Biometric authentication in GST registration: what you need to know (2026)

If you applied for GST registration in 2026 and received a notice asking you to complete biometric authentication for GST, you are not alone. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has rolled out Aadhaar-based biometric verification for new GST applicants across a growing number of states. This post explains what the rule means, who it applies to, how the process works, and what you should expect in terms of timelines.

What is biometric authentication in GST registration?

Biometric authentication in GST registration is an identity verification step mandated by CBIC as part of the GST application process. Instead of completing registration purely through Aadhaar OTP, certain applicants are required to physically visit a designated centre and authenticate themselves using biometric data: fingerprints, iris scan, and a photograph.

The step was introduced to tackle a surge in fraudulent GST registrations, where fake or stolen identities were being used to claim input tax credits and commit GST fraud. By adding a physical biometric check, CBIC ensures that the person named in the application is a real individual who can be physically verified.

This is governed under Rule 8 of the CGST Rules, 2017, as amended. The GST Network (GSTN) runs a risk-scoring engine in the background; applicants flagged as high-risk are routed to biometric verification rather than the standard Aadhaar OTP route.

When was it introduced and why?

CBIC first piloted biometric-based Aadhaar authentication in Gujarat in 2023, followed by Andhra Pradesh. After the pilot produced measurable reductions in fake registrations, the government began extending the requirement to additional states through a series of notifications. By 2026, the list of notified states has expanded significantly, and the expectation is that the rule will eventually apply nationwide.

The underlying problem the policy addresses: GSTN data showed that a substantial share of new registrations in certain risk categories were linked to bogus identities. These entities would register, claim ITC, and vanish before detection. Biometric verification disrupts this at the point of entry.

For a broader overview of how the overall process fits together, see the GST registration process in India.

Who needs to go for biometric verification?

Not every applicant is sent for biometric verification. The GSTN risk engine evaluates your application against a set of parameters and assigns a risk score. You will be flagged for biometric authentication if:

• You are applying for registration in a state where biometric verification is currently mandatory for all new applicants.
• Your application is flagged as high-risk based on factors such as the promoter’s Aadhaar history, business address patterns, the nature of the business, or connections to previously cancelled registrations.
• The authorised signatory or primary promoter is associated with multiple GST applications across states.

Low-risk applicants in states where biometric is not yet mandatory can still complete the process through Aadhaar OTP authentication without visiting a centre.

States where biometric GST verification is mandatory (2026)

As of 2026, CBIC has notified the following states and union territories where biometric authentication is either mandatory for all new registrations or applies to flagged applicants. The position can change as new notifications are issued; always check the latest CBIC circular before filing.

State / UT	Biometric status	Applies to
Gujarat	Mandatory (notified)	All new applicants
Andhra Pradesh	Mandatory (notified)	All new applicants
Telangana	Mandatory (notified)	All new applicants
Karnataka	Mandatory (notified)	All new applicants
Tamil Nadu	Mandatory (notified)	All new applicants
Maharashtra	Mandatory (notified)	All new applicants
Rajasthan	Mandatory (notified)	All new applicants
West Bengal	Risk-based (flagged applicants)	High-risk applicants only
Uttar Pradesh	Risk-based (flagged applicants)	High-risk applicants only
Delhi	Risk-based (flagged applicants)	High-risk applicants only
Other states / UTs	Aadhaar OTP (default)	Low-risk applicants

Refer to CBIC GST registration instructions 2026 for the latest notification references.

How the biometric GST registration process works

The process begins after you submit your GST registration application (Form GST REG-01) on the GST portal. Here is the sequence from submission to certificate issuance.

Step	What happens	Who acts
1. Application submission	You submit GST REG-01 with all required documents	Applicant
2. Risk scoring	GSTN system evaluates application; assigns OTP or biometric route	GSTN (automated)
3. Notification	If biometric required, you receive an SMS and email with a link to schedule appointment at a GST Suvidha Kendra (GSK)	GSTN
4. Appointment booking	You click the link, select a nearby GSK, and choose a date and time slot	Applicant
5. Centre visit	You visit the GSK on the scheduled date with original documents	Applicant
6. Biometric capture	Centre operator captures fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph; verifies original documents	GSK operator
7. Verification confirmation	Centre marks verification as complete on the portal	GSK operator
8. Processing	GST officer reviews application post-verification; may raise query or approve	GST officer
9. Certificate issuance	GSTIN and registration certificate issued on approval	GSTN / officer

What happens at the biometric centre?

When you arrive at the GST Suvidha Kendra or designated biometric centre, the operator will:

1. Verify your appointment reference number from the SMS or email.
2. Check your original Aadhaar card against the details in your application.
3. Capture all ten fingerprints using a biometric scanner.
4. Capture an iris scan of both eyes.
5. Take a live photograph.
6. Verify any other original documents you have brought (PAN, address proof, and supporting documents submitted with the application).
7. Mark the verification as complete on the GST portal.

The entire visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on queue length at the centre.

Documents to carry to the biometric centre

• Original Aadhaar card (the one linked to the mobile number used in the application)
• Original PAN card of the applicant or authorised signatory
• Business address proof: electricity bill, rent agreement, NOC from property owner, or other document submitted in the application
• Any other document uploaded in the GST REG-01 form (bank statement, incorporation certificate, partnership deed, etc.)
• A printed or digital copy of your appointment confirmation

Carry originals. Photocopies are not accepted for biometric verification. For guidance on what counts as valid address proof, see address proof for GST registration.

Timeline impact: how biometric affects your registration schedule

Under the standard Aadhaar OTP route, GST registration is typically processed within 3 to 7 working days, provided the application is complete and no notice is issued. The biometric route adds time at multiple points.

• Appointment availability: Slots at GSKs may be 2 to 5 days out from the date you receive the notification.
• Processing after visit: The officer reviews the application after verification is marked complete, which can take an additional 3 to 5 working days.
• No deemed approval during biometric pending: The 7-day deemed approval rule under Rule 9 does not apply while biometric verification is pending. The clock on officer processing begins only after the biometric step is completed.

In practice, applicants going through biometric verification should plan for a total registration timeline of 10 to 20 working days from application submission.

What to do if biometric fails or you cannot attend

Two situations can arise: a technical failure at the centre, or your inability to attend on the scheduled date.

If the biometric scan fails

Biometric scans can fail due to poor fingerprint quality (common in manual labourers or elderly applicants) or technical issues with the scanner. If this happens:

• The centre operator will attempt the scan multiple times.
• If the iris scan succeeds but fingerprints fail (or vice versa), a partial match may be accepted depending on UIDAI guidelines at the time.
• A failure report is raised on the portal. The GST officer will then determine the next step, which may include alternative verification or a second visit.

If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment

• Log in to the GST portal using the link in your notification email.
• Use the reschedule option to pick a new date. A limited number of reschedules are permitted; CBIC circulars specify the maximum (typically two reschedules).
• If you exhaust reschedule attempts or miss appointments without rescheduling, your application is liable to be rejected. You would need to file a fresh application.
• In genuine hardship cases (medical emergency, etc.), you can write to the jurisdictional GST officer explaining the circumstances before the deadline.

Aadhaar OTP vs biometric: what is the difference?

If your application is assessed as low-risk and you are applying in a state where biometric is not yet mandatory, you will be offered Aadhaar OTP authentication instead. This works as follows: you enter your Aadhaar number on the GST portal, an OTP is sent to the mobile number registered with UIDAI, you enter the OTP, and authentication is complete. No physical visit is required.

The OTP route is faster, but it offers a lower level of identity assurance, which is why CBIC is progressively replacing it with biometric verification for higher-risk applicants and additional states.

How to reduce the chance of being flagged for biometric verification

Ensuring your application is complete, consistent, and supported by clear documentation lowers your risk score. Submitting an address that is already registered in GSTN records and providing proper supporting documents (such as a valid rent agreement and NOC from the premises owner) reduces the likelihood of being flagged. If you are registering with a virtual office address, using a provider that supplies GST-compliant address documents helps. myHQ Virtual Office provides the necessary compliance documents for GST registration across 25+ cities in India.

Frequently asked questions

Is biometric mandatory for all GST applicants in 2026?

No. Biometric verification is currently mandatory in specific notified states and for applicants flagged as high-risk by the GSTN risk engine. Applicants in non-notified states who are assessed as low-risk can still use the Aadhaar OTP route. The list of notified states is expanding, so the situation may change depending on when and where you apply.

Can I send someone else to the biometric centre on my behalf?

No. Biometric verification is personal and cannot be completed by a representative or CA on your behalf. The person whose Aadhaar is being authenticated must be physically present at the centre.

What happens to my GST application while biometric is pending?

Your application remains in a pending state. The GST officer does not process it until biometric verification is completed and confirmed. The deemed approval clock does not run during this period, so delays in completing the biometric step directly extend your registration timeline.

Does biometric apply to amendment applications as well?

Currently, biometric verification is primarily applicable to fresh GST registration applications. Some amendment scenarios (such as change of authorised signatory) may trigger a re-verification, but this is determined case by case. Check the relevant CBIC notification for the specific amendment type you are filing.

Where can I find a GST Suvidha Kendra near me?

When GSTN sends you the appointment booking link, it includes a locator to find GSKs in your district or city. You can also check the GST portal under the “Locate GSK” section. In some states, Common Service Centres (CSC) are also designated as biometric collection points.

What if I do not have a mobile number linked to my Aadhaar?

If your Aadhaar is not linked to an active mobile number, OTP-based Aadhaar authentication is not possible. In this case, you will be directed to biometric verification regardless of your risk score. Linking your Aadhaar to an active mobile number before applying is recommended to retain the option of the OTP route if you are eligible for it.

Is there a fee to visit the biometric centre?

No fee is charged at the GST Suvidha Kendra for biometric verification under the GST registration process. If any centre demands a fee, you should report it to the jurisdictional GST commissionerate.