, biometric or document verification and incomplete information can affect timing. Retain the ARN, monitor the portal and respond promptly to any notice.
Do I need to buy software, a scanner or a digital-signature token?
The electronic registration instructions do not establish a universal purchase requirement for those items. Digital-signature rules can vary by applicant type, so verify the current portal instructions. A qualified GST practitioner may help with a complex case but is not automatically required for a standard application.
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To register for GST, first determine whether liability arises under the current CGST Act, section 22, section 24 or an applicable notification. Then use the official GST Portal’s New Registration service, complete REG-01, upload constitution and premises evidence that matches your actual situation, and finish the OTP, biometric or GSK verification route assigned to you. Apply within the relevant statutory period, remember the 15-day Aadhaar-authentication window where it applies, retain the ARN and monitor for clarification. The Goods and Services Tax Portal manual and Aadhaar FAQ reviewed on October 11, 2026, are useful process references, but the live portal, current Act and notifications control when you file.
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