How to Track GST Application Status using ARN — Complete Guide
When you apply for GST registration in India, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) generates a unique 15-digit Application Reference Number (ARN) upon successful submission of your application. This ARN is your key to tracking the status of your GST registration application in real-time. Whether you are a new business owner registering for GST, a professional required to register, or a taxpayer applying for amendments, understanding how to use your ARN to check application status can save you time and provide peace of mind.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain what an ARN is, how to generate it, how to track your GST application status using multiple methods, what each status means, and what to do if your application is stuck or rejected.
What is an ARN in GST?
ARN stands for Application Reference Number. It is a unique 15-digit alphanumeric number generated by the GST portal when a taxpayer successfully submits:
- A new GST registration application (Form REG-01)
- An amendment to existing GST registration (Form REG-14)
- A surrender or cancellation of GST registration (Form REG-16)
The ARN format follows this structure: AA1234567890B1C5 (15 characters including state code, year, application type, and sequence number).
How to Get Your ARN Number
After submitting your GST registration application on the GST portal, you will receive your ARN through:
- Portal Confirmation: The ARN is displayed on the screen immediately after successful submission.
- Email: An email containing your ARN is sent to the registered email address you provided in the application.
- SMS: An SMS with the ARN is sent to the mobile number registered on the portal.
- Application Dashboard: The ARN is saved in your GST portal dashboard under "My Applications" or "Track Application Status."
Tip: Save your ARN immediately after submission. Without the ARN, you cannot track your application progress online. If you lose your ARN, you can retrieve it by logging into the GST portal and navigating to "Services" → "Registration" → "Track Application Status."
Method 1: Track GST Application Status on the Official GST Portal
Step-by-step process:
- Visit the official GST portal at https://www.gst.gov.in.
- Navigate to "Services" → "Registration" → "Track Application Status."
- On the tracking page, you will see two options:
- Option A: Enter your ARN (15-digit number) and the captcha code shown on the screen.
- Option B: Log in using your Temporary Reference Number (TRN) or credentials to see all your applications.
- Click on "Search" or "Go" after entering the ARN.
- The portal will display the current status of your GST application along with the date and time of the last update.
Method 2: Track GST Application via SMS
You can also track your GST application status by sending an SMS:
Format 1: GST ARN <Your 15-digit ARN>
Send to: 56677
Example: GST ARN AA1234567890B1C5 → Send to 56677
You will receive an SMS reply with the current status of your application.
Method 3: Track via GST Mobile App
- Download the official GST Mobile App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and navigate to "Track Application Status."
- Enter your ARN number.
- The app will display the current status of your application.
Understanding GST Application Status Codes
When tracking your GST application, you may encounter the following status codes:
| Status Code | Status Description | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| ARN Generated | Application Submitted | Your application has been received by the GST system. Initial validation is pending. |
| Pending for Validation | Under Scrutiny | The GST officer is reviewing your application and documents. |
| Query Issued | Additional Information Required | The officer has raised a query asking for clarification or additional documents. Check your portal's "Query/Clarification" section. |
| Clarification Filed | Response Submitted | You have responded to the officer's query. The application is back under review. |
| Approved | Registration Granted | Your GST registration has been approved. Your GSTIN will be issued shortly. |
| Provisional ID Generated | GSTIN Allotted | Your 15-digit GSTIN has been generated. Download your GST Registration Certificate. |
| Rejected | Application Rejected | Your application has been rejected. Check the rejection reason in the "View Details" section. |
| Cancelled | Application Cancelled | Your application was cancelled (either by you or by the officer). |
What to Do When GST Application is Stuck at "Pending for Validation"
If your GST application shows "Pending for Validation" for more than 7-10 working days, here is what you should do:
- Check for Queries: Log in to the GST portal and check the "Queries/Clarifications" section. Officers often raise queries here, and you may need to respond.
- Contact the Jurisdictional Officer: Find out the GST officer's contact details for your jurisdiction (state and centre combination) and follow up directly.
- Use the GST Portal Helpdesk: Raise a ticket through the GST portal's "Help & Support" → "Raise Your Concern" section.
- Visit the GST Office: If online follow-up does not work, visit the GST office in your area with your ARN and supporting documents.
- Check Document Completeness: Verify that all required documents (business proof, address proof, bank details, photographs, etc.) were uploaded correctly and are legible.
Responding to a GST Query (Status: Query Issued)
When a GST officer raises a query, your status changes to "Query Issued." Here is how to respond:
- Log in to the GST portal with your Temporary Reference Number (TRN).
- Navigate to "Services" → "Registration" → "Query/Clarification."
- Read the officer's query carefully. Common queries include:
- Clarification on nature of business
- Additional proof of business address (rent agreement, utility bill in business name)
- Bank account verification (cancelled cheque, bank statement)
- Partner/Director KYC documents
- Principal place of business clarification
- Upload the requested documents in PDF format (maximum 5 MB per file).
- Submit your response. The status will change to "Clarification Filed."
- Wait for further review by the officer (typically 2-7 working days).
Important: You must respond to a GST query within 7 working days from the date the query is raised. Failure to respond within this period may result in automatic rejection of your application. If you need more time, you can request an extension through the portal.
What to Do if GST Application is Rejected
If your GST registration application is rejected, here are your options:
- Understand the Reason: Check the rejection reason provided by the officer. Common reasons include:
- Incomplete or illegible documents
- Incorrect business details provided
- Suspicious business activity or address
- Failed physical verification of business premises
- Failure to respond to queries within the deadline
- File a New Application: Unlike some other government applications, there is no appeal process for a rejected GST registration. You simply need to file a fresh application (Form REG-01) with correct and complete information.
- Address the Issues: Before filing a fresh application, ensure all the issues that caused the rejection are addressed. Get proper address proof, update your documents, and ensure all information is accurate.
- Wait Period: There is no mandatory waiting period between a rejection and a fresh application. You can apply again immediately.
GST Registration Processing Time
| Stage | Expected Timeframe |
|---|---|
| ARN Generation | Immediate (upon submission) |
| Initial Validation (Auto) | 1-2 working days |
| Officer Scrutiny | 3-7 working days |
| Query Response (if applicable) | Additional 3-7 working days |
| Physical Verification (if required) | 2-5 working days after approval |
| GSTIN Issuance | 7-15 working days from application (typical) |
Note: As per the GST Act, the registration must be either approved or rejected within 7 working days from the date of filing (or from the date of receipt of query response). However, in practice, processing times may vary depending on the workload of the GST office and the completeness of your application.
Documents Required for GST Registration
Having the right documents ready speeds up the application process. Here is a checklist:
| Document Type | For Proprietorship | For Partnership/LLP | For Private Limited |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAN Card | Proprietor's PAN | Firm's PAN | Company's PAN |
| Aadhaar Card | Proprietor's Aadhaar | Partners' Aadhaar | Directors' Aadhaar |
| Address Proof | Utility bill/rent agreement | Utility bill/rent agreement | Utility bill/rent agreement |
| Bank Account Proof | Cancelled cheque/Pdf statement | Cancelled cheque/Pdf statement | Cancelled cheque/Pdf statement |
| Business Registration Proof | Not required | Partnership deed | Certificate of Incorporation |
| Photograph | Proprietor's photo | Partners' photos | Directors' photos |
| Board Resolution | Not required | Not required | Board resolution for GST |
How to Download Your GST Registration Certificate
Once your application is approved and your GSTIN is issued:
- Log in to the GST portal with your Temporary Reference Number (TRN) or newly issued GSTIN.
- Navigate to "Services" → "Registration" → "View/Download Certificate."
- Click on "Download" to save your GST Registration Certificate in PDF format.
- The certificate includes your GSTIN, legal name, trade name, address, date of registration, and the types of taxes you are required to pay (CGST, SGST/UTGST, IGST).
- The certificate is digitally signed and serves as legal proof of your GST registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between ARN and TRN?
ARN (Application Reference Number) is generated when you submit a GST registration application. TRN (Temporary Reference Number) is generated when you save a draft application before submission. The ARN is used for tracking after submission; the TRN is used to access and complete a saved draft.
Q2: How long is the ARN valid for?
The ARN is valid until your application is processed (approved or rejected). Once your GSTIN is issued, the ARN is no longer needed for tracking. However, you should keep the ARN for your records as proof of application.
Q3: Can I track GST application without ARN?
If you have lost your ARN, you can retrieve it by logging into the GST portal using your TRN. Navigate to "Track Application Status" and enter your login credentials to see all your applications with their respective ARNs.
Q4: What happens if I do not respond to a GST query in time?
If you fail to respond to a query within the specified time (usually 7 working days), your application may be summarily rejected. You will then need to file a fresh application with complete documentation.
Q5: Is physical verification mandatory for GST registration?
Physical verification of the business premises is not mandatory for all applications. It is typically required if: (a) the application is flagged for high-risk, (b) the address verification documents are insufficient, or (c) the GST officer deems it necessary based on the nature of the business.
Conclusion
Tracking your GST application status using your ARN is a straightforward process that gives you real-time visibility into where your application stands in the registration workflow. The key takeaway is to keep your ARN safe, respond promptly to any queries raised by the GST officer (within 7 working days), and ensure all your documents are complete and legible before submitting.
Most GST registration applications are processed within 7-15 working days, provided there are no queries or issues. If your application is pending beyond this period, proactively follow up through the portal, the helpdesk, or directly with the jurisdictional GST officer.
For more GST-related guides, compliance checklists, and business tools, visit ToolsOfIndia.com.