How to Apply for GST Registration Online: Step-by-Step (REG-01)

By the ComplyKart Expert Team · Last reviewed October 2026

GST registration happens entirely on the GST portal (gst.gov.in) through Form REG-01, and it's free — no government fee. The process has two parts: Part A gets you a Temporary Reference Number (TRN) after a quick OTP check, and Part B is the full application with your business details and document uploads. Once submitted, you get an Application Reference Number (ARN), and the tax officer typically approves within 7 working days.

Most people get stuck not on the form itself but on small things — a TRN expiring, a name mismatch with PAN, or picking the wrong verification method at the end. This walkthrough covers every step so you don't have to learn by trial and error.

Before You Start: Keep These Ready

• PAN of the business (or proprietor)
• Mobile number and email ID — you'll get OTPs on both, so use ones you actually check
• Scanned documents: address proof, bank proof, photos, authorisation letter (see our documents checklist for the full list)
• About 30–45 minutes of uninterrupted time — the session can time out

Part A: Get Your TRN (5 minutes)

1. Go to gst.gov.in → Services → Registration → New Registration.
2. Select "Taxpayer" (unless you're registering as a TDS/TCS deductor, casual taxable person, or non-resident — those are separate options).
3. Choose your state and district from the dropdowns.
4. Enter the legal name of the business exactly as it appears on the PAN card. This is where most mismatches happen — copy it letter by letter.
5. Enter the PAN, your email, and mobile number.
6. Complete the captcha and click Proceed.
7. You'll receive separate OTPs on email and mobile. Enter both and click Proceed.
8. The portal generates your TRN (Temporary Reference Number) — a 15-digit number. Note it down; it's valid for 15 days.

Common Part A mistake: using an email or phone you don't monitor. Every later communication — including officer queries — goes to these. Use your own, not your consultant's, unless you've agreed otherwise.

Part B: Fill Form REG-01

1. Go back to gst.gov.in → Services → Registration → New Registration, but this time select "Temporary Reference Number (TRN)".
2. Enter your TRN, complete the captcha, and verify with the OTP sent to your mobile/email.
3. You'll land on the application dashboard with 10 sections. Here's what each asks for:
   • Business Details — trade name (if different from legal name), constitution of business (proprietorship, partnership, company, etc.), date of commencement
   • Promoter/Partners — personal details of proprietor, partners, or directors, including DIN where applicable
   • Authorised Signatory — who can sign filings on behalf of the business
   • Authorised Representative — optional; your CA or consultant, if you want them to act for you
   • Principal Place of Business — registered address with proof upload
   • Additional Places of Business — warehouses, branches, godowns (add all of them — missing one is a compliance gap later)
   • Goods and Services — HSN codes for goods (top 5 by turnover) and SAC codes for services
   • Bank Accounts — account number, IFSC, and upload of cancelled cheque or statement (up to 10 accounts)
   • State-Specific Information — professional tax registration details where applicable (e.g., Maharashtra)
   • Verification — the final declaration
4. Fill every section, save as you go (use Save & Continue — don't rely on the browser back button).
5. Upload documents in each relevant section. Watch the file size limits: 1 MB per document, 100 KB for photographs.

Verification: DSC, EVC, or Aadhaar OTP

At the final step, you verify the application one of three ways:

• DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) — mandatory for companies and LLPs. The DSC must belong to the authorised signatory.
• Aadhaar OTP (e-Sign) — available for proprietorships and partnerships. Fastest option if your Aadhaar mobile is active.
• EVC (Electronic Verification Code) — OTP sent to the registered mobile/email.

Pick wrong here and the submission fails silently — companies that try Aadhaar OTP instead of DSC waste a full session. Know your category before you reach this screen.

After Submission: ARN and Approval

1. On successful submission, the portal generates an ARN (Application Reference Number). Save it — this is your tracking ID.
2. Track status at gst.gov.in → Services → Registration → Track Application Status.
3. A tax officer reviews the application, typically within 7 working days. Three outcomes:
   • Approved — you get your 15-digit GSTIN and the registration certificate (Form REG-06) on the portal.
   • Query raised (REG-03) — the officer wants a clarification or a corrected document. You get 7 working days to reply via REG-04.
   • Rejected (REG-05) — usually after an unanswered query. You can reapply.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Sources: GST Common Portal (gst.gov.in) — New Registration workflow; CBIC GST registration FAQs; CGST Rules, 2017 (Rules 8–10).