GST Registration Process Step by Step – A Complete
Guide (2025)
If you're planning to start a
business in India, understanding the GST registration process is
essential. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the complete online
process of applying for GST on the official GST portal.
Whether you're a small business,
a freelancer, or running a sole proprietorship, this guide
simplifies the entire process in easy-to-follow steps.
🔹 Step 1: Visit the Official GST Portal
To begin, go to the official GST website. On the homepage, you'll find a "Register"
button in the top menu. Click on it to start the registration process.
⚠️ Before you proceed, make sure GST registration is
necessary for you. If your business doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria, you
may not need to register. Read this article on who should register for GST.
🔹 Step 2: Fill Out the New Registration Form
A simple registration form will
appear. Fill it as follows:
- I am a:
Select Taxpayer (for most businesses)
- State & District:
Choose your location
- Legal Name of Business: Enter the name exactly as on the PAN card
- PAN Number:
Provide the PAN of the business or proprietor
- Email ID and Mobile Number: Must be active and linked
- Submit the form to receive an OTP on both email and
mobile. Enter the OTPs to continue.
✅ After verification, you’ll receive a Temporary Reference
Number (TRN). Note this TRN as you'll need it for the next step. It will
also be sent to your registered email.
🔹 Step 3: Login Using TRN
- Return to the GST Portal,
click Register again.
- Select the TRN tab (next to New Registration)
- Enter your TRN and Captcha, then verify with the OTP
received
- You will be redirected to the GST application
dashboard
🔹 Step 4: Complete the Full Application
Now the real process begins. You’ll
see an edit (pencil) icon – click it to complete the remaining details.
✅
Business Details
- Enter your Trade Name
- Choose your Business Constitution
(Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Company, etc.)
- Select the Reason for Registration (Normal,
Voluntary, Composition Scheme)
- Enter Business Start Date
- Upload all required documents (merge them into one PDF
titled Master Data)
Click here to view the list of required documents
✅
Promoters/Partners
- Add details of all owners or partners (Name, DOB, PAN,
Aadhaar, Address, etc.)
- Upload passport-size photographs
- Click Next
✅
Authorized Signatory
⚠️ Many applicants miss this step.
Edit the section, and tick the box at the bottom to confirm the
authorized signatory.
This allows the selected person to
sign and submit the form on behalf of the business.
✅
Authorized Representative (Optional)
If you’ve appointed a GST consultant
or CA, fill their details here. If not, click Next.
✅
Principal Place of Business
This section is very important. Fill
in your official business address (not your home address).
- Add landmark, PIN code, city, and state
- Use the map to set your location coordinates
- Upload supporting address proof (electricity bill, rent
agreement, consent letter)
- Select Nature of Premises (Owned, Rented,
Leased)
- Choose your Nature of Business (Retail,
Wholesale, Services, etc.)
✅
Additional Place of Business
If you operate from multiple
locations, add details here. Otherwise, click Next.
✅
Goods and Services
Here, you need to add HSN (for
goods) or SAC (for services) codes for the items you deal in.
💡 Just type your business type in the search bar and the
portal will suggest the correct code.
✅
Bank Account (Optional but Recommended)
Add your bank account details and
upload proof like a canceled cheque or bank statement.
🔹 Step 5: Final Verification
Once all the tabs are completed:
- Go to the Verification section
- Select the name of the authorized signatory
- Click Submit with Aadhaar OTP
You’ll receive an OTP on your
Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter it to complete e-sign.
🔹 Step 6: Aadhaar Authentication (Post-Submission)
Within 15–20 minutes of submission,
you'll receive an email with a link for Aadhaar authentication.
- Click the link
- Enter your Aadhaar number
- Verify using OTP
Once done, your GST application
will be fully submitted.
🔹 What Happens Next?
- If there are any errors, the form may be reverted
for correction
- If everything is correct, you’ll receive an ARN
(Application Reference Number)
- You can use ARN to track the status of your GST application
❓
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.
How can I apply for GST registration online?
Visit gst.gov.in, go to ‘Register’, and follow the step-by-step process
above.
2.
What are the fees for GST registration?
There are no government fees.
However, professionals may charge a service fee.
3.
How long does GST registration take?
If all documents and details are
correct, you’ll get your GSTIN within 3 to 7 working days.
4.
Is GST registration mandatory for freelancers or service providers?
If your annual income exceeds ₹20
lakhs (or ₹10 lakhs for special states), yes. Otherwise, you may register
voluntarily.
5.
What is ARN?
ARN (Application Reference Number) helps you track the status of your GST application after
submission.
✅
Final Words
So, that’s the complete GST
registration process step by step in 2025. If you face any issue, feel free
to leave a comment or reach out through our Contact page.
We’ve successfully completed 200+
GST registrations, and we’d be happy to help you too!
