GST Registration & ARN Status: How to Check Online

Let’s be honest: dealing with anything government-related online in India can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. One minute you’re filling forms, the next you’re staring at a screen that says “Session Expired” or “ARN not found.” Sound familiar?

But here’s the good news – checking your GST registration status or Application Reference Number (ARN) status has actually become pretty straightforward in recent years. No more standing in long queues at the tax office or calling helplines that put you on hold for 45 minutes. Everything you need is literally at your fingertips.

Whether you’ve just applied for fresh GST registration, made changes to an existing one, or you’re a tax consultant checking on behalf of fifty clients (we feel your pain!), this monster guide is for you. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to check GST registration and ARN status online like a pro – even at 2 a.m. when inspiration (or panic) strikes.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Why Checking GST Registration Status Actually Matters

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s quickly talk about “why” this isn’t something you should put off.

Imagine this: You’ve applied for GST registration two weeks ago. You’re waiting for the certificate so you can start raising invoices, claim input tax credit, or list your business on Amazon and Flipkart. But days turn into weeks, and… nothing. No email, no SMS, no certificate. Meanwhile, your accountant is breathing down your neck and clients are asking when you’ll start supplying.

That sinking feeling? Totally avoidable.

Checking your ARN status regularly lets you:

• Know exactly where your application stands (submitted, pending clarification, approved, rejected)
• Respond quickly if the GST officer raises any query or rejects something
• Plan your business moves instead of being stuck in limbo
• Avoid penalties for operating without valid GST registration

Bottom line: Tracking your GST registration status isn’t just good practice – it’s smart business.

Understanding the Difference: GSTIN, ARN, and GST Registration Certificate

People often mix these up, so let’s clear the air once and for all.

• Temporary Reference Number (TRN) – You get this the moment you start Part A of GST registration on the portal. Valid for 15 days.
• Application Reference Number (ARN) – Generated after you successfully submit Part B with DSC or EVC. This is the magic 15-digit number you’ll use to track everything.
• GSTIN (GST Identification Number) – The final 15-digit number you get once registration is approved. Example: 27AAACC1206D1ZM.
• GST Registration Certificate – The downloadable PDF (Form GST REG-06) that proves you’re officially registered.

So when someone asks “How to check GST registration status?”, they usually mean tracking the ARN. Once approved, you check the final GSTIN status.

Got it? Great. Moving on.

How to Check GST Registration Status Using ARN (Step-by-Step)

This is the method 99% of people need. Super simple, takes less than 2 minutes.

1. Open your browser and go to the official GST portal: https://www.gst.gov.in
2. On the top menu, hover over Services → Registration → Track Application Status
3. You’ll see a box that says “Enter ARN”
4. Type or paste your 15-digit ARN (example: AA270419012345Z)
5. Complete the captcha (yes, those annoying “select all traffic lights” ones)
6. Click SEARCH

Boom! You’ll instantly see one of these statuses:

Pro tip: Bookmark that track status page. You’ll thank me later.

How to Check GST Registration Status Without ARN  

Forgot your ARN? Applied through a consultant who won’t reply? Don’t panic. There’s a backup method.

Here’s what to do:

1. Go to the same GST portal → Services → Registration → Track Application Status
2. Instead of ARN, click the small link below that says “Forgot ARN?”
3. Now choose one of these options:
   • Using SRN (Service Request Number – rare)
   • Using State + PAN + Application Type
4. The second option is your savior. Select:
   • Your state
   • Enter your PAN
   • Select “New Registration” or “Amendment” etc.
   • Enter captcha and search

The portal will show all applications linked to that PAN in that state. Super handy when you have multiple businesses or the consultant ghosted you.

Checking GSTIN Status After Registration Is Approved

So your ARN status finally says “Approved”? Awesome! Now let’s verify the actual GSTIN is active and correct.

Method 1 – Quick Search (Anyone Can Do This)

1. Visit: https://www.gst.gov.in → Search Taxpayer → Search by GSTIN/UIN
2. Enter the 15-digit GSTIN
3. Complete captcha and search

You’ll see:

• Legal name & trade name
• State, registration date, constitution of business
• Taxpayer type (regular, composition, etc.)
• Status: Active / Cancelled / Suspended

Method 2 – KnowYourGST (Third-party but reliable) Just Google “KnowYourGST” or go to https://www.knowyourgst.com and search by GSTIN or name. Often faster when the official portal is slow.

Common Reasons Your GST Registration Gets Stuck  

Having helped hundreds of businesses, here are the top culprits:

1. Aadhaar Authentication Failed Fix: Go to Services → User Services → Aadhaar Authentication Status and re-authenticate.
2. Documents Not Clear or Wrong Format Fix: Wait for clarification email, upload fresh scanned copies (max 1MB each, JPG/PDF).
3. Place of Business Proof Rejected Common issue for rented premises. Upload rent agreement + NOC from owner + latest electricity bill.
4. Bank Account Details Mismatch Make sure name on bank account exactly matches PAN/GST application.
5. Applied in Wrong State Yes, people do this. File revocation of cancellation and re-apply correctly.

How Consultants and CAs Check Multiple GST Registrations at Once

If you’re a tax professional managing dozens of clients, doing this one-by-one is torture.

Here’s the secret sauce:

• Use GST portal’s Bulk ARN Status Checker (hidden gem!) Go to Services → Registration → Track Application Status → Click “Bulk Search” tab You can upload up to 50 ARNs at once in Excel format.
• Or use third-party tools like ClearTax Practitioner, TaxPro, or custom Excel macros (just don’t tell the government I told you).

Checking GST Registration Status on Mobile  

Yes, you can do everything on your phone now.

Option 1: Use the official GST portal mobile site (it’s surprisingly decent)

Option 2: Download “GST Verify” or “Indian Business Portal” apps from Play Store (read reviews first)

Option 3: Just open Chrome on your phone, request desktop site, and follow the same steps above.

I’ve tracked ARNs while standing in a bank queue. No shame.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take for GST registration to be approved in 2025?

If Aadhaar authentication is done – usually 3-7 working days. Without Aadhaar – up to 30 days (officer verification).

Q: I got an SMS saying “ARN generated” but status still shows submitted. Is this normal?

Totally normal. ARN generation and status update can have a few hours lag.

Q: My ARN status says “Rejected” but no reason is shown. What now?

Log in to the GST portal with your TRN/ARN credentials → My Applications → View Rejection Order. Reasons will be there.

Q: Can I check someone else’s GST registration status?

Yes! Use the public “Search Taxpayer” tool with their GSTIN. No login needed.

Q: Is there any charge to check GST registration status?

100% free. If any website asks for money to “track ARN faster” – run.

Q: My GSTIN shows “Cancelled – Suo Moto”. What does this mean?

The department cancelled it automatically (usually for not filing returns for 6 months). Apply for revocation within 90 days.

Bonus: Little-Known Tricks That Save Hours

• Set up SMS alerts: While applying, tick “Subscribe to updates via SMS/Email”. You’ll get instant notifications.
• Save the ARN PDF: The moment you generate ARN, download and save that PDF. It has everything.
• Use incognito mode: Sometimes the GST portal gets stuck in old sessions. Incognito fixes 90% of weird errors.
• Check after 8 PM: The portal is fastest at night when traffic is low (yes, really).

Conclusion

Look, nobody dreams of becoming an expert in tracking GST registration status. But in India, running a business means occasionally wrestling with government portals – and winning.

The beautiful part? It’s 2025, and checking your GST registration or ARN status online now takes literally 60 seconds if you know where to click. No phone calls, no agents charging ₹500 to “just check status,” no unnecessary stress.

Bookmark this page. Share it with that friend who’s tearing their hair out over a pending ARN. And the next time someone asks you “Bhai, GST registration ka status kaise check karte hain?”, you can casually drop the link like a boss.