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GST registration
Goods and Services Tax number (GSTIN). Here is who needs it, the official fee, the documents and the steps to apply.
Fees last checked: 28 Oct 2026
The short answer
Goods and Services Tax number (GSTIN). Here is who needs it, the official fee, the documents and the steps to apply. Key facts: Official fee: Free (no government fee); Issued by: GST Network / State GST Department; Time and validity: About 7 working days (Valid: Until cancelled).
Source: gstcouncil.gov.in, checked 27 Sep 2026.
Official fee Checked on 27 Sep 2026 Source
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Pick your business and city to see every licence you need, the fee for each and the documents to keep ready.
What is GST registration?
Goods and Services Tax number (GSTIN).
Who needs it?
Mandatory above ₹40 lakh turnover for goods (₹20 lakh in Telangana) and ₹20 lakh for services. Also for inter-state sale of goods and most marketplace sellers.
Official fee
Free (no government fee)
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay.
Documents to keep ready
- PAN of the business
- Aadhaar and photo of the owner or partners
- Proof of premises: electricity bill plus rent agreement or owner's NOC
- Bank statement or cancelled cheque
Steps to apply
- Collect the documents listed here.
- Apply online at gst.gov.in.
- Pay the official fee: Free (no government fee).
- Wait for the result. Usual time: About 7 working days.
- Keep the certificate safe. Validity: Until cancelled.
Where to apply
GST Network / State GST Department. Apply on the official portal: gst.gov.in.
Govt License is not a government website. We never take government fees or apply for you.
After you apply
What to do once the form is submitted: where to track it, how long it takes, why it gets rejected and what the law says if you do not have it.
Track your application
Typical time
You get a reply (approval or a clarification notice) within about 3 working days. If the officer asks a question, you get 7 working days to answer.
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
If you operate without it
If you must register for GST but do not, you can be fined ₹10,000 or the amount of tax not paid, whichever is higher. The turnover limit in the Act is ₹20 lakh, and other limits can apply by notification, so check yours.
Law: CGST Act, 2017, section 122(1)(xi), with section 22
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Officer issued a clarification notice (REG-03) because details or documents were unclear | Reply in Form REG-04 within 7 working days with the correct details and documents. |
| You did not reply to the notice within 7 working days | Reply on time; if rejected (REG-05), file a fresh application with complete documents. |
| The officer was not satisfied with your reply | Apply again with proper proof, such as address proof and a valid rent or consent letter. |
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Govt License is an independent guide. Fines and rules change, so confirm on the official portal. Items marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Free formats you may need
Printable samples you can copy, fill in and print. Each is only a sample, so check it with the issuing office.
Landlord NOC
A letter from the owner of a shop or office saying the tenant may run a business there.
Free formatPartnership consent letter
A letter signed by all partners of a firm saying one partner may apply for, sign for and hold a licence on behalf of the firm.
Free formatRent agreement
An 11 month agreement between the owner and the tenant of a house or flat that sets out the rent, deposit, notice period and rules of stay.
Free formatGST authorised signatory letter
A letter in which the owner, partner or director of a business authorises one person to sign and file GST applications and returns on its behalf.
Free formatGST owner consent letter
A letter from the owner of a shop or office saying that the applicant may use the address as the place of business for GST registration.
Free formatShop or office lease agreement
A lease between the owner of a shop, office or godown and a business tenant, with the rent, deposit, yearly increase, lock in and notice terms.
Free formatReply to ASMT-10 notice
Reply to a notice in Form GST ASMT-10 that points out differences in your returns after scrutiny.
Free formatReply to DRC-01A
Reply to a pre show cause intimation in Form GST DRC-01A.
Free formatReply to GST show cause notice (DRC-06)
Reply to a GST show cause notice for demand of tax, with grounds and a request for a personal hearing, prayer, verification and annexures.
Free formatReply to registration notice (REG-04)
Reply to a notice from the officer asking you to clarify or add details on a GST registration application.
Free formatReply to cancellation notice (REG-18)
Reply to a show cause notice proposing to cancel your GST registration.
Free formatReply to ITC mismatch notice
Reply to a GST notice about input tax credit claimed in GSTR-3B that does not match GSTR-2B, with a reconciliation table you fill in.
Free formatGST notice adjournment request
A letter asking the GST officer for more time to reply, or to move the date of a hearing, with the reason and the new date you ask for.
Free formatGST authorisation letter for a CA
A letter that authorises a chartered accountant, advocate or other representative to appear and file replies for you before the GST officer.
Free formatCommon questions
What is GST registration?
Who needs GST registration?
How much does GST registration cost?
Where do I apply for GST registration?
How long does it take and how long is it valid?
Is Govt License a government website?
Aksar pooche jaane wale sawaal
Yahi jaankari, Hinglish mein.
GST registration ka application status kaise check karein?
GST registration ka application reject ho jaye to kya karein?
Bina GST registration ke pakde gaye to kya hoga?
Business guides that include GST registration
These business guides include this licence in their checklist, with every other licence the business needs.