GST Registration Not Working? Fix Portal Errors Step by Step

The GST portal (gst.gov.in) is the only way to register for Goods and Services Tax in India. However, many applicants face errors during the registration process — from PAN verification failures to Aadhaar authentication issues. This guide covers the most common GST registration errors and how to fix them.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Government of India or GSTN. Information is based on official GST portal guidelines.

Common GST Registration Errors and Fixes

1. PAN Verification Failed

Error message: "PAN verification failed" or "PAN details could not be validated"

Causes:

• PAN details on the Income Tax database do not match the details you entered
• PAN is not linked to Aadhaar (mandatory since 2023)
• PAN is inactive or deactivated by the Income Tax Department

How to fix:

1. Go to the Income Tax e-filing portal and verify your PAN details
2. Ensure your name, date of birth, and PAN number match exactly — including spelling and middle name
3. If PAN is not linked to Aadhaar, link it first at incometax.gov.in
4. If PAN shows as inactive, contact your jurisdictional Assessing Officer or NSDL/UTIITSL
5. Wait 24-48 hours after PAN-Aadhaar linking before retrying GST registration

2. Aadhaar Authentication Failed

Error message: "Aadhaar authentication failed" or "e-KYC could not be completed"

Causes:

• Mobile number registered with Aadhaar is different from the one used
• Aadhaar biometric lock is enabled
• UIDAI server is down or experiencing issues

How to fix:

1. Ensure the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar is active and accessible — you will receive an OTP on this number
2. Check if your Aadhaar biometric is locked at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and unlock it temporarily
3. If your mobile number is not updated in Aadhaar, visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre to update it (see our Aadhaar update guide)
4. Try again after some time if the UIDAI server is down
5. If Aadhaar authentication repeatedly fails, you can opt for physical verification by a GST officer instead

3. ARN Generation Error

Error message: "ARN could not be generated" or application stuck after submission

Causes:

• Server timeout during final submission
• Browser session expired
• Incomplete application data

How to fix:

1. Note your TRN (Temporary Reference Number) — you can use it to resume the application
2. Log in to gst.gov.in > Services > Registration > New Registration > select "Temporary Reference Number (TRN)"
3. Enter your TRN and verify with OTP
4. Check if the application was actually submitted — go to Services > Registration > Track Application Status
5. If the application shows as submitted, your ARN will be sent to your email and mobile within a few hours
6. If it is stuck, delete the draft and start a fresh application

4. Document Upload Errors

Error message: "File upload failed" or "Invalid file format"

Causes:

• File size exceeds the limit (usually 1 MB per document)
• File format is not accepted (only JPEG, PNG, PDF are allowed)
• Slow internet connection causing upload timeout

How to fix:

1. Compress your documents to under 1 MB — use an online PDF compressor if needed
2. Ensure files are in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format only
3. File names should not contain special characters — use simple alphanumeric names
4. Use a stable internet connection (wired/broadband preferred)
5. Try using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browser in incognito mode
6. Clear browser cache before retrying

Document size limits on GST portal:

5. TRN Expired

Error message: "TRN has expired" or "TRN is no longer valid"

Causes:

• TRN is valid for only 15 days from the date of generation
• You did not complete Part B of the registration within the validity period

How to fix:

1. If TRN has expired, you need to start a fresh registration — there is no way to revive an expired TRN
2. Go to gst.gov.in > Services > Registration > New Registration
3. Enter your PAN, mobile number, and email to generate a new TRN
4. This time, complete the entire application within 15 days
5. Keep all documents ready before starting to avoid delays

Step-by-Step: How to Register for GST (Correct Process)

1. Go to gst.gov.in and click "Register Now" under Taxpayers
2. Select "New Registration" and choose Taxpayer type
3. Enter PAN, legal name, email, and mobile number
4. Verify email and mobile with OTP — note the TRN generated
5. Log in with TRN and complete Part B within 15 days
6. Fill business details, promoter/partner details, authorized signatory
7. Upload required documents (address proof, bank statement, photograph, etc.)
8. Complete Aadhaar authentication or opt for physical verification
9. Submit the application using DSC (for companies/LLPs) or EVC (for others)
10. Note the ARN generated — use it to track your application status

Documents Required for GST Registration

• PAN card of the business or proprietor
• Aadhaar card of the authorized signatory
• Proof of business address — rent agreement, electricity bill, or property tax receipt
• Bank account details — cancelled cheque or bank statement (first page)
• Photograph of the proprietor/partners/directors
• Authorization form (for partners/directors)
• Certificate of Incorporation (for companies and LLPs)

Processing Time

• GST registration is typically processed within 3-7 working days after submission
• If the officer raises a query (notice in REG-03), you must respond within 7 working days
• Aadhaar-authenticated applications may be approved faster

Important Tips

1. Always use Google Chrome or Firefox for the GST portal — avoid using mobile browsers
2. Complete Part B of registration within 15 days of TRN generation
3. Keep PAN linked to Aadhaar before starting the process
4. Save your TRN and ARN safely — you will need them to track status
5. If you face repeated errors, try during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What should I do if the GST portal is not loading?

Try clearing your browser cache, using incognito mode, or switching browsers. The GST portal works best on Google Chrome. You can also check selfservice.gstsystem.in for known system issues.

Q2. Can I register for GST without Aadhaar authentication?

Yes. If Aadhaar authentication fails or you opt out, the GST officer will conduct physical verification of your business premises. This may take longer (up to 30 days).

Q3. My PAN is showing as "inactive" — how do I fix it?

PAN becomes inactive if it is not linked to Aadhaar. Link your PAN and Aadhaar at incometax.gov.in by paying the applicable fee. PAN will be reactivated within 7-30 days.

Q4. I submitted my application but did not receive an ARN. What should I do?

Check your email (including spam folder) and SMS. You can also log in to the GST portal and go to Services > Registration > Track Application Status. If the status shows "Pending," the ARN will be generated shortly.

Q5. Can I apply for GST registration again if my previous application was rejected?

Yes. There is no limit on the number of times you can apply. Address the reasons for rejection mentioned in the REG-05 order and apply afresh.

Q6. Is there any fee for GST registration?

No. GST registration is completely free of cost on the official GST portal. Beware of third-party websites charging fees.

Q7. How can I check my GST registration application status?

Go to gst.gov.in > Services > Registration > Track Application Status. Enter your ARN to check the current status.