Easy Way to Apply for Trade License Online at Home and List of Documents
Trade License Online: Are you planning to start a new business in West Bengal or need to renew an existing license? Gone are the days of standing in long queues at the municipality or panchayat offices. Thanks to the State Government’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ initiative, obtaining a Trade License or ‘Certificate of Enlistment’ has become entirely digital. You can now complete this legal procedure from the comfort of your home using just a smartphone or laptop. In this report, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Trade License online and the documents required.
Documents Required for Application
Before you begin the application on the online portal, it is essential to have scanned copies of certain important documents ready. Incomplete documentation may lead to the rejection of your application. Below is the list of required documents:
| Document Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof (Any one) | Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport. |
| Address Proof (Own Property) | Current Municipal Property Tax Receipt. |
| Address Proof (Rented Property) | Rent Agreement or Rent Receipt along with the Landlord’s No Objection Certificate (NOC). |
| Entity Proof | Partnership Deed for partnership firms, Incorporation Certificate for companies. |
Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
Applications can be submitted through designated West Bengal government portals such as Silpasathi, e-District, or the UD&MA website. The process is as follows:
1. Portal Registration: First, visit the relevant government portal. Register or ‘Sign Up’ using your name, a valid mobile number, and an email ID. Once registered, log in using the User ID and password created.
2. Service Selection: After accessing the dashboard, navigate to the ‘All Services’ or ‘Apply Online’ menu. Select the option “Issuance of Trade License” or “Certificate of Enlistment”. The Common Application Form (CAF) will then appear on your screen.
3. Filling Details & Uploading Documents: Accurately fill in the details regarding your business name, address, date of commencement, and number of employees. Next, upload the previously scanned identity and property documents in the specified format (PDF/JPG). Before final submission, click on ‘Save & Preview’ to verify all the information.
4. Fee Payment & Certificate Download: Once the application form is submitted, you will be required to pay the prescribed government fee. This payment can be made via Net Banking, Debit Card, or UPI. Upon successful payment and approval, the Trade License will be generated on your dashboard. You can simply download the PDF file and print it out for your records.
Important Tips
Ensure that the mobile number provided during the application is active, as OTP verification is crucial for the process. Additionally, make sure the scanned documents are clear and legible to facilitate easy verification by the authorities. It is also advisable to save the ‘Application ID’ or acknowledgement slip generated at the end of the process for future reference.
