How to Register for GST in India – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Are you a business owner, freelancer, or startup in India? If your sales cross ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs in special states), or you’re involved in inter-state trade or online sales, GST registration is mandatory for you.
In this blog, we will explain how to register for GST in India, step-by-step, in simple language. We’ve also included important keywords and FAQs to help you understand everything clearly and make your GST journey easy.
What is GST?
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a single, indirect tax system in India that replaced multiple taxes like VAT, Service Tax, Excise, etc. It is applicable on goods and services, and ensures uniform taxation across the country.
Who Needs to Register for GST?
Here are the businesses and individuals who must register under GST:
- Annual turnover above ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in NE and hill states)
- E-commerce sellers or online service providers (like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy)
- Inter-state suppliers of goods or services
- Businesses with reverse charge mechanism
- Casual taxable person (e.g. stalls at exhibitions)
- Input service distributors
- Non-resident taxable persons
✅ Voluntary GST registration is also allowed even if you’re below the limit. It helps in getting input tax credit and building trust with clients.
Documents Required for GST Registration
Here’s a list of documents needed:
For Proprietorship
- PAN Card of the owner
- Aadhaar Card
- Photograph
- Address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement)
- Bank details (cheque/passbook)
For Partnership/LLP
- PAN of firm
- Partnership deed / LLP Agreement
- PAN & Aadhaar of partners
- Photographs of partners
- Address & bank proof
For Private Limited Company
- PAN of company
- Certificate of Incorporation
- MOA & AOA
- PAN & Aadhaar of directors
- Photographs of directors
- Address proof of premises
- Bank details
Step-by-Step Process to Register for GST Online
✅ Step 1: Visit the GST Portal
Go to the official site: https://www.gst.gov.in
Click on “Services” > “Registration” > “New Registration”.
✅ Step 2: Fill Part-A of GST REG-01
Fill basic details:
- Legal name of the business (as per PAN)
- PAN number
- Mobile number and Email ID (for OTP verification)
- State and district
After verification, you’ll receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN).
✅ Step 3: Fill Part-B of GST REG-01
Login with TRN and complete the form:
- Business details
- Promoter/partner/director details
- Principal place of business
- Additional place(s) of business
- Goods/services details (HSN/SAC codes)
- Bank details
- Upload required documents
✅ Step 4: Verification and Submission
After completing the form:
- Submit using DSC (Digital Signature Certificate), EVC (for proprietors/individuals via OTP), or Aadhaar e-KYC.
- Once submitted, you’ll receive an Application Reference Number (ARN).
✅ Step 5: GST Certificate Issued
If everything is correct, GST Officer will approve and issue the GSTIN (GST Identification Number) and GST Registration Certificate within 7 working days.
✅ What is GSTIN?
GSTIN is a 15-digit unique ID assigned to each registered business. It must be mentioned on:
- Invoices
- Bills
- Website
- Displayed at business premises
Example GSTIN: 27ABCDE1234F1Z5
GST Registration Fees
- Government Fee: ₹0 (GST registration is free on the portal)
- Professional Fee: If done through a CA or legal expert, charges may range from ₹500 to ₹2,000 depending on complexity.
Benefits of GST Registration
- ✅ Legal recognition of business
- ✅ Eligible to collect GST from customers
- ✅ Claim Input Tax Credit on business expenses
- ✅ Better compliance & trust
- ✅ Required for e-commerce platforms, tenders, loans
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wrong PAN or business name
- Uploading unclear or incorrect documents
- Choosing wrong business type
- Not filing returns post-registration (even if no sale)
How Law Pillars Can Help You
We offer end-to-end GST registration services:
- Document preparation
- Application filing
- Business code (HSN/SAC) selection
- Post-registration support (GST returns, invoicing setup, compliance)
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding online, GST registration in India is an important legal step. It not only helps you run your business lawfully but also builds credibility.
Registering is simple if you follow the steps above—or let Law Pillars do it for you professionally.