9 clear steps from document preparation to GSTIN delivery. Includes ARN tracking, SCN response, and what to do after you get your GST number.
First, confirm you actually need GST. Mandatory if: turnover exceeds ₹40L (goods) or ₹20L (services); you make inter-state supplies; you sell on e-commerce platforms; you export goods/services. Optional but beneficial below these thresholds for ITC benefits.
Gather: PAN Card, Aadhaar (active mobile number), address proof (electricity bill <2 months old or rent agreement), cancelled cheque or bank statement, passport photo (JPG, <100KB). Company/LLP: additionally need Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA, Board Resolution, director documents. See full list at gst-registration-documents.
Go to gst.gov.in → Services → Registration → New Registration. Select your business type, enter your PAN, mobile and email. You'll get OTPs on mobile and email to create a Temporary Reference Number (TRN). Alternatively, WhatsApp your documents to +91-9758050993 and EasyVyapar handles this step for you.
Use your TRN to continue the application. Fill 10 sections: business details, principal place of business, additional places of business (if any), goods/services (with HSN/SAC codes), bank account details, and upload all documents. Each section must be saved before moving to the next.
Mandatory step. After filling the form, you'll receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Enter the OTP within 10 minutes to authenticate. If your Aadhaar mobile is not linked or has changed, update it at an Aadhaar centre before applying — this step cannot be skipped or bypassed.
After Aadhaar authentication, verify the application using your DSC (Digital Signature Certificate for companies) or EVC (Electronic Verification Code via OTP for proprietors). On successful submission, an ARN (Application Reference Number) is issued immediately. Save this — you'll use it to track your application.
A GST officer at your jurisdiction reviews the application. For "straight-through processing" (STP) applications with clean documents, the system auto-approves and issues GSTIN without human intervention. Manually reviewed applications take 3–7 days. If the officer has queries, they issue an SCN (Show Cause Notice) — see Step 8.
If the officer has queries, you'll receive an SCN via email and on the portal. Common SCN reasons: address proof mismatch, nature of business unclear, document quality, landlord NOC missing. You must respond within 7 working days of the SCN date. Failure to respond = application rejection. Log in to gst.gov.in → Notices → respond with clarification and upload additional documents.
Once approved, your GSTIN is issued and you receive an email notification. Log in to gst.gov.in → Services → User Services → View/Download Certificate to download the GST Registration Certificate (Form REG-06). This PDF is your official proof of GST registration. Also save your GST portal login credentials (username + password) securely.
The Application Reference Number (ARN) is a 15-character unique code issued by the GST portal immediately after you submit your application. Format: AA0000000000000 (2 letters + 13 digits).
How to track ARN status:
Alternatively, track via EasyVyapar's Application Status Checker using your EasyVyapar Application ID.
| ARN Status | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Pending for Processing | Application submitted, awaiting officer review | None — wait |
| Pending for Clarification | SCN issued by officer | Respond within 7 days |
| Clarification Filed | Your SCN response submitted | Wait for officer review |
| Approved | GSTIN issued | Download certificate |
| Rejected | Application rejected | Apply fresh with corrected documents |
An SCN is not a rejection. It is a query from the GST officer asking for clarification. Most SCNs can be resolved by uploading better documents or providing a written clarification.
Getting the GSTIN is the starting point, not the end. Here's what to do immediately after receiving it:
E-commerce sellers (Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, etc.) have a slightly different workflow because platforms require GSTIN before you can activate your seller account or listings.
Apply here: GST Registration for E-commerce Sellers — ₹499
3–7 working days from the date of application. The ARN is issued within 24 hours. If a Show Cause Notice (SCN) is raised, add another 7–10 days for response and review. With EasyVyapar, application is filed within 24 hours of receiving your complete documents.
ARN (Application Reference Number) is a 15-character code issued by the GST portal immediately after you submit your application. Use it to track application status on gst.gov.in → Services → Track Application Status.
ARN issued immediately → GST officer review in 3–7 days → if clean, GSTIN issued automatically → if query, SCN issued (respond within 7 days) → GSTIN issued after response. Total: 3–10 working days.
SCN (Show Cause Notice) is an officer query about your application. You have 7 working days to respond. Log in to gst.gov.in → My Applications → Notices → submit clarification with additional documents. Non-response = automatic rejection.