NGO Registration: Process Explained with Documents Required
Business / Nov 19, 2025
That is why starting an NGO is one of the Best Ways to create change in a community. However, one should always start by learning about the NGO registration process and the required documents. If considering local outreach or nationwide impact, having a legally recognized NGO brings credibility and the ability to fundraise and receive government aid.
Why Register an NGO?
Advantages of NGO registration are anything but trivial:
- Legal identity and recognition
- Access to government schemes and grants
- Tax exemptions for the NGO and its donors
- Increased Transparency and trust
Above all, registration enhances your ability to make a truly meaningful difference.
Types of NGOs in India
There are three primary frameworks for registering an NGO in India:
- Trust: Best for charitable purposes, and is governed by the Indian Trusts Act.
- Society: Best for member-led organizations in the Society Registration Act.
- Section 8 Company: Opted for larger and formally structured non-profits, and is registered under the Companies Act.
Each subtype has a different registration process and requires a different set of documents.
The Registration of an NGO in India
The following is a basic guide on how to register an NGO in India:
1. Choose your NGO Structure
Based on your goals and your team's size, decide whether the organization will be a Trust, a Society, or a Section 8 Company.
2. Choose an Original Name
Choose an original name that incorporates your vision and complies with necessary legal requirements. Also, check whether the name is already registered with another NGO or business. Clients should respect this procedure.
3. Complete the Necessary Paperwork
Having the right documents is crucial. Cross-referencing the list below should make document retrieval easier.
- Proof of identity (Aadhar, PAN, Passport) for all the founders/trustees/board members
- Proof of address of registered office (utility bills, rental agreement, etc.)
- Passport-size Photograph of all founders and members
- Memorandum of Association, along with the Rules & Regulations for each of the Societies/Section 8 Companies
- Trust Deed for Trusts
- Affidavit declaring the credibility of the purposes and the location (for societies)
- Director Identification Number (DIN) and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) (for Section 8 Companies)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord if the office is leased
- These are the minimum NGO registration documents; additional documents may be required depending on your NGO's legal structure and the laws of the state.
Documents Required for NGO Registration At a Glance
| Document | Trust | Society | Section 8 Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founder ID & Address Proof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Passport Photos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MOA & Rules/Regulations | No | Yes | Yes |
| Trust Deed | Yes | No | No |
| Affidavit (Society) | No | Yes | No |
| DSC & DIN | No | No | Yes |
| NOC for Office | Yes/No (as needed) | Yes/No (as needed) | Yes/No (as needed) |
This helps keep your registration request immaculate and reduces unnecessary delays in the process.
As of today, NGO Registration Online has become common and effective due to the advancement of digitization.
For Societies, applications, along with the required documents, must be addressed to the Registrar of Societies of the respective state and delivered in person.
To upload digital documents and file SPICe+ on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal, Section 8 Companies must first complete the SPICe+ form.
Trusts in most jurisdictions still require in-person applications, though some jurisdictions allow partial applications to be submitted electronically.
In most jurisdictions, the first step to registering a company electronically is obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and a Director Identification Number (DIN). Most states and the Union government recommend or require electronic filing to enhance efficiency in the NGO registration process and ensure accountability.
Breakdown: NGO Registration Online
When creating a Section 8 Company, ensure that all directors have a DSC and a DIN.
Secondly, reserve the NGO name with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Thirdly, draft the MOA and AOA, and compile all necessary documents.
Then, complete SPICe+ Parts A and B.
After that, you will have to submit and pay.
After the ROC approves the submission, you will get the Certificate of Incorporation.
If creating a Society, you first have to register on the state Registrar of Societies website.
Then, you will have to upload the scanned MOA and the Rules, along with ID and address proof documents.
After that, you will pay the necessary fee.
Then you will have to wait until the certificate is issued.
If creating a Trust, you must first draft a physical Trust Deed.
Then you must gather ID/address proof documents, as well as photographs.
Then you will submit it to the local Registrar's office.
After that, you will have to wait to get the registered Trust Deed and certificate.
The methodology might differ depending on the circumstances, so it would be prudent to consult local authorities or a trusted consultant, such as Legal-N-Tax, for professional assistance.
Issues That Occur Most Frequently
Always ensure your documents are as accurate as possible. The most common reason for rejection is that addresses do not match or signatures are absent.
Your objective statement should be concise and should be relevant to your documents.
For state-specific compliance, consult a professional and learn about the advantages, such as tax exemptions (under 12A and 80G).
What Comes After Registration?
Upon receipt of your registration certificate, complete the following professional tasks:
Secure a permanent account number (PAN) for the NGO.
Open a bank account under the organization's name.
Submit requests for tax exemptions (12A, 80G).
Stay current with your annual filings, FCRA audits, and other regulations, especially if you plan to accept foreign donations.
Your compliance contributes positively to the public perception of your NGO and helps you attract more donations.
Common Questions
Q: What is the duration of the registration?
A: Societies and trusts are about 10–20 working days; Section 8 companies usually take longer due to MCA verifications.
Q: Can NGO registration be done online?
A: Yes, in particular for societies and Section 8 companies. Trusts, however, require some in-person documentation in certain regions.
Q: What happens when there are missing documents?
A: The absence of one or more documents or having certain documents that are invalid is one of the most common reasons why one would be denied registering an NGO. To avoid this from happening, one should make sure that they have all the necessary documents for NGO registration before applying."
Get Professional Support
The NGO registration process may appear complicated to many; however, proper supervision can ensure one bypasses all the challenges involved in getting registered. For professional assistance, Legal-N-Tax is a trustworthy NGO registration consultant in Delhi. They will definitely make sure that your NGO is registered as per all relevant requirements, and will also take care of all necessary documents and facilitate your NGO's compliance as well, enabling your NGO to have an early start and sustained growth".
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