How to verify a GST number, and what it tells you
A GST number is one of the first documents a new vendor, dealer or seller gives you. It looks official, and it is easy to copy onto an invoice. Before you rely on it, verify it, and understand what it does and does not prove.
What a GSTIN looks like
A Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) has 15 characters:
- the first 2 are the state code
- the next 10 are the PAN of the business or person
- the 13th is the number of registrations under the same PAN in that state
- the 14th is usually the letter Z
- the 15th is a check character
This structure helps you spot obviously wrong numbers. If the PAN inside does not match the vendor's PAN, ask why.
What to check
- Does the number exist and is it active? A cancelled or suspended registration is a warning.
- Does the legal name match? Compare it with the vendor's invoice, bank account name and company papers.
- Does the address match? Check the principal place of business against where the vendor says they operate.
- Is the PAN inside the GSTIN the same as the vendor's PAN?
- What is the type of registration? For example, regular or composition.
- Are there other GSTINs under the same PAN? This shows other states where the business is registered.
What a GST number does not prove
- That a shop, factory or office actually exists at that address
- That the business has the capacity it claims
- That the person you are speaking to is the owner
- That the business is honest or financially sound
Add a site check and a bank check
Pair the GST check with a live look at the premises and a check that the bank account name matches the vendor. Many frauds use a real GSTIN of one business to impersonate it.
How Praman helps
Praman by SatyaSakshi adds GST and other business checks, such as Udyam registration, company and director details, to a case. The owner then joins a short video call and gives a live tour of the premises with location and time recorded, and the bank account holder name is checked. Procurement and finance teams get one report per vendor.
Frequently asked questions
Does a valid GST number mean the business is genuine?
It shows the business is registered. It does not prove the premises exist or that the business is trustworthy, so combine it with other checks.
How is a GSTIN structured?
It has 15 characters: two for the state code, ten for the PAN, one for the entity number, a letter Z by default, and a final check character.
What should I compare?
The legal name, trade name, address, status (active or cancelled) and the PAN inside the GSTIN against what the vendor tells you.
Related: how Praman handles this for businesses · all instant checks
Make verification simple with Praman
WhatsApp link, AI or live video call, instant ID, vehicle, business and court checks, and one evidence report. Built by investigators at SatyaSakshi.
Request a demoWhatsApp +91 70655 67277