GST Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide for New Businesses

How to register for GST online in India — eligibility, documents required, application process on the GST portal, and timelines explained.

Why register for GST?

A GSTIN (GST Identification Number) lets you collect tax legally, claim Input Tax Credit, sell on marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart, and bill enterprise clients who insist on GST invoices.

Documents required

Keep these ready: PAN card (proprietor / business), Aadhaar, address proof (electricity bill / rent agreement + NOC), bank account proof (cancelled cheque or statement), photograph, and business constitution proof (partnership deed / incorporation certificate).

Step-by-step application

1) Visit gst.gov.in and click Services → Registration → New Registration. 2) Fill Part A (PAN, mobile, email) and verify via OTP — you'll get a Temporary Reference Number (TRN). 3) Login with TRN and complete Part B: business details, place of business, goods/services, bank, authorised signatory. 4) Verify with Aadhaar OTP or DSC. 5) ARN (Application Reference Number) is generated.

Approval timeline

GST officers typically approve within 7 working days for Aadhaar-authenticated applications. Physical verification may extend this to 21 days. You will receive your GSTIN by email along with a downloadable registration certificate.

After registration

Display your GSTIN on invoices, signboards, and your website. Start charging GST from the registration date and file your first return on time. Tools like BillBabu let you save your GSTIN once and apply it automatically to every invoice.

---

Built for Indian small businesses. BillBabu is GST-compliant billing software that helps you create invoices, manage estimates, track payments and stay audit-ready — from your phone. Learn more about BillBabu or download the app.