How to Check GST Application Status | Track Your GST Registration Status

Verifying your GST (Goods and Services Tax) application status is an important task for all businesses and individuals in India. After submitting a GST registration application, an Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated so the applicant can track the GST application from one stage to another until its approval or rejection. It’s important to track your status so you can update your information, resolve issues quickly, and complete your GST registration without much trouble.

Here, we will discuss how to check GST application status using the ARN, SRN, or TRN, both pre- and post-login on the GST portal. With this knowledge, you can easily interpret terms like GST ARN status Pending for Clarification or Site Verification Assigned, taking steps to mitigate any potential delays. We’ll also touch on recent GST registration rules changes, including longer verification periods and mandatory Aadhaar verification.

What is GST Registration Status?

GST registration status refers to the current stage of your Goods and Services Tax (GST) application after submission on the GST portal. It helps applicants track whether their registration is under review, approved, rejected, or pending clarification.
When you apply for GST registration, your application goes through multiple verification steps by the GST Network (GSTN). The GST status shows exactly where your application stands in this process.

Different Stages of GST Registration Status:

• Pending for Processing – Application submitted successfully and is under initial review.
• Pending Clarification – Authorities have requested additional documents or information.
• Approved – Your GSTIN has been issued, and registration is complete.
• Rejected – The application didn’t meet the required criteria or had incorrect details.

Understanding your GST registration status ensures you take timely action, avoid registration delays, and stay compliant with tax laws.

Types of GST Registration in India

GST Registration Reference Numbers

What is ARN in GST?

The GST Application Reference Number (ARN) is a 15-digit number assigned to your application upon submitting it for GST registration. Serving as a tracking ID, the ARN allows applicants to track their application process from submission to final approval or rejection.

This number is generated automatically by the GST portal and sent to the applicant’s registered email and mobile number. The ARN is useful, particularly when there are several steps or explanations, because it streamlines communication with the tax department.

The ARN is a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code (e.g., AA123456789012Z) generated by the GST portal. It serves purely as a tracking ID for your application. By using your ARN, you can check your GST registration status and see exactly which stage your application is currently in.

With the GST rules evolving, the ARN is a reliable tool for application tracking, delay management, and timely action, making it an essential resource for new and existing GST applicants.

How to Check GST ARN Status Online (Without Logging In)

Applicants can track their GST application status on the GST portal using their ARN or SRN without logging in. This is useful for a quick ARN status check, ARN search, or basic GST application track.

Follow these steps to check GST ARN status online:

Step 1: Visit the GST Portal
Go to the official GST portal and click on Services > Track Application Status. This page is accessible without logging in.

Step 2: Select “Registration” as Module
In the Module dropdown, choose Registration so the portal shows GST registration applications.

Step 3: Enter ARN or SRN
In the identifier field, enter your Application Reference Number (ARN) or Service Request Number (SRN) if the application was initiated via the MCA portal, then enter the captcha and click Search.

Step 4: View Application Status
The portal will display your current GST ARN status, such as Pending for Processing, Pending for Clarification, Approved, or Rejected, along with completed and pending steps in the workflow.

This method helps you track GST application quickly and decide whether any further action or clarification is required from your side.

How to Check GST Application Status After Logging In

If you are a GST portal user, login offers additional features and a more in-depth overview of your application’s progress. This is how you can check your GST registration status when logged in:

• Sign in to the GST Portal: Log in using your credentials. After you are logged in, head to the Services tab on the dashboard.
• Track Application Status: Select Services > Track Application Status. This is where registered users keep track of their GST registration status, edits, and cancellations of new applications.
• Click “Registration” from the Dropdown Menu: You will be prompted with a dropdown menu to select which module you want to track. Select Registration so the portal retrieves data specific to your GST registration application.
• Provide ARN or Application Date: Provide your Application Reference Number (ARN), Service Request Number (SRN), or application date. The portal will then locate your application based on the provided data.
• View Detailed Status: If you click Search, the system will show the status of your application and allow you to download associated documents if available. The status might be marked as Pending for Processing, Site Verification Completed, Pending for clarification, or Approved. Once your application is accepted, a “Download” link will appear for your GST registration certificate.

If it is rejected or pending clarification, check any related notifications to see what you should do. For instance, if it’s Pending for Clarification, you might need to upload additional documents or act upon a tax officer’s request. This login view is useful because it provides more context to the status and enables quick actions to clarifications or other requirements.

Read more: Credit note in GST

GST ARN Status Types

Each GST registration status indicates the stage at which your application currently stands. Here are the main statuses you might encounter when you keep track of your GST registration status:

• Pending for Processing: Your application has been received and is being reviewed by the tax officer.
• Site Verification Completed: Denotes that the site verification is complete and the report has been submitted.
  Site Verification Assigned: Specifies that site verification has been scheduled and assigned to a verification officer.
• Pending for Clarification: The tax officer requires more information, as detailed in your notice.
• Clarification Filed – Pending for Order: Once you’ve provided the required clarification, your application will be on hold while the tax officer decides.
• Clarification Not Filed – Pending for Order: If you do not provide clarification within the deadline, the application will remain pending until the officer issues a final order.
• Rejected: The tax official rejected your application. For that, please review the justification and, if necessary, apply again.
  Approved: Your application is approved, and registration details (GSTIN and login/first-time access details) are sent to your registered email ID and mobile number..
• Withdrawn: You’ve canceled your application voluntarily.

What to Do if ARN Status Shows “Pending for Clarification”

If the status shows “Pending for Clarification”, it means the tax officer needs more details or documents before approving your application.

• Check Notices on GST Portal: Log in to the GST portal, go to your dashboard, and open the notice linked to your application to see what clarification is required.
• Prepare Required Documents: Collect the documents or information mentioned in the notice (e.g., proof of address like Aadhaar, business proof, identity documents).
• File Clarification Online: Use the File Clarification option against your application, upload the supporting documents, and submit your response within the given time.
• Track ARN Status Again: After submitting clarification, keep tracking your ARN status to see if it changes to “Clarification Filed – Pending for Order” or “Approved”.

How to Check GST Registration Status by PAN or GSTIN

If you do not have the ARN handy, you can still check GST registration status using your PAN or GSTIN.

To track GST registration status by PAN:

1. Visit the GST portal and go to Search Taxpayer > Search by PAN.
2. Enter the PAN of the business and complete the captcha.
3. The portal will show whether a GSTIN is issued against that PAN and its current status (Active, Cancelled, etc.).

To track GST registration status by GSTIN/UIN:

1. On the GST portal, go to Search Taxpayer > Search by GSTIN/UIN.
2. Enter the GSTIN and captcha.
3. The system will show the taxpayer’s legal name, registration status, and state.

This method is useful after registration is approved to verify whether the GSTIN is active and correctly linked to your PAN.

What is SRN in GST?

SRN (Service Request Number) is a unique reference number generated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) when a business entity applies for GST registration through the SPICe+ form during company incorporation.

It’s mainly relevant for:

• Private Limited Companies
• LLPs
• Companies registering via MCA portal

When a business chooses to apply for GST during the incorporation process, the MCA system generates an SRN, which is then used to track and link the GST application before it is sent to the GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network).

Key Points about SRN in GST:

• Generated on the MCA (www.mca.gov.in) portal
• Used to track GST registration if done via SPICe+
• Once MCA forwards the application to GSTN, an ARN (Application Reference Number) is generated for further tracking on the GST portal

Checking GST Registration Status Using SRN (Service Request Number)

For applicants who registered for GST through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal, the Service Request Number (SRN) is a unique ID like the Application Reference Number (ARN). An SRN is provided when the application is submitted via the MCA portal as part of the SPICe-AGILE form, where company and GST registration are handled simultaneously.

To check GST registration status via SRN:

• Navigate to GST Portal: Navigate to the GST portal and click Services > Track Application Status.
• Select SRN Option: In the tracking module, in the dropdown menu, select SRN for the identifier.
• Enter SRN and Captcha Code: Fill in the field where your SRN appears along with the captcha code and click Search.
• View Comprehensive Status: The status report will show your application’s current state (with completed steps highlighted in green and pending steps highlighted in grey). You can track the entire application process, from the first MCA submission to final acceptance, on the GST portal.

SRN-based tracking is particularly useful for organizations that register their company and GST simultaneously. SRN tracking helps applicants monitor progress and respond quickly if additional information is requested.

Some common SRN statuses

• Pending with MCA: The application is pending at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• COI Issued – Pending on GST Portal: Certificate of Incorporation (COI) issued, GST application received at GST portal.
• Approved / Rejected by GST Common Portal: Indicates the acceptance of the application after GST review.
• Pending for Processing by GST Common Portal: The application was submitted and is awaiting final verification.

Read more: Types of GST returns

What is TRN in GST?

TRN (Temporary Reference Number) is a unique 15-digit number generated by the GST portal when a user initiates a new GST registration application by submitting basic details (Part A of GST REG-01).

It allows applicants to temporarily save their application and return later to complete the registration process.

Key Points About TRN in GST:

• Generated after submitting Part A of the GST registration form
• Used to log in and complete Part B of the application
• Valid for 15 days from the date of generation
• Helps in saving partially filled applications securely.

How to Track GST Application Status by TRN

The TRN (Temporary Reference Number) is the temporary identifier you receive when you save a draft of your GST application but have not yet submitted it.

If you want to resume or continue your GST registration application using TRN, follow the below steps.

• Visit GST Portal: Open the GST portal and click on Services > Track Application Status.
• Choose TRN Option: Select TRN from the dropdown menu in the tracking module.
• Enter TRN and Proceed With Verification: Enter your TRN, then proceed with verification, including OTP sent to your phone number or email.
• Continue Applying: Your saved application will be displayed on the portal, and you can continue to complete the form and submit it when finished.

A TRN allows you to save a draft application online and complete it later without losing the entered details. Once submitted, the ARN replaces the TRN and allows you to track the application status on the GST portal.

Latest Updates on the GST Registration Process

The GST registration system has been revised for better compliance, stricter verification, and more effective processes.

Some recent GST application updates:

• Extended Verification For Aadhaar-Authenticated Applicants (28 February 2024): In an effort to enhance risk-based checks, GST Network (GSTN) has specified that applicants flagged for additional verification may face a processing period of up to 30 days instead of the standard 7 working days. Applicants may see longer timelines when they are flagged for risk-based checks or physical verification. In such cases, the processing timeline can extend beyond the usual 7 working days
• Revocation – Requirement for Aadhaar Verification (December 21, 2021): Beginning January 2022, Aadhaar verification is mandatory for a taxpayer to revoke a cancelled GST registration. The change, brought by CGST Rule 23 and introduced through the REG-21 form, would help ensure that only verified entities reclaim their GST registration and promote safe compliance.
• Systemic Risk-Based Verification Mechanism: The GST portal now offers extra verification mechanisms to applicants flagged by the system. This ensures that real taxpayers get through the system, and flagged applications are more carefully examined.

You should be informed about these GST registration changes, as they directly impact the registration time frame, documents, and eligibility. Applicants are advised to stay tuned to GSTN and CBIC announcements to ensure they are up to date with the processes and don’t incur delays.

Pay Your GST on Time

Conclusion

Knowing how to check GST application status is the key to smooth registration. By logging in to check your GST registration status on a regular basis, you can resolve issues promptly and remain compliant. This will allow you to get your GSTIN and start working.

By checking your application status regularly, you will be informed, solve any pending problems, and act swiftly to comply with GST rules. Bookmark the GST portal and carry your ARN for quick monitoring.

Read more: GST state code list

FAQs

1. Can I view the status of my GST application without logging into the GST portal?
You can find your GST application status by visiting the GST portal, selecting Services > Track Application Status > Registration, and entering your ARN or SRN. This will show you the current state of your application.

2. How will I know whether my GST registration application has been accepted?
As soon as your application status is “Approved,” the GST portal will send your GSTIN and login credentials to your registered email and mobile number. This status can be checked at Track Application Status on the portal as well.

3. What are ARN, SRN, and TRN in GST Registration?
The Application Reference Number (ARN) will be provided when you submit your GST application. A Service Request Number (SRN) is generated for an application submitted through the MCA portal, and a Temporary Reference Number (TRN) is generated for an application draft before final submission on the GST portal.

4. What does “Pending for Clarification” mean in GST ARN?
This status indicates that the tax officer needs more documentation or information to approve your application. To prevent any delays, please log in to the GST portal, read the notice for details, and submit the required explanation.

5. What should I do if my GST application status is “Site Verification Assigned”?
If your application status says “Site Verification Assigned,” this means that a verification officer will visit your establishment. Make sure you have all the documentation and can facilitate the site visit.

6. Can I view my GST registration status through an SRN provided by the MCA portal?
Yes, if your application was filed through the MCA portal, you can track the status using the SRN. Head over to the GST portal and click on Track Application Status, click on SRN dropdown, and type in your SRN to see the current state of your application.

7. Do all GST registration applications require Aadhaar verification?
Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for most individual applicants (like proprietors, partners, Karta, directors, etc.) while applying for new GST registrations. Since January 2022, Aadhaar authentication has also been made mandatory for revoking a cancelled GST registration under Rule 23. This allows for a safer verification process.

8. Can I see my GST registration status on the GST portal if my application was submitted through MCA?
Yes, you can monitor applications submitted through the MCA portal via your SRN. Click Track Application Status, choose SRN, and type in your SRN to see your GST registration status on the GST portal.

9. How can I check my GST application status if I only have a TRN?
You can use the TRN to access and complete a draft application. On the GST portal, go to Track Application Status, select TRN, and enter your TRN to continue and submit your application. Once submitted, the TRN will be replaced with an ARN.