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Drug license (drug licence)
Licence to sell medicines under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Here is who needs it, the official fee, the documents and the steps to apply.
Fees checked: 27 Sep 2026
Official fee
₹1,500 per form
₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21
Issued by
Department of Drugs Control, Delhi
Time and validity
About 30 days, with inspection
Valid: Permanent; retention fee of ₹1,500 per form every 5 years
Official fee Checked on official site Source
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What is a retail drug licence?
Licence to sell medicines under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
Who needs it?
Pharmacies and medical stores. Needs a registered pharmacist and at least 10 sq m.
Official fee
₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay.
Drug licence office and fee by state
The Drugs Controller of each state issues the licence. Fees are shown as listed in our data for that state.
| State | Issued by | Official fee | Apply at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Department of Drugs Control, Delhi | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | drugs.delhi.gov.in |
| Maharashtra | Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | fda.maharashtra.gov.in |
| West Bengal | Directorate of Drugs Control, West Bengal | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | wbhealth.gov.in |
| Tamil Nadu | Drugs Control Department, Tamil Nadu | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | tnhealth.tn.gov.in |
| Karnataka | Drugs Control Department, Karnataka | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | drugs.karnataka.gov.in |
| Telangana | Drugs Control Administration, Telangana | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | nsws.gov.in (Telangana approvals) |
| Gujarat | Food and Drugs Control Administration, Gujarat | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | nsws.gov.in (Gujarat approvals) |
| Uttar Pradesh | Food Safety and Drug Administration, Uttar Pradesh | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | FSDA Uttar Pradesh |
| Bihar | Drugs Control Administration, Health Department, Bihar | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | nsws.gov.in (state approvals) |
| Rajasthan | Drugs Control Organisation, Medical and Health Department, Rajasthan | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | nsws.gov.in (state approvals) |
| Madhya Pradesh | Food and Drugs Administration, Madhya Pradesh | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | MP Food and Drugs Administration online licence portal (MPOnline) |
| Haryana | Food and Drugs Administration, Haryana | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) (not confirmed for Haryana) |
| Chhattisgarh | Food and Drug Administration, Chhattisgarh | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | nsws.gov.in (state approvals) |
| Uttarakhand | Food Safety and Drug Administration, Uttarakhand | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | nsws.gov.in (state approvals) |
| Goa | Food and Drugs Administration, Goa | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | nsws.gov.in (state approvals) |
| Chandigarh | Drugs Control, Health Department, Chandigarh Administration | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | nsws.gov.in (state approvals) |
| Himachal Pradesh | Drugs Control Administration, Himachal Pradesh | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | nsws.gov.in (state approvals) |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Drugs and Food Control Organisation, Jammu and Kashmir | ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21)Checked on official site Source | nsws.gov.in (state approvals) |
Documents to keep ready
- Registered pharmacist: qualification, State Pharmacy Council registration, appointment letter
- Premises of at least 10 sq m (15 sq m for retail plus wholesale)
- Rent agreement or ownership proof
- Site plan and key plan
- Refrigerator purchase bill
- Non-conviction affidavit
- Photo ID of the owner
Steps to apply
- Collect the documents listed here.
- Apply online at drugs.delhi.gov.in.
- Pay the official fee: ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21).
- Wait for the result. Usual time: About 30 days, with inspection.
- Keep the certificate safe. Validity: Permanent; retention fee of ₹1,500 per form every 5 years.
Where to apply
Department of Drugs Control, Delhi. Apply on the official portal: drugs.delhi.gov.in.
Govt License is not a government website. We never take government fees or apply for you.
Common questions
What is a retail drug licence?
Licence to sell medicines under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
Who needs a retail drug licence?
Pharmacies and medical stores. Needs a registered pharmacist and at least 10 sq m.
How much does a retail drug licence cost?
The official fee is ₹1,500 per form (₹3,000 for both Form 20 and 21). Confirm on the portal before you pay.
Where do I apply for a retail drug licence?
Apply on the official portal at drugs.delhi.gov.in, run by Department of Drugs Control, Delhi.
How long does it take and how long is it valid?
Usual time: About 30 days, with inspection. Validity: Permanent; retention fee of ₹1,500 per form every 5 years.
Is Govt License a government website?
No. Govt License is an independent guide. We link to the official government portals where you apply and pay. Always confirm the fee on the portal before paying.
Business guides that include Drug licence
These business guides include this licence in their checklist, with every other licence the business needs.
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