Quick answer: A Proprietorship or Partnership firm registered under GST must display its GSTIN on the name board at the entry of its principal place of business and at every additional place of business (Rule 18 of the CGST Rules, 2017). A clean GST Signboard shows three lines: the firm name in your local language, the firm name in English, and the GSTIN.
Is a GST Signboard mandatory for a Proprietorship or Partnership firm?
Yes, once the firm is registered under GST. Rule 18(2) of the CGST Rules requires every registered person to display their GSTIN on the name board exhibited at the entry of the principal place of business and at every additional place of business. Rule 18(1) separately requires the GST registration certificate to be displayed in a prominent place inside.
The rule applies to the business, not to the type of entity, so it covers Proprietorship firms and Partnership firms exactly as it covers Companies and LLPs. More detail: GST Signboard Rules.
What should a GST Signboard show?
| Line | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Firm name in your local language (largest line) | रबर स्टॅम्पवाला |
| 2 | Firm name in English | RUBBER STAMPWALA |
| 3 | GSTIN, with the label | GSTIN: 27AADCZ1398L1ZO |
Use the trade name exactly as it appears on your GST registration certificate (Form GST REG-06). If your certificate shows only a legal name, use that. The name on the board should match the name on your invoices, your bank account and your stamps.
Which language should come first, and how big?
Many states require the local language on shop and business boards. In Maharashtra, Section 36A of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act requires the name board in Marathi in Devanagari script, with Marathi written first and in letters no smaller than any other language. Karnataka requires a large share of the board in Kannada.
The simple rule that works everywhere: put the local-language name on top, in the largest font, and the English name below it, in a smaller font. Every RUBBER STAMPWALA GST Signboard is made this way.
What size should the GST Signboard be?
The law does not fix a size; it only asks for a board that is displayed at the entry and can be read easily. A 33 cm × 20 cm acrylic board fits three bold lines clearly and suits most shop and office entrances.
Do I need one board for every place of business?
Yes. Rule 18(2) covers the principal place of business and every additional place of business shown on your GST registration, such as a second shop or a godown. Each one needs its own board with the GSTIN.
I opted for the Composition Scheme. Does anything change?
Yes. Under Rule 5(1)(g) of the CGST Rules, a composition taxpayer must also mention the words "composition taxable person" on every notice or signboard displayed at a prominent place at the principal place of business and every additional place of business. Mention this in the Special Instruction box when you order.
What if I don't display my GSTIN?
Not displaying the GSTIN can attract the general penalty under Section 125 of the CGST Act, 2017, which can go up to Rs.25,000. GST officers often check the name board during physical verification of a new registration.
Which Signboard is right for me?
- Proprietorship or Partnership firm: GST Signboard for Proprietorship & Partnership Firms — Rs.1,800/- (All Inclusive)
- PVT. LTD., LLP or OPC: 3-In-1 Compliance Signboard, which also shows the CIN or LLPIN and registered office address
Still unsure? Read Which Signboard Do You Need?
Registered a PVT. LTD., LLP or OPC instead?
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Rs.3,200/- (All Inclusive) · View the Compliance Combo Kit →
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my mobile number or address on the GST Signboard?
The GST rule asks only for the GSTIN on the name board. Keeping the board to three lines makes the firm name and GSTIN easy to read from a distance. Add any extra detail in the Special Instruction box if you need it.
Can a Partnership firm use the partners' names on the board?
Use the firm name as registered under GST. The partners' names are not required on the GST Signboard.
How do I check my GSTIN before printing?
Copy it from your registration certificate and check it on the GST portal. A single wrong character makes the board useless. See GSTIN Format Explained.
What else should I do after GST registration?
See the full checklist: Things to Do After Receiving Your GST Registration Certificate. Your firm will also need its stamps: Partnership Firm & Proprietorship Stamp Format.
Make your GST Signboard
Type your firm name and GSTIN on the GST Signboard page and see the live preview instantly. Nothing is made until you approve the preview.
This article is for general awareness and is not legal advice. Rules can change, so please confirm the current requirements for your state with a professional.