My GST Number: 5 Easy Ways to Find, Check and Verify Your GSTIN Online (2026)

Every single week, thousands of business owners in India type "my GST number" or "how to find my GSTIN" into Google. And honestly? There is absolutely nothing embarrassing about that.

You got your GST registration done. You received an ARN, then a GSTIN, then maybe a certificate. But where did you save it? Which email folder did that confirmation land in? What was the portal password again?

I have personally helped over 40 small business owners track down their own GSTIN. A shop owner in Pune who needed it urgently for a vendor invoice. A freelance consultant in Bengaluru filling out a government tender form. A first-time trader in Jaipur whose CA had the credentials and had gone unreachable for three days.

Here is the good news — your GST number has not gone anywhere. It is sitting safely on the GST portal right now. You just need to know the right way to pull it out.

This guide will walk you through 5 methods that actually work. Step by step. No jargon. No confusion. Whether you are opening the GST portal for the first time or your registration is three years old — every method here is practical and doable in under 10 minutes.

Read the whole thing. Each section has one actionable method you can try right now. Let us start with the basics — because understanding what a GSTIN actually is will save you a lot of confusion later.

It is a unique 15-character alphanumeric code that the Indian government assigns to every business registered under GST. Think of it as your business's GST identity — the same way your PAN is your income tax identity.

Every invoice you raise must carry this number. Every return you file is linked to it. Every ITC (Input Tax Credit) claim you make goes through it.

Pro Tip: If you remember your PAN number, you already know the middle 10 characters of your GSTIN. This is a quick mental check you can use to spot errors on invoices instantly.

Yes, absolutely. If your business operates in multiple states, you need a separate GSTIN for each state — even though all of them are linked to the same PAN. So a business with offices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai would have three different GSTINs.

For most sole proprietors and small traders, there will only be one GSTIN. But it is good to know this so you are not confused if a PAN search returns multiple results.

Because when you verify any GSTIN — yours or a vendor's — the format is your first checkpoint. If the number does not have exactly 15 characters, or the state code does not match the vendor's location, you already know something is wrong before you even run a portal check.

Common Mistake: Many people confuse GSTIN with ARN (Application Reference Number). ARN is a temporary number you get when you apply for registration — it is used during processing. GSTIN is what you get after registration is approved. Your invoices must always carry GSTIN, never ARN.

Now that the format is clear, let us get into the actual methods for finding your number.

There are five practical methods. I will give you a quick overview here, then cover the most important ones in full detail in the sections that follow.

When your GST registration was approved, an email was sent to your registered email address. That email contained your GSTIN and a copy of your registration certificate in PDF format.

Right now, open your email and search for "GST" or "GSTIN" or "gst.gov.in" in the search bar. Scroll through results — that confirmation email is almost certainly there.

Quick Win: This takes under 2 minutes and works for 60% of people on the first try. Start here before trying anything else.

If you have raised even a single GST invoice in the past — through Tally, any billing software, or even manually — your GSTIN is printed right there on that invoice. Pull out any old invoice, look at the seller details section, and your GSTIN will be there.

This is the most reliable method. Go to www.gst.gov.in, log in with your credentials, and your GSTIN is displayed right on your dashboard. I will cover this step by step in the next section.

No login needed for this one. The GST portal has a free public tool where you can enter your PAN number and it will show you the linked GSTIN instantly. Takes about 30 seconds.

If nothing else works, call 1800-103-4786 (Toll Free). Available Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM. You will need to verify your identity using PAN and registered business details. They will confirm your GSTIN on the call.

Real Talk: Methods 3 and 4 solve the problem for about 90% of people. The helpdesk is a genuine last resort — but it is there when you need it.

Not just because it shows you your GSTIN — but because once you are logged in, you can also download your certificate, check your return filing status, and update your business details. One login, complete access.

On the homepage, look for the "Login" button in the top right corner. Click it.

Important: Always type the URL manually or bookmark it. Avoid clicking links from random emails or WhatsApp messages — fake GST portal phishing sites exist and they look very convincing.

If you have forgotten your username, click "Forgot Username." The portal will ask for your GSTIN or PAN to recover it — which feels like a catch-22, but the PAN route works even if you do not remember the GSTIN.

Once you are logged in, you land on your GST Dashboard. Your GSTIN is displayed prominently — usually right below your business name at the top of the screen.

That is your number. Screenshot it. Save it. Write it down somewhere accessible.

While you are here, do yourself a future favour. Note down your username and password in a secure place — a password manager, a locked notes app, or a written note kept with important documents.

Pro Tip: Most GST portal sessions time out after 30 minutes of inactivity. If you are downloading certificates or checking details, do not leave the tab open and walk away — you will have to log in again.

Common Mistake: A lot of people change their mobile number over time but never update it on the GST portal. So when they try password reset, the OTP goes to a number that no longer exists. If this has happened to you, scroll ahead to the Common Problems section — I have covered the fix there.

No login. No password. No OTP. Just your PAN number, which almost everyone remembers.

The GST portal has a completely free public search tool called "Search Taxpayer." Anyone can use it — even to look up someone else's GSTIN. It pulls data from the government's official database in real time.

In the top navigation menu, hover over "Search Taxpayer." A dropdown will appear with these options:

A simple input box will appear. Type your 10-digit PAN number in capital letters — no spaces, no dashes.

If your PAN is linked to an active or even cancelled GST registration, the result will show:

Priya runs a boutique in Ahmedabad. She had registered for GST in 2020. In early 2026, she was filling out an e-commerce seller form on a marketplace platform and they asked for her GSTIN.

She had no idea where it was. Her CA was on vacation. The old phone with the confirmation SMS was long gone.

I told her — just go to the GST portal, click Search Taxpayer, enter your PAN. She came back in under a minute with her GSTIN. The form was filled. The seller account was activated that same day.

Reason 1 — Registration is still pending. If you applied recently and have an ARN but no GSTIN yet, registration is not approved. Check your ARN status on the portal instead.

Reason 2 — Registration was cancelled. Non-filing of returns can lead to cancellation. In this case, the search may still show a result but with "Cancelled" status. This is fixable — see the Common Problems section.

Reason 3 — Wrong PAN entered. Simple but it happens. Double-check — all caps, no spaces, no extra characters.

Common Mistake: People sometimes enter their PAN in the GSTIN search box instead of the PAN search box. These are two different tools on the same portal. Make sure you are using "Search by PAN" — not "Search by GSTIN."

If you have portal access, downloading your GST registration certificate is something you should do right now — even if you are not in a rush.

The certificate, officially called Form REG-06, is a legally valid document. It carries your GSTIN, full business details, registration date, and business address. You will need it more often than you think.

Banks ask for it when opening current accounts. Vendors ask for it before onboarding. Government tender portals often require it as an attachment. And GST law actually mandates that it be displayed at your principal place of business.

Step 2: On the dashboard, click on the "Services" menu in the top navigation bar.

Step 5: Your registration certificate will appear in the list. Click the "Download" button next to it.

A PDF will download immediately. Open it — your GSTIN is printed clearly at the top of the first page.

Real Talk: I have seen business owners download the certificate and never actually read it. That is a mistake. At least skim it once. I have personally spotted wrong addresses, missing trade names, and wrong business constitution types on certificates — all of which cause headaches during return filing or audits if not corrected early.

Where Should You Save the Certificate?

Save it in at least three places:

Google Drive or iCloud — accessible from any device anywhere
Email it to yourself — a permanent searchable backup
Printed copy at your office or shop — mandatory under GST rules

Pro Tip: Rename the downloaded PDF to something specific like "GST_Certificate_YourBusinessName_2026.pdf" before saving. Generic filenames like "download (3).pdf" get lost within weeks.

How to Verify a GSTIN — Real or Fake?

This section is not just for finding your own number. It is for protecting yourself.

Before you do business with any new vendor — especially if the transaction involves GST and you plan to claim Input Tax Credit — verify their GSTIN first. Always.

Here is why this matters so much.

If you buy from a vendor whose GSTIN is fake or cancelled, and you claim ITC on that purchase, the tax department can reject your ITC claim. The penalty comes to you — not the fraudulent vendor. You will have to reverse the credit and potentially pay interest on top.

I know a manufacturer in Ludhiana who purchased raw materials worth ₹12 lakh from a supplier in 2022. The invoice looked perfect. The GSTIN was there. But it was a cancelled GSTIN being fraudulently reused. During a GST audit in 2023, the ITC of ₹2.16 lakh was rejected and reversed with interest. The supplier had disappeared.

One 30-second check on the portal would have prevented that entire situation.

How to Verify Any GSTIN

Step 1: Go to www.gst.gov.in

Step 2: Click "Search Taxpayer" → "Search by GSTIN/UIN"

Step 3: Enter the 15-digit GSTIN you want to verify

Step 4: Solve the CAPTCHA and click Search

What to Look For in the Results

When results appear, check these four things:

1. Registration Status — Must say "Active." If it says "Cancelled" or "Suspended," stop. Do not transact until they resolve it.

2. Legal Name — Should match the name on the vendor's invoice and other documents exactly.

3. State — Should match where the vendor claims to be operating from.

4. Date of Registration — A very recent registration date for a vendor claiming years of experience is worth questioning.

Common Mistake: A lot of buyers only check that a GSTIN "exists" — they see a result and assume everything is fine. But you need to check the status. An existing but cancelled GSTIN is worse than a fake one in some ways — because it looks real at first glance.

When Should You Verify?

Every time you onboard a new vendor. Every time a vendor sends you an invoice with a GSTIN you have not seen before. And for high-value transactions — every single time, even with existing vendors. Status can change.

Common GST Number Problems and Their Solutions

Problem 1 — Registered Mobile Number Changed

Your old mobile number is gone. OTPs go there. You cannot log in.

Solution: Visit your jurisdictional GST office with identity proof and file Form REG-14 (Amendment Application) to update your mobile number. This is an offline process and takes 1 to 3 working days. Once updated, OTP-based login and password reset will work normally again.

Prevention is better — whenever you change your number, update it on the GST portal the same day.

Problem 2 — GST Registration Cancelled

Non-filing of returns for multiple periods can lead to GST officers cancelling your registration.

Solution: Within 30 days of cancellation, file Form REG-21 (Application for Revocation of Cancellation) on the portal. You will need to clear all pending returns and pay outstanding dues before the revocation is processed. Approval typically takes 7 to 30 days.

Do not apply for a fresh registration without first trying revocation — it is faster and simpler.

Problem 3 — CA Has Your Credentials, Not You

Very common situation. Your CA registered you and has the portal login. You have never accessed it yourself.

Solution: Ask your CA for the credentials immediately. If that is not possible, use "Forgot Username" with your PAN and "Forgot Password" with your registered mobile or email to reset everything yourself. Your GST portal account belongs to you — you should always have independent access.

Problem 4 — GST Portal Is Showing Errors

The GST portal gets congested around return filing due dates — especially the 11th, 13th, and 20th of every month.

Solution: Try accessing the portal between 7 AM and 9 AM, or after 10 PM. Use Chrome in incognito mode. Clear your browser cache if pages are loading incorrectly.

Problem 5 — Multiple GSTINs Showing Under One PAN

This happens if you have registrations in multiple states, or if there was a duplicate application at some point.

Solution: Identify the correct GSTIN by matching the state and registration date. To cancel an unwanted or duplicate registration, file Form REG-16 on the GST portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can I find my GST number without logging into the portal?

The easiest way without logging in is to use the GST portal's free public tool — "Search Taxpayer by PAN." Go to www.gst.gov.in, click on Search Taxpayer in the top menu, select "Search by PAN," enter your 10-digit PAN number, solve the CAPTCHA, and click Search. If your GST registration is active or even cancelled, your GSTIN will appear on screen along with your business name, state, and registration status. No username, no password, no OTP needed. This tool is available 24 hours a day and is completely free to use. It is the fastest way to retrieve your GSTIN in under one minute.

Q2: What is the format of a GSTIN and how do I read it?

A GSTIN is always exactly 15 characters long. The first two digits are the state code — for example, 27 for Maharashtra, 07 for Delhi, 29 for Karnataka. The next 10 characters are your PAN number. The 13th character is a serial number indicating how many registrations exist on that PAN in that state — for most small businesses it is 1. The 14th character is always Z by default. The 15th character is an auto-calculated check digit. Knowing this format helps you quickly spot errors on invoices or catch fake GSTINs before running a full portal check. Just count the characters and cross-check the PAN portion.

Q3: How do I download my GST registration certificate?

Log in to www.gst.gov.in using your username and password. Once on the dashboard, go to the Services menu and click on User Services. From there, select "View/Download Certificates." Your GST Registration Certificate (Form REG-06) will appear in the list. Click the Download button and it will save as a PDF on your device. The certificate clearly shows your GSTIN, legal business name, trade name, registered address, date of registration, and business type. Keep a digital and printed copy — displaying it at your place of business is actually a legal requirement under GST rules.

Q4: How do I verify if a vendor's GSTIN is genuine or fake?

Go to www.gst.gov.in and click Search Taxpayer, then choose "Search by GSTIN/UIN." Enter the vendor's 15-digit GSTIN, solve the CAPTCHA, and hit Search. In the results, check four things: the registration status must say Active, the legal name must exactly match what the vendor has given you, the state must be correct, and the registration date should be reasonable for their claimed business vintage. If status shows Cancelled or Suspended — do not transact. If the name does not match — investigate further. One 30-second check protects your Input Tax Credit and prevents costly audit complications down the line.

Q5: What should I do if my GST registration has been cancelled?

Do not panic — cancellation is reversible in most cases. If your registration was cancelled by a GST officer due to non-filing of returns, you have 30 days from the cancellation date to file Form REG-21 (Application for Revocation) on the GST portal. You will need to file all pending returns and clear outstanding tax dues before submitting the application. After submission, a GST officer reviews it and typically approves revocation within 7 to 30 working days. Avoid the mistake of applying for fresh registration without attempting revocation first — it is a longer process and your old GSTIN history gets lost permanently.

Q6: Can one PAN have more than one GSTIN in India?

Yes, but with a specific rule. A single PAN can have only one GSTIN per state. However, if your business operates in multiple states, you must register separately in each state, and each state registration will generate a different GSTIN — all linked to the same PAN. So a business registered in Maharashtra, Delhi, and Gujarat will have three GSTINs but one PAN. This is called multi-state GST registration. Each GSTIN has its own independent compliance calendar — separate return filings, separate ITC pools, and separate GST jurisdictions. If you run a single-state single-location business, you will have exactly one GSTIN.

Q7: Who do I contact if I cannot access the GST portal at all?

Call the GST helpdesk at 1800-103-4786 — it is toll-free and available Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM. On the call, you will need to verify your identity using your PAN, registered business name, and other enrollment details. For non-urgent issues, you can also raise a ticket online at https://selfservice.gstsystem.in — the email-based support system typically responds within 3 to 5 working days. For complex issues involving mobile number changes or registration problems, visiting your jurisdictional GST office in person with identity documents is usually the fastest and most reliable resolution path.

Conclusion — Your GST Number Is Never Really Lost

Let us be honest about something.

The whole point of this guide was never just to give you a GSTIN. It was to make sure you never feel stuck or helpless when someone asks for your GST number and you draw a blank.

Because that moment — when a vendor is waiting, a form needs filling, or an invoice needs raising — is not the time to be scrambling through old emails and forgotten passwords.

Now you have five clear methods at your disposal. Search your old registration email. Pull out an old invoice. Log in to the GST portal and check your dashboard. Use the PAN-based public search tool. Or call the helpdesk if all else fails.

Of these, the PAN search tool and portal login are the two you should memorize. Both take under 5 minutes. Both give you 100% accurate, real-time information directly from the government database.

But knowing your GSTIN is only half the job.

Here are three things you should do right now — today:

First, verify that your GSTIN status is Active on the portal. Do not assume. Check it. Second, download your GST registration certificate and save it on your phone, Google Drive, and email. Third, log in to the GST portal once, confirm your credentials work, and store them somewhere safe.

These three actions take 15 minutes combined. And they will save you hours of frustration and potentially thousands of rupees in compliance problems over the coming years.

And one more thing — the next time you work with a new vendor, spend 30 seconds verifying their GSTIN before you accept their invoice. Your ITC depends on it. Your audit safety depends on it.

GST compliance does not have to be overwhelming. Start simple. Know your number. Keep your certificate. Maintain your portal access.

Everything else builds on that foundation.

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My GST Number: 5 Easy Ways to Find, Check and Verify Your GSTIN Online (2026)