GST Registration Online 2026: Process, Documents, Limits and the New 3-Day Fast Track

Short answer: apply on the official GST portal (gst.gov.in) → Services → Registration → New Registration. Fill Part A (PAN, mobile, email) to get a TRN, then complete Part B with business, owner, address and bank details, upload documents, do Aadhaar authentication and submit. You get an ARN, and after approval your GSTIN and certificate (Form REG-06). It is free. Most businesses must register once turnover crosses ₹40 lakh (goods) or ₹20 lakh (services) — lower in some states — and some must register from day one.

Last updated: 28 October 2026. This is general information, not tax advice — check the GST portal or a tax professional for your case.

Who needs GST registration?

Based on turnover

You must register when your aggregate turnover in a financial year crosses:

  • ₹40 lakh — businesses supplying only goods (in most states)
  • ₹20 lakh — businesses supplying services (in most states)
  • Lower limits (₹20 lakh for goods, ₹10 lakh for services) apply in some special category states in the north-east and hill regions — check the GST portal for your state

Aggregate turnover includes all taxable, exempt and export supplies across India under the same PAN.

GST registration limits: ₹40 lakh for goods, ₹20 lakh for services, lower in special category states, and cases where registration is compulsory
GST registration limits: ₹40 lakh for goods, ₹20 lakh for services, lower in special category states, and cases where registration is compulsory

Compulsory registration (whatever your turnover)

Some businesses must register even with low turnover, including:

  • Sellers making inter-state supplies of goods
  • E-commerce operators, and sellers supplying through e-commerce platforms (with some exceptions — see below)
  • Casual taxable persons and non-resident taxable persons
  • Businesses liable to pay tax under reverse charge
  • Input Service Distributors, and persons required to deduct TDS or collect TCS under GST

Selling on Amazon, Flipkart or Meesho? Since October 2023, small sellers supplying goods only within their own state through marketplaces can sell without GST registration using an enrolment ID, subject to conditions. Selling to other states generally needs GST. Check the latest rules before you start — see how to start an e-commerce business in India.

Voluntary registration

You can register even below the limit. It helps if you sell to businesses that want input tax credit, want to sell across states, or need a GSTIN for marketplaces and tenders. Remember: once registered, you must file returns regularly, even with zero sales.

Documents required for GST registration

Scan clear copies (PDF or JPEG, within the size limits shown on the portal):

  1. PAN of the business (or proprietor)
  2. Aadhaar of the proprietor, partners or directors and the authorised signatory
  3. Photographs of the proprietor, partners, directors and authorised signatory
  4. Proof of business constitution — partnership deed, LLP agreement or certificate of incorporation (not needed for proprietors)
  5. Proof of principal place of business — electricity bill, property tax receipt or municipal document; if rented, the rent agreement plus the owner's proof; if owned by a relative, a consent letter / NOC with the owner's proof
  6. Bank proof — cancelled cheque, passbook first page or bank statement (bank details can also be added shortly after registration)
  7. Authorisation letter or board resolution for the authorised signatory (companies, LLPs and firms)
  8. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) — mandatory for companies and LLPs; others can sign with EVC (OTP)

GST registration online process (step by step)

GST registration process: Part A and TRN, Part B details and documents, Aadhaar authentication, ARN, officer verification and GSTIN certificate
GST registration process: Part A and TRN, Part B details and documents, Aadhaar authentication, ARN, officer verification and GSTIN certificate

Step 1: Part A — get your TRN

Go to gst.gov.in → Services → Registration → New Registration. Select Taxpayer, your state and district, and enter the legal name (as per PAN), PAN, email and mobile. Verify the OTPs. You receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN), valid for 15 days.

Step 2: Part B — fill in the application

Log in with the TRN and complete each tab of Form GST REG-01:

  • Business details — trade name, constitution, reason for registration, date of commencement
  • Promoters / partners and authorised signatory details with photos
  • Principal place of business with address proof and nature of possession
  • Additional places of business, if any
  • Goods and services — top HSN codes (goods) or SAC codes (services)
  • Bank account details
  • State-specific information

Step 3: Choose Aadhaar authentication

Select Yes for Aadhaar authentication. You will get an authentication link on the registered mobile and email of the promoters and authorised signatory. Choosing Aadhaar authentication speeds up approval and avoids mandatory physical verification. In some cases, the portal asks applicants to book an appointment for biometric authentication at a GST Suvidha Kendra — follow the instructions in the email.

Step 4: Submit and get your ARN

Verify the application with DSC, EVC or e-sign. You receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) by email and SMS. Track the status on the portal under Services → Registration → Track Application Status.

Step 5: Officer verification

A GST officer reviews the application. With successful Aadhaar authentication, it is usually processed within 7 working days; if physical verification is needed, it can take up to 30 days. If the officer has a query, you get a notice in Form REG-03 — reply in Form REG-04 within 7 working days.

Step 6: Get your GSTIN

Once approved, you receive your 15-digit GSTIN and can download the registration certificate (Form REG-06) from the portal.

The new 3-day fast track: Rule 14A

From 1 November 2025, small businesses can opt for simplified GST registration under Rule 14A:

  • Who can opt: applicants whose output tax liability on B2B supplies is expected to be up to ₹2.5 lakh per month (sales to consumers don't count towards this limit)
  • How: select Yes for the Rule 14A option in Part B of REG-01, and complete Aadhaar authentication for the primary authorised signatory and at least one promoter or partner
  • Timeline: registration is granted electronically within 3 working days after successful Aadhaar authentication

If your B2B tax liability later goes above the limit, you must withdraw from the scheme through the prescribed form before exceeding it. Rule 14A suits small shops, freelancers and service providers who mainly sell to consumers.

GST registration fees

Zero. There is no government fee for GST registration on gst.gov.in. Consultants and CAs may charge a professional fee for preparing and filing the application.

Common reasons GST applications are rejected

  • Address proof doesn't match the address entered, or the document is unclear
  • Missing rent agreement or consent letter for rented or family-owned premises
  • Name mismatch between PAN, Aadhaar and the application
  • Not replying to the officer's query (REG-03) on time
  • Wrong HSN/SAC codes or a vague business description
  • Photos or documents that are blurred or cut off

After you get your GSTIN

  1. Display your GSTIN on your signboard and at your place of business.
  2. Add GSTIN to your invoices, website and marketplace accounts.
  3. File returns on time — usually GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B (monthly, or quarterly under the QRMP scheme for eligible small taxpayers). Late filing attracts late fees and interest.
  4. Consider the composition scheme if you are a small business that sells mainly to consumers within your state — lower rates and simpler compliance, but no input tax credit and no inter-state sales of goods.
  5. Keep your bank, address and contact details updated on the portal.

GST rates were restructured in September 2025 into mainly 5% and 18%, with a higher rate for a small list of luxury and sin goods. Check the current rate for your products or services on the CBIC website.

GST and your online business

Once you have GSTIN, you can open seller accounts, accept B2B orders and run a professional online store. Next steps:

Need a GST-ready online store with automatic tax invoices? See our e-commerce website development, Shopify store development and Amazon & Flipkart seller management services, or contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Is GST registration free?

Yes. There is no government fee for GST registration on the official portal gst.gov.in. Only professionals who file on your behalf charge a service fee.

What is the turnover limit for GST registration?

In most states, ₹40 lakh for businesses supplying only goods and ₹20 lakh for service providers. Some special category states have lower limits of ₹20 lakh and ₹10 lakh.

How many days does GST registration take?

With successful Aadhaar authentication, usually within 7 working days. Under the Rule 14A simplified scheme, eligible small businesses can get registration within 3 working days. Physical verification can extend it up to 30 days.

Can I get GST registration without a shop or office?

You need a principal place of business, but it can be your home address with valid proof (and a consent letter if the property is in someone else's name). Some businesses also use a rented office or co-working space with a proper agreement.

Can a freelancer get GST registration?

Yes. Freelancers must register once their turnover crosses ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special category states), and many register earlier for clients who need a GSTIN. Export of services needs a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) to export without paying IGST.

Do I need GST to sell on Amazon or Flipkart?

Not always. Since October 2023, small sellers supplying goods only within their own state can sell through marketplaces with an enrolment ID instead of GST, subject to conditions. Inter-state sales generally need GST registration.

What happens if I don't register when required?

You may have to pay the tax you should have collected, plus interest and penalties. Register as soon as you cross the limit or start a business that requires compulsory registration.

Sources and further reading

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