In a move to enhance transparency and trust in small-scale commerce, the Government of India has launched a new feature on its national MSME portal to list and verify sole business licenses issued across the country. This initiative, introduced under the joint direction of the Ministry of MSME and the Ministry of Electronics and IT, aims to create a centralized digital repository of verified sole proprietorships, enabling smoother business verification, better public trust, and easier access to government schemes and services.

The new portal feature allows users—both individuals and institutions—to search and view verified sole proprietorship licenses by business name, proprietor PAN, Udyam registration number, or geographical location. Each listing includes essential business details such as registration validity, sector of operation, and compliance status with tax and labor regulations. This tool is expected to be especially useful for vendors, suppliers, financial institutions, and customers who wish to verify the legitimacy of a business before entering into transactions.

Officials stated that this initiative is part of a broader push to formalize India’s informal economy and improve ease of doing business at the micro level. It also aims to reduce fraud, promote responsible business conduct, and build a digital identity framework for sole traders, many of whom operate without publicly verifiable records. The data will be updated in real time based on inputs from GSTN, Udyam portal, state licensing authorities, and local municipal bodies. Sole proprietors are encouraged to ensure their license data is updated and compliant to appear in the verified listings. Industry leaders have welcomed the launch, saying it will increase market confidence in India’s vibrant micro-enterprise sector.