The Shop and Establishment License is a mandatory legal registration required for operating any shop, office, or commercial establishment in India. In Assam, this registration is governed by the Assam Shops and Establishments Act, which regulates working hours, employee welfare, wages, holidays, and other labour-related conditions.
Any individual or organization running a business, office, startup, retail shop, hotel, restaurant, coaching centre, or service unit in Assam must obtain the Assam Shop and Establishment License within the prescribed time after starting operations.
This license acts as official proof of business existence and is commonly required for:
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Opening a current bank account
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GST registration
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Trade license application
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MSME / Udyam registration
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Government tenders and schemes
The Government of Assam provides online and offline application facilities to make the process accessible for both urban and rural business owners.
Official State Portal: https://assam.gov.in
What is an Assam Shop and Establishment License?
Table of Contents
The Assam Shop and Establishment License is a statutory registration issued by the Assam Labour Welfare Department, responsible for enforcing labour laws and regulating commercial establishments across the state.
Purpose of the License
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To regulate working hours and weekly holidays
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To ensure employee welfare and fair wages
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To maintain official employment records
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To bring businesses under legal and labour compliance
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To protect employer and employee rights
Establishments Covered Under the Act
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Retail and wholesale shops
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Offices and private firms
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Hotels, lodges, restaurants, cafés
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Educational institutions and coaching centres
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Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres
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Startups, MSMEs, and IT service units
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Home-based businesses with commercial activity
The license is often linked with labour welfare benefits and verification under social welfare schemes.
Eligibility Criteria for Assam Shop and Establishment License
Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions to apply for the Assam Shop and Establishment License:
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Age Requirement
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Applicant must be 18 years or above
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Residential / Location Requirement
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Business establishment must be physically located in Assam
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Valid address proof is mandatory
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Business Requirement
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Applicable to all commercial establishments
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Mandatory even if no employees are hired
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Income / BPL Requirement
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No income limit for eligibility
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BPL status may be applicable for fee concessions, if notified
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Special Categories (If Applicable)
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Women entrepreneurs
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SC/ST/OBC communities
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Startups and MSMEs
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Self-help groups
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Home-based service providers
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Documents Required for Assam Shop and Establishment License Application
Applicants should arrange the following documents before applying online or offline:
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Aadhaar Card of proprietor/partner / director
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PAN Card of applicant or business
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Passport-size photograph
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Signature of applicant
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Address proof of business premises:
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Electricity bill / Water bill / Rent agreement / Property tax receipt
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Proof of ownership or tenancy
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Nature of business declaration
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Employee details (if applicable)
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Partnership deed / Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
How to Apply for Assam Shop and Establishment License Online Method
The Assam Government allows online registration through the official state or labour service portals.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Open the official website: https://assam.gov.in
Step 2: Register / Login
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Register using mobile number or email ID
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Complete Aadhaar-based authentication (if enabled)
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
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Enter business name and address
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Select type and nature of establishment
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Provide owner details
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Mention number of employees
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
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Upload scanned documents in PDF/JPEG format
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Ensure files are clear and readable
Step 5: Submit Application
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Review all details carefully
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Submit the form
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Save the application reference number
Step 6: Verification & Approval
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Application verified by the Labour Department
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Digital Shop and Establishment License issued after approval
Step 7: Download Certificate
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Login to dashboard
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Download the license PDF
How to Apply for Assam Shop and Establishment License Offline
Applicants who cannot apply for Assam Shop and Establishment License online can use the offline method.
Offline Application Steps
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Visit the nearest:
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Municipal office
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Town committee
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Gram Panchayat office
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Labour Department office
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Collect the Shop and Establishment License application form
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Fill in all required details manually
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Attach self-attested copies of documents
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Submit the form to the concerned authority
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Receive acknowledgment receipt as proof of submission
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Inspection or verification may be conducted, if required
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License issued after approval
Track Assam Shop and Establishment License Application Status:
Applicants can track their Assam Shop and Establishment License application status online.
How to Track Status Online
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Visit: https://assam.gov.in
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Click on Track Application Status
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Enter:
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Application reference number
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Registered mobile number
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Application status may show:
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Submitted
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Under Verification
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Approved
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Rejected (with reason)
Renewal / Re-Verification Process
In Assam, the Shop and Establishment License usually remains valid unless business details change. However, renewal or re-verification may be required in specific situations.
When Renewal or Update is Required
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Change in business address
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Change in ownership or partnership
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Change in the nature of business
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Change in the number of employees
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Closure of the establishment
Renewal / Amendment Process
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Log in to the official portal
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Select Renewal / Amendment option
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Upload updated documents
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Submit a request for approval
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: Aadhaar Name or Date of Birth Mismatch
Solution: Update Aadhaar details through the UIDAI portal before applying.
Problem: Document Upload Failure
Solution:
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Upload documents in PDF format
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Keep file size between 200–300 KB
Problem: Application Rejected
Solution: Check rejection remarks carefully and reapply with corrected information.
Problem: OTP Not Received
Solution: Ensure the mobile number is active and linked with Aadhaar.
Problem: Incorrect Business Category Selected
Solution: Select the correct nature of establishment while filling the form.
Important Government Links
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Assam Official State Portal: https://assam.gov.in
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Assam Labour Welfare Department: https://labour.assam.gov.in
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Assam Social Welfare Department: https://socialjustice.assam.gov.in
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MyScheme Portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in
FAQ:
Q. How to apply Assam Shop and Establishment License online?
A. Visit the official Assam portal, register, fill the application form, upload documents, and submit.
Q. Is Shop and Establishment License mandatory in Assam?
A. Yes, it is compulsory for all commercial establishments.
Q. Can I download the Shop and Establishment License online?
A. Yes, once approved, the license can be downloaded in PDF format.
Q. Is the license required for home-based businesses in Assam?
A. Yes, if commercial activity is conducted.
Q. What is the validity of the Assam Shop License?
A. It remains valid unless business details change.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for applying?
A. Yes, Aadhaar is generally required for identity verification.
Q. How long does approval take in Assam?
A. Usually 7–15 working days.
Q. Is there any application fee?
A. Fees depend on business type and number of employees.
Q. Can startups and MSMEs apply online?
A. Yes, startups and MSMEs are eligible.
Q. How to correct mistakes after submission?
A. Use the amendment option on the portal or contact the Labour Office.
Conclusion:
The Assam Shop and Establishment License is an essential legal requirement for operating any business in the state. It ensures compliance with labour laws, protects employee welfare, and enhances business credibility for banking, taxation, and government services.
With both online and offline application facilities, the Assam Government has made the registration process simple and accessible. Applicants are strongly advised to verify details only through official Assam government portals and keep their license updated whenever business details change.
Always check the official Assam portal for the latest notifications, rules, and updates.