Sole proprietorship (no separate registration): documents, fees and how to apply online and offline
The simplest form: the owner and the business are the same person, with unlimited liability. Not eligible for DPIIT recognition.
How to apply online, step by step
- Get Udyam registration, GST (when required) and the State shop licence in the business name.
- Open a current account in the business name using those certificates.
How to apply offline (in person)
- The bank and local bodies accept the same certificates on paper.
Documents required for Sole proprietorship (no separate registration), and how to get each
PAN card of each founder / director / partner
Get it online
- Instant e-PAN: on the Income Tax e-filing portal choose 'Instant e-PAN', enter Aadhaar and the OTP; the e-PAN PDF arrives in minutes, free.
- Or apply on Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL with Form 49A for a printed card.
Get it in person
- Fill Form 49A at a PAN centre (Protean / UTIITSL facilitation centre), attach ID, address and date of birth proof and a photo, pay the fee; the card is posted to you.
Fee: Instant e-PAN free; printed card about Rs 107 (Indian address) · Time: Minutes (e-PAN); about 2 weeks (printed card) · Official site
Aadhaar of each founder (linked to a working mobile number)
Get it online
- Already enrolled: download e-Aadhaar from myAadhaar (uidai.gov.in) with the OTP; update the address online with a proof.
Get it in person
- Enrol, or update the mobile number or biometrics, at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra or bank / post office enrolment centre.
Fee: Enrolment free; updates Rs 50 to Rs 100 · Time: Download instantly; updates up to about 30 days · Official site
Recent passport-size photographs (and a scanned copy)
Get it online
- Scan or photograph against a plain light background; keep a JPEG under 100 KB for portal uploads.
Get it in person
- Any photo studio; ask for both prints and a soft copy.
Fee: Nominal · Time: Same day
Proof of the business address: rent agreement or ownership papers, owner's NOC, and a recent utility bill
Get it online
- Rented premises: buy an e-stamp paper for the rent agreement online (SHCIL e-stamping in most States) and get it signed by both sides; some States register leave-and-licence agreements online.
- Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner allowing business use of the address.
- Download the latest electricity, water or gas bill of the premises (not older than 2 months).
Get it in person
- Buy stamp paper from a licensed vendor or the sub-registrar's office, draft the agreement, sign before witnesses and notarise it (register it at the sub-registrar's office if the State requires).
- Ask the owner for a signed NOC and a copy of the property tax receipt or utility bill.
Fee: Stamp duty as per the State; notary fee nominal · Time: 1 to 3 days · Official site
Questions people ask
How much does Sole proprietorship (no separate registration) cost?
None for the form itself
How long does Sole proprietorship (no separate registration) take?
Same day to a week
Who issues Sole proprietorship (no separate registration)?
None (identity through tax and local registrations)
Can I apply for Sole proprietorship (no separate registration) without an agent?
Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.
Official source: https://udyamregistration.gov.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.
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