GST registration is mandatory for businesses above Rs 20 lakh turnover. Here is the complete online registration process with document checklist, timeline, and common rejection reasons.
GST registration is mandatory under Section 22 of the CGST Act for every business whose aggregate turnover exceeds Rs 20 lakh in a financial year (Rs 10 lakh for special category states like Northeastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir). Once registered, you get a 15-digit GSTIN and must issue tax invoices, file returns, and pay GST on all taxable supplies.
Beyond the turnover threshold, certain businesses must register regardless of turnover under Section 24. These include e-commerce sellers supplying through platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, persons making inter-state taxable supplies, casual taxable persons, non-resident taxable persons, agents of suppliers, TDS deductors, and input service distributors.
We built myBillPlease for businesses that have just registered for GST and need to start billing immediately. You can create your first GST-compliant invoice within 5 minutes of signing up — with automatic tax calculation, HSN codes, and professional PDF templates. Free plan, no credit card needed.
This guide covers the complete online registration process on the GST portal, required documents, processing timeline, and what to do if your application is rejected.
Keep these ready before you start the online application
Step 1: Go to gst.gov.in and click Services → Registration → New Registration. Select the state and district of your principal place of business.
Step 2: Fill Part A. Enter your PAN, mobile number, and email ID. You receive two OTPs — one on mobile, one on email. Enter both to verify. You get a Temporary Reference Number (TRN) valid for 15 days.
Step 3: Log in with TRN. Go to Services → Registration → New Registration → TRN tab. Enter TRN and verify with OTP. This opens Part B of the application.
Step 4: Fill Part B. This has 10 sections — Business Details, Promoter/Partner Details, Authorised Signatory, Principal Place of Business, Additional Places of Business, Goods and Services, Bank Account Details, State Specific Information, Aadhaar Authentication, and Verification. Fill each section carefully.
Step 5: Upload documents. Scan and upload all required documents in the prescribed format. Most documents accept JPEG or PDF up to 1 MB per file.
Step 6: Aadhaar authentication or DSC. Proprietors and partners can authenticate via Aadhaar OTP (instant processing). Companies and LLPs must use Digital Signature Certificate. If Aadhaar authentication is not opted, physical verification of the business premises is required.
Step 7: Submit. After verification, the Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated. Use this to track your application status on the portal.
Step 8: Receive GSTIN. If approved, you receive your 15-digit GSTIN via email and SMS. The registration certificate is available for download on the portal. Processing time is typically 3-7 working days with Aadhaar authentication, or 15-30 days without.
How long each step takes
| Feature | With Aadhaar | Without Aadhaar |
|---|---|---|
| Part A (TRN generation) | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Part B (form filling) | 30-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Document upload | 15-30 minutes | 15-30 minutes |
| Processing by officer | 3-7 working days | 15-30 working days |
| Physical verification | Not required | Required — officer visits premises |
| Total time | 3-7 days | 15-30 days |
| Registration fee | Free (no government fee) | Free (no government fee) |
Once registered, you receive a 15-digit GSTIN. Understanding its structure helps verify GSTINs on invoices and catch errors:
Digits 1-2: State code (e.g., 09 for Uttar Pradesh, 27 for Maharashtra, 29 for Karnataka). This identifies the state of registration.
Digits 3-12: PAN of the business. This is your 10-character PAN number. If you know someone's GSTIN, you know their PAN — and vice versa.
Digit 13: Entity number within the state. For businesses with multiple registrations in the same state, this digit differentiates them. Usually 1 for the first registration.
Digit 14: Z by default (reserved for future use).
Digit 15: Check digit — calculated algorithmically for validation. Billing software like myBillPlease uses this digit to verify GSTIN format automatically when you add customers.
Example: 09AAQCA8978G1ZT — State 09 (UP), PAN AAQCA8978G, Entity 1, Default Z, Check digit T. Use our free GST calculator to verify tax amounts once you start billing, and the invoice generator to create your first invoice without signing up.
Avoid these mistakes that delay or block your registration
The address on the electricity bill or rent agreement must match the address entered in the form. Even minor mismatches (flat number, street name spelling) cause rejection. Use the exact address as on the document.
The PAN entered must exactly match the PAN card. For companies, use the company PAN not the director's personal PAN. For proprietorships, use the individual's PAN.
Scanned documents must be clearly readable. Blurry photos, cut edges, or illegible text lead to clarification requests or rejection. Use a good scanner or a document scanning app.
If your rent agreement has expired, it cannot be used as address proof. Get a fresh rent agreement or use an alternative like the electricity bill or property tax receipt.
The application requires you to declare the HSN codes for goods and SAC codes for services you supply. Missing or wrong codes delay processing. Use our HSN code directory at mybillplease.com/hsn.
The mobile number and email must not be linked to another active GSTIN. If you previously applied with the same number, it blocks new applications. Use a different number or deactivate the old registration first.
Congratulations — you have your GSTIN! Here is what comes next:
1. Start issuing tax invoices. Every sale needs a proper GST invoice with all 16 mandatory fields. Sign up for myBillPlease (free) and create your first invoice in 5 minutes. Add your GSTIN, products with HSN codes, and start billing.
2. File your first GSTR-1. Due by the 11th of the month following your first taxable supply. Even if you had no sales, file a nil return. See our GSTR-1 filing guide.
3. File GSTR-3B. Due by the 20th. Calculate your output tax and input tax credit. See our GSTR-3B guide.
4. Maintain records. Keep all invoices, purchase records, and returns for at least 6 years. myBillPlease stores everything in the cloud automatically.
5. Display your GSTIN. Your GSTIN must be displayed at your principal place of business and on all invoices, notices, and correspondence.
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