Quick facts
- GST stamp: no separate legal category; your normal Company or firm stamp is used.
- Rule 18(1): display the GST certificate at the principal place of business.
- Rule 18(2): GSTIN on the name board at every place of business.
- Penalty: general penalty up to Rs.25,000 under Section 125 of the CGST Act.
After GST Registration, many businesses assume they need a separate "GST stamp" or "GST signboard." Here's what's actually required.
Is there a separate GST Rubber Stamp?
Not as a distinct legal category. What businesses usually mean by a "GST Rubber Stamp" is their standard Company stamp — Director/Partner, Authorised Signatory, and Round seal — used on GST invoices, e-way bills, and other GST-related paperwork. The same set of 3 Stamps covers this.
Is a signboard mandatory under GST rules?
Yes. Under Rule 18 of the CGST Rules, 2017: Rule 18(1) requires every registered person to display their GST registration certificate in a prominent location at their principal place of business. Rule 18(2) separately requires the GSTIN to be displayed on the name board at the entrance of the principal place of business (and any additional places of business). Composition scheme taxpayers must additionally display "Composition Taxable Person" on the board.
How is this different from the Companies Act signboard requirement?
Section 12(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 requires displaying the Company's name and registered office address outside its office. Rule 18(2) of the CGST Rules requires displaying the GSTIN on a name board at the entrance. These are two separate legal requirements, under two different laws — most businesses combine both into a single signboard at their office, and add the CIN as good practice.
What's the penalty for not displaying it?
Non-compliance with Rule 18 can attract a penalty of up to Rs.25,000 under Section 125 of the CGST Act, 2017, the general penalty provision that applies where no specific penalty is prescribed elsewhere in the Act.
Do I need GST Registration before ordering my Company stamp?
No — the Company stamp (Director, Authorised Signatory, Round seal) is typically arranged right after incorporation, often before GST Registration is even complete, since it's needed for bank account opening regardless of GST status.
What's typically needed after Company Registration?
Between incorporation and opening a bank account, most Companies need both a stamp set and a signboard — the stamp for signing documents and the bank's paperwork, and the signboard to meet Section 12(3)(a) and Rule 18(2) requirements together.
Which GST Signboard should I order?
- Proprietorship or Partnership firm: the GST Signboard for Proprietorship & Partnership Firms shows your firm name in your local language and English, with your GSTIN. Rs.1,800/- (All Inclusive).
- PVT. LTD., LLP or OPC: the 3-In-1 Compliance Signboard shows your name, registered office address, CIN or LLPIN and GSTIN together. Rs.1,800/- (All Inclusive).
Just registered your PVT. LTD., LLP or OPC?
Most customers choose the Compulsory Compliance Combo Kit: 3 Pre-Inked Rubber Stamps + 1 Signboard in one order. Save Rs.400.
Rs.3,200/- (All Inclusive) · View the Compliance Combo Kit →
Read more: GST Signboard for Proprietorship & Partnership Firms, GSTIN Format Explained and Which Signboard Do You Need?
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate GST Rubber Stamp?
No. A "GST Rubber Stamp" usually means the business's standard stamp, used on GST invoices and paperwork.
Is a signboard mandatory under GST rules?
Yes. Rule 18 of the CGST Rules, 2017 requires the GSTIN on the name board at the entrance of the principal place of business and every additional place of business.
What is the penalty for not displaying the GSTIN?
Section 125 of the CGST Act, the general penalty provision, allows a penalty of up to Rs.25,000.