How to Apply GSTIN Number for New Businesses (2026 Guide)

If you’ve just launched a business in India, one of the first compliance steps you should consider is getting your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number). Applying for a GSTIN number for new businesses is a wise and important step to take. Registering for a GSTIN number online in 2025 ensures GST-compliance, gives you credibility, and opens up benefits like input tax credit. Follow the steps to get a GST number for a new business online, and you'll explore which documents are required for GST number registration, solutions for GSTIN-related problems, etc.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for GSTIN Number for New Businesses Online

Let’s break down the steps to get a GST number for a new business

Follow these straightforward steps to apply for GSTIN number online and register your new business on the official GST portal.

Step 1: Visit the GST Portal and select “New Registration”

Go to the official GST portal at gst.gov.in and navigate to Services → Registration → New Registration. Enter Part A of Form REG-01, choose Taxpayer in the “I am a…” dropdown, select your state and district, and fill the legal name (as on PAN), PAN number, current email and mobile. You’ll get OTPs for mobile and email verification — this is the step to apply for GSTIN number online.
Step 2: Generate TRN (Temporary Reference Number)

After OTP verification, you will receive a TRN (15 digits). Save this TRN — you’ll use it to log in and complete Part B of the registration.
Step 3: Log in with TRN and complete Part B

Use the TRN to continue the form. Fill detailed sections: business details (type, constitution, commencement date), promoters/directors info, principal place of business (and any additional places), goods/services (HSN/SAC codes), and bank details. Upload required documents as prompted.
Step 4: Submit and verification

Verify the application using EVC (mobile OTP) or DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) for companies/LLPs. Submit the application and note the ARN (Application Reference Number).
Step 5: Receive GSTIN and certificate

Once approved by the GST officer, you'll receive the GSTIN and the registration certificate. Most clean applications are processed in 2–6 business days.
Step 6: Download certificate

Log in to the GST portal → Services → User Services → View/Download Registration Certificate. Download and keep the certificate and GSTIN record safe for your new business.

Who Needs to Apply for a GSTIN in India?

A quick visual guide for who can apply for GSTIN number for New Business in 2025.

1. Businesses Crossing the Turnover Limit

₹40 lakh for suppliers of goods
₹20 lakh for service providers
₹10 lakh for North-Eastern & hill states

Once you cross these limits, GST registration becomes mandatory.

2. Online Sellers & E-commerce Businesses

Selling on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, or Shopify? You need a GSTIN regardless of turnover.

3. Freelancers & Service Providers

Freelancers offering design, IT, or consultancy services must register if annual income exceeds ₹20 lakh.

4. Inter-State Suppliers

If you supply goods or services across states, GST registration is mandatory even below ₹20 lakh turnover.

5. Casual Taxable Persons

Those occasionally selling goods or services (like exhibitions or fairs) must get temporary GST registration.

6. Non-Resident Taxable Persons

Foreign businesses supplying goods or services in India must obtain GSTIN before starting operations.

7. Businesses under Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM)

If you pay tax under RCM, GST registration is required regardless of turnover.

GimBooks Tip: Register early to avoid penalties and enjoy hassle-free GST invoicing through GimBooks.

Key Tips for New GSTIN Number in 2025

Here are some practical pointers to avoid GSTIN delays or GST registration rejection:

Ensure your PAN name and business “Legal Name” match exactly with GSTIN registration.
Mismatch causes rejections.
Use a valid mobile number and Email id that you can access for OTPs and communications.
Always upload clear scanned documents; blurry images often lead to rejection.
If your business has multiple locations in the same state, you may still need separate registrations depending on the structure.
If you cross the turnover threshold later, apply within 30 days of becoming liable.
Even if you are below the GST turnover threshold, consider voluntary registration if you supply interstate or want input credit.
Keep all registration credentials & ARN handy for future tracking.
Maintain a copy of your certificate and display GSTIN on your business invoices, website, and place of business for transparency and compliance.

Documents Required for GST Registration

Being ready with documents means the process for applying for a GSTIN number for new businesses will go smoother.

Typical GSTIN registration documents include:

PAN of the business entity or proprietor.
Aadhaar card of the proprietor / directors.
Proof of business registration or incorporation certificate (if applicable).
Address proof of principal place of business (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc).
Bank account details (account number, IFSC) and cancelled cheque or bank statement.
Digital signature certificate (DSC) for companies/LLPs or E-verification for proprietors.
Photo of the authorised signatory, including business details such as constitution (proprietorship, partnership, or company).

Have all these ready in scanned form: uploaded PDFs or images make the online process faster.

Solutions for Common Issues on GSTIN Number for New Businesses

When you apply for your GSTIN number as a new business, some common errors may occur. Below are quick solutions to help you resolve them and ensure a smooth GST registration process.

Issue	Solution
Application stuck at Part B or status showing “Pending for Verification.”	Check uploaded documents and the configuration of DSC/EVC. Re-upload and resubmit. Verify that the business name and PAN exactly match the details on the PAN portal.
Multiple registrations across states for the same PAN.	Confirm that you are registering for the correct state. Each PAN can have only one GSTIN per state.
Application rejected for “invalid mobile number or email.”	Ensure your mobile number and email ID are active. Clear browser cache and cookies before resubmitting.
Penalty risk for late registration.	If you become liable for GST and delay registration, you may incur interest or penalties. Always apply within the official time limit.

💡 Tip: Always verify your details on gst.gov.in before submission to avoid rejections or delays.

What to do After Obtaining New GSTIN Registration

Once GSTIN is registered, do the following:

Start issuing invoices that display your new business GSTIN registration.
File GST returns (for example, GSTR-3B monthly, GSTR-1, etc.) according to your business type.
Maintain records of sales, purchases, and input tax credit for compliance and possible audit.
Update any additional business locations or bank account details through amendments on the portal.
Keep your GST certificate for business dealings and tax audit.
Display your registration certificate at your principal place of business.

Conclusion: Applying for GSTIN for New Business

So, if you’re trying to figure out how to apply for a GSTIN number for a new business, the good news is that the process is straightforward, fully online, and free. Keep the GST number registration documents ready, choose the correct business structure, fill out the GST registration form correctly, and complete the verification. The faster you apply for GSTIN registration for a new business online, the smoother your compliance will be.

Frequently Asked Questions for GSTIN number for New Business

Q1: Is there a fee to apply for GSTIN registration?

No. Registration via the GST portal is free of charge.

Q2: How long does it take to get my GSTIN after submission?

It usually takes 2 to 6 working days if for obtaining GSTIN.

Q3: Can I apply for GSTIN if my turnover is below the threshold?

Yes. Voluntary registration is allowed and often beneficial if you supply interstate or want input tax credit.

Q4: What happens if I don’t apply when liable?

You may be penalized, your registration might be cancelled and you cannot claim input tax credit.

Q5: Do I need to register in each state I operate in?

If you are supplying goods or services from multiple states, yes, you may need separate GST registration for each state under same PAN.