Drug License for Medical Store in Delhi NCR-2026 Guide

If you want to open a medical store (pharmacy) in Delhi NCR, whether in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, or Ghaziabad, you must have a drug license. Without a drug license, selling medicines is illegal in India, even if the shop is small, though very small general stores selling a limited list of household remedies without a pharmacist may qualify for a separate restricted retail license instead of a full pharmacy license.

A drug license is issued by the Drug Control Department under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. It allows you to legally store, sell, and distribute medicines to customers, and once granted, it stays valid indefinitely, with a retention fee due every five years rather than a traditional renewal.

This guide explains the drug license process for a medical store in Delhi NCR in very simple words so anyone can understand it easily.

What is a Drug License?

A drug license is an official approval from the government that allows a shop to sell medicines.

Medicines affect human health. That’s why the government wants:

• Proper storage
• A qualified person
• Genuine medicines only

So before opening a medical store, the drug department checks everything and then issues the license.

Types of Drug License for a Medical Store

For a normal pharmacy, you mainly need:

1. Retail Drug License

This is required if you sell medicines directly to customers.

It is issued in:

• Form 20 – for regular medicines
• Form 21 – for special drugs like antibiotics, injections, etc.

Most medical stores in Delhi NCR need both Form 20 and Form 21 drug license.

Who Can Apply for a Medical Store Drug License?

You can apply if:

➜ You are an individual, partnership, LLP, or company

➜ You have a registered shop premises

➜You appoint a registered pharmacist

You cannot run a medical store without a pharmacist.

Benefits of Having a Drug License for a Medical Store

➝ Makes your medical store 100% legal and compliant

➝ Protects you from penalties, raids, and license cancellation

➝ Builds trust and credibility with customers and doctors

➝ Allows you to purchase medicines from authorized distributors

➝ Helps in online drug license verification

➝ Supports smooth business expansion in the future

➝ Ensures easy renewal if compliance is maintained

Role of Pharmacist in a Medical Store

A registered pharmacist is compulsory.

The pharmacist:

• ▸Must be registered with the State Pharmacy Council
• ▸Must be available during working hours
• ▸Is responsible for correct medicine dispensing

Without a pharmacist, the drug license will not be approved.

Premises Requirements for Medical Store

The shop must meet these basic conditions:

Minimum area: 10 square meters

▪ Clean and well-ventilated space

▪ Refrigerator for temperature-sensitive medicines

▪ Proper racks and storage

Even a small shop can qualify if it meets these conditions.

Documents Required for Drug License in Delhi NCR

Here are the common documents:

→ Application in Form 19

→ ID and address proof of owner

→ Shop ownership proof or rent agreement

→ Site plan of the medical store

→ Refrigerator purchase bill

→ Pharmacist qualification certificate

→ Pharmacist registration certificate

→ Affidavit and declaration formats

Drug License Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Document Preparation

All documents are prepared and verified properly.

Step 2: Online Application

The drug license application is filed through the state drug control portal.

Step 3: Inspection

A drug inspector may visit the medical store to check:

• Storage
• Refrigerator
• Pharmacist availability

Step 4: Approval

Once everything is found correct, the drug license is issued.

Time Required to Get Drug License

Usually:

15 to 30 working days, depending on inspection and document accuracy.

Drug License Validity & Renewal

• Drug license is generally valid for 5 years
• Renewal must be done before expiry
• Late renewal can lead to penalties or suspension

Drug License Verification & Download

After approval:

• You can verify the drug license online
• The license can be downloaded digitally
• Details are available on the drug department portal

This helps customers and suppliers trust your medical store.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without a pharmacist
• Incorrect shop area
• Missing refrigerator
• Wrong document formats
• Avoiding these saves time and money

Planning to open a medical store in Delhi NCR?
Let PSR Compliance handle your drug license smoothly, legally, and without stress.

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FAQs 

What are the minimum space requirements for a medical store in Delhi?

Retail only: 10 sq.m | Retail + Wholesale: 15 sq.m.
Ceiling height: ≥2.75 meters. Must be in a commercial or approved mixed use area.

Is a registered pharmacist mandatory?

Yes. Retail stores need a registered pharmacist (Delhi Pharmacy Council). Wholesale stores require a competent person (graduate with 1 year experience or matriculate with 4 years experience).

What documents are required for a new drug license application?

Key documents:

Form 19 application

Site & key plan

Firm constitution (Partnership deed/MOA/AOA)

Ownership proof/rent agreement + NOC

Pharmacist affidavit

Refrigerator invoice

Conversion charge receipt (if residential/DDA flat)

What is the fee and validity of a drug license?

Fee: ~₹3,000 (may vary with consultants).
Validity: 5 years.

How long does it take to get a license in Delhi?

Typically 30 to 60 days after submission of all documents and inspection by a drug inspector.

Can I use a residential address for a medical store?

Generally, licenses are for commercial premises. Residential locations must comply with Delhi Master Plan (MPD 2021).

What is the process for changing the pharmacist?

Notify the drug authority immediately. Hire a replacement within 30 days to avoid suspension.

What are the storage requirements for a medical store?

Pharmacy must have a refrigerator and air conditioning, especially for vaccines, insulin, and sera.