If you are starting a business, selling online or crossing the GST turnover limit, you need to know how to get GST number (GSTIN) the right way. The whole process is online on the GST portal, the government charges no fee, and most applications are approved within 7 working days. This guide covers eligibility, documents, Form GST REG-01 and the mistakes that cause rejections.
Key takeaways
- GST registration is free on the government portal; you only pay a professional fee if you hire help.
- You must apply within 30 days of becoming liable.
- Aadhaar authentication usually means approval in about 7 working days.
- Reply to any REG-03 query within 7 working days or the application can be rejected.
Who needs a GST number?
You must apply for GST registration within 30 days of becoming liable. You are liable when your aggregate turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh for goods or ₹20 lakh for services in a financial year (₹20 lakh and ₹10 lakh in certain special category states).
- You make inter-state supplies of goods, even with low turnover.
- You sell goods through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon or Flipkart (subject to limited relaxations for small sellers).
- You are liable under reverse charge, act as an agent of a registered supplier, or are a casual or non-resident taxable person.
Businesses below the limit can still register voluntarily to claim input tax credit and work with B2B clients. If you are unsure whether you have crossed the threshold, start with our GST registration service or the GST applicability check.
Documents required to get a GST number
- PAN of the business or proprietor
- Aadhaar of the proprietor, partners or directors
- Passport-size photographs
- Proof of business constitution: partnership deed, LLP agreement or Certificate of Incorporation
- Address proof of the place of business: electricity bill or property tax receipt, plus a rent agreement or NOC if the premises are rented or shared
- Bank proof: cancelled cheque or bank statement
- Authorisation letter or board resolution for the authorised signatory
Step-by-step process to apply for a GST number online
- Go to the official GST portal and choose Services → Registration → New Registration.
- Fill Part A of Form GST REG-01 with your PAN, state, mobile number and email. Verify with OTPs to receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN).
- Fill Part B using the TRN: business details, promoters, authorised signatory, principal place of business, goods and services (HSN/SAC codes) and bank account.
- Upload documents in PDF or JPEG format within the size limits shown on the portal.
- Opt for Aadhaar authentication. In many states you will be asked to book biometric verification at a GST Suvidha Kendra.
- Submit with DSC or EVC. Companies and LLPs must sign with a Digital Signature Certificate.
- Track your ARN under “Track Application Status”.
- If the officer raises a query in Form REG-03, reply in REG-04 within 7 working days.
- After approval in Form REG-06, download the certificate from Services → User Services → View/Download Certificates.
How long does it take?
With Aadhaar authentication, approval usually comes within 7 working days. If physical verification of the premises is ordered, or Aadhaar authentication is not completed, it can take up to 30 days.
Common reasons for rejection
- Address proof does not match the address entered, or the NOC is unsigned
- Blurred or incomplete documents
- Wrong HSN/SAC codes or business description
- No reply to the officer’s query within 7 working days
- Mismatch in name between PAN and other documents
What to do after getting your GST number
- Display the GST certificate at your place of business and your GSTIN on the signboard.
- Issue GST-compliant tax invoices from day one.
- File GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B every month or quarter, even if there are no sales — see GSTR-1 vs GSTR-3B.
- Choose the composition scheme if eligible — read GST composition scheme 2026.
A simple example
A Bengaluru trader of goods hits ₹42 lakh turnover in December. Liability started when the ₹40 lakh threshold was crossed, so the application must go in within 30 days. Waiting until March is how people pick up late fees and a REG-17 show-cause later. A Pune consultant on ₹18 lakh of Indian fees is still optional — unless they also have ₹4 lakh of foreign receipts, which pushes aggregate turnover over ₹20 lakh.
Aadhaar authentication and biometrics
Most states now push Aadhaar authentication in Part B. After you authenticate, you may still be asked to visit a GST Suvidha Kendra for biometric capture and photograph. Skip that appointment and the application sits, then gets queried or rejected. Keep the TRN SMS, carry the same Aadhaar used in the form, and go to the centre named in the appointment.
DIY versus a Chartered Accountant
The portal is public and free. A CA is worth it when the principal place of business is a shared office, the constitution is an LLP or company that needs DSC, the officer has already raised REG-03, or you cannot spare a week chasing OTPs and document size limits. Filing360 prepares REG-01, uploads documents to spec, and replies to officer queries until REG-06 is issued.
What to do this week
- Confirm whether you sell goods, services or both, and add up turnover from 1 April.
- Collect PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, bank proof and photographs in the portal’s file-size limits.
- Decide the HSN/SAC codes you actually sell — vague descriptions are a common REG-03 trigger.
- Apply on gst.gov.in or hand the pack to Filing360 GST registration.
Official source
File the application only on gst.gov.in. Filing360 is a private facilitation platform — registrations are issued by GSTN / CBIC.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any fee to get a GST number?
No. GST registration is free on the government portal. You only pay a professional fee if you hire a consultant.
Can I apply for a GST number without a shop?
Yes. You can use your home address with a utility bill and an NOC from the owner.
Can I have more than one GST number?
Yes. You need a separate GSTIN in each state where you have a place of business.
Do freelancers follow the same process?
Yes, with the services threshold of ₹20 lakh. See GST for freelancers.
Need a GST number quickly? Get GST registration with Filing360.
