How to Register for GST Online: A Clear, Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) no longer needs to feel like wading through red tape. Follow the workflow below, and you can complete GST registration from scratch in a single sitting—no consultant required.

1. Confirm Eligibility & Gather Documents

Before you open the portal, keep these scanned PDFs (≤100 KB each) in a single folder:

• PAN card of business and all promoters/partners.
• Aadhaar (front & back) of promoters/partners.
• Proof of business address (latest electricity bill, property-tax receipt, or rent agreement).
• Bank proof (cancelled cheque or first page of passbook).
• Constitution documents: partnership deed, incorporation certificate, or LLP agreement.
• Board resolution/authorisation letter naming the authorised signatory (if not the proprietor).

Tip: Name files logically—PAN_Ritu.pdf, Aadhaar_Ritu_Front.pdf—to avoid mix-ups.

2. Create Your GST Portal Account

1. Go to gst.gov.in and click Register Now under the Taxpayers (Normal) tab.
2. On Part-A of Form GST REG-01, fill in:
• Legal name (as per PAN).
• PAN of business.
• Email and mobile for OTP verification.
3. You receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN) by SMS/email. Note it down.

3. Log In With TRN & Complete Part-B

1. Click Register Now again, choose Temporary Reference Number, enter TRN and OTP.
2. Form GST REG-01 (Part-B) opens with 10 tabs. Work through them sequentially:

Tab	What to Enter	Pointers
Business Details	Legal name, trade name, constitution, district, composition option	Check Date of Liability—usually the date turnover crossed ₹40 lakh/₹20 lakh.
Promoters/Partners	Personal details + PAN + Aadhaar	Max 10 promoters. Upload photo (≤100 KB).
Authorised Signatory	Can be one of the promoters	Will sign returns; keep mobile/email handy for OTPs.
Principal Place of Business	Address & nature of possession	Upload address proof + NOC if rented.
Additional Places	Warehouses, branches, etc.	Skip if none.
Goods & Services	HSN/SAC codes (max 5 each)	Use CBIC HSN finder; choose most-sold items.
Bank Accounts	Up to 10 accounts	Only first and last page of passbook/statement needed.
State-Specific	Professional tax, state registrations	Varies; Maharashtra asks for Shop-Act licence.
Aadhaar Authentication	Opt in for OTP e-KYC	Speeds up approval; each promoter gets OTP.
Verification	Choose Aadhaar E-Sign or DSC	Aadhaar e-sign is faster and cheaper.

 

4. Upload Documents & Verify

• Click the Documents icon in each tab to upload PDFs.
• Use a PDF compressor (iLovePDF/Smallpdf) if any file exceeds 100 KB.
• Select Submit with E-Sign → enter Aadhaar number → OTP.
• Portal displays an Acknowledgement Reference Number (ARN). Keep it safe.

5. Track Your Application

• Check status via Services ▸ Registration ▸ Track Application Status using ARN.
• Normal timeline: 3 working days. With successful Aadhaar authentication, approvals often arrive within hours.
• If the officer raises a query (Form REG-03), respond in REG-04 within 7 days—attach the clarifying document and re-e-sign.

6. Receive Your GSTIN & Download Certificate

• You’ll get SMS/email once approved.
• Log in → Services ▸ User Services ▸ View/Download Certificate.
• The 15-digit GSTIN is now active; update invoices and e-way-bill profile immediately.

Quick Troubleshooting

Issue	Likely Cause	Fix
“PAN not matching database”	Name mismatch between PAN & Aadhaar	Update PAN or Aadhaar, then retry.
DSC token not detected	Outdated drivers or 64-bit browser	Use Aadhaar e-sign or reinstall DSC software.
File upload error	PDF >100 KB or wrong format	Compress or rescan; ensure RGB, 200 dpi.
Application stuck >3 days	Officer queue or Aadhaar auth failed	Raise ticket at selfservice.gstsystem.in or phone 1800-1200-232.

 

FAQs

Do proprietors need a separate company PAN?
No. For proprietorships, proprietor’s PAN doubles as business PAN.

Turnover below threshold—should I still register?
Voluntary registration is allowed and often essential for e-commerce or B2B clients who demand GST invoices.

Can I amend details post-approval?
Yes—use Form REG-14 for core (business name, address) and non-core (email, phone) changes.

Is there a fee for GST registration?
GSTN charges nothing. Any fees you pay are to third-party facilitators or GSPs.

Final Word

With digital KYC, Aadhaar e-sign, and careful document prep, securing a GSTIN is no longer a marathon. Block two focused hours, follow the steps above, and you’ll be ready to issue compliant GST invoices the very same day.