Determine the right drug license type — retail, wholesale, or manufacturing based on your business
Application Filing
Complete online application filing with the State Drug Control Department with all prescribed forms
Documentation Support
Preparation of all required documents including affidavits, layout plans, and technical staff details
Inspection Preparation
Complete guidance for premises inspection including drug storage, equipment, and pharmacist requirements
License Certificate
Obtaining your official drug license certificate with valid e-signature from the licensing authority
Renewal Tracking
Timely renewal reminders and filing support to ensure your drug license never lapses
How it works
Drug license registration in 4 simple steps
1
Documents & Assessment
We assess your business type (retail, wholesale, or manufacturing) and collect all required documents — pharmacist credentials, premises details, layout plan, and business registration documents.
Day 1-2
2
Application Filing
Your drug license application is filed online with the State Drug Control Department. All documents are scanned (100 dpi, B&W) and uploaded with prescribed fees. Ensure all information is precise — incomplete applications risk fee forfeiture.
Day 3-5
3
Physical Inspection
A Drug Inspector visits your premises to verify compliance — minimum area (10 sq.m for retail/wholesale, 15 sq.m for combined), refrigeration, AC, pharmacist availability, and drug storage conditions. We prepare you thoroughly.
Day 10-20
4
License Issued
After successful inspection, the licensing authority approves your application. You receive an SMS notification and can print the license with valid e-signature and official seal. The license must be displayed at your premises.
Day 20-30
Checklist
Documents required for drug license
Owner / Pharmacist Documents
Pharmacist qualification (degree certificate & registration with State Pharmacy Council)
ID proof of directors / partners / proprietor
Experience certificate of pharmacist / competent person
Premises Documents
Layout plan / blueprint of the premises with dimensions
Rent agreement / property paper (Registry Deed / Lease Deed)
Drug storage facility details (refrigerator / AC invoice)
Equipment list (for manufacturing license)
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a drug license?
A drug license is a mandatory license issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 that authorises an individual or entity to manufacture, sell, stock, or distribute drugs and pharmaceuticals in India. It is issued by the State Drug Control Department and must be obtained before starting any pharmaceutical business.
What are the types of drug licenses?
There are three main types: Retail Drug License — for selling drugs directly to consumers through a pharmacy or medical shop. Wholesale Drug License — for selling drugs in bulk to retailers, hospitals, and institutions. Manufacturing Drug License — for producing pharmaceutical products. Each type has specific premises, staffing, and compliance requirements.
Who needs a drug license?
Any individual, company, partnership firm, or LLP involved in manufacturing, selling, stocking, distributing, or importing drugs and cosmetics needs a valid drug license. This includes pharmacies, medical stores, hospitals with in-house pharmacies, wholesale drug distributors, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Is a pharmacist required for drug license?
Yes. For retail license, a registered pharmacist must be present throughout working hours. For wholesale license, either a registered pharmacist or a competent person (graduate with 1 year experience or SSLC with 4 years experience in drug dealing) approved by the Drug Control Department is required. Manufacturing units need technical staff for both production and testing.
What is the validity of a drug license?
Drug licenses are typically valid for 5 years from the date of issue. They must be renewed before expiry to continue operations. If the proprietor or partners change, it is treated as a 'change in constitution' and a fresh license must be obtained. Separate licenses are needed for each premises and each state.
What is the difference between State and Central drug license?
State drug licenses are issued by the State Drug Control Department for retail, wholesale, and manufacturing activities within a state. Central drug licenses are issued by CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) for manufacturing certain categories like blood products, vaccines, IV fluids, and for import of drugs and cosmetics. Most pharmacy and medical shop businesses require state-level licenses.