Company Registration
NGO Registration
Virtual business address
Startup Registration
Shop Act Registration
BIS Registration main
CDSCO Registration
Star Rating Certification
WPC Registration
Brand Registration
Legal Metrology Certification
CPCB Approval
PESO certification
Fire NOC
AERB Certification
PSARA License
Fssai License
RCMC Certification
Import Export Registration
China Food Export
RNI Certification
NSIC Registration
ISO Certification Main
ICEGATE Registration Main
Income tax Filing
Annual Compliance
Trade License Registration
Factory License Registration
Sat, Jan 17 2026
Raju Karn
If you want to start a medical shop, wholesale medicine business, or any work related to medicines in Hyderabad, having a drug license is compulsory. This license is issued by the drug control authorities and allows you to legally sell, store, or distribute medicines. Without a valid drug license, running a medicine-related business is not allowed in India and can lead to penalties or closure.
Many people find the process confusing because of forms, documents, and inspections. This blog explains the drug license process in Hyderabad in very simple language, covering who needs it, how to apply, and what to keep in mind, so anyone can understand it easily without legal confusion.
A drug license is an official permission given by the Drug Control Department.It allows a person or business to sell, store, or distribute medicines legally.
In Hyderabad, drug licenses are issued by the Telangana Drug Control Administration (DCA).At the central level, medicines are regulated by CDSCO.
Different businesses need different types of licenses.
➜ Retail Drug License – for medical shops selling medicines to customers
➜ Wholesale Drug License – for businesses supplying medicines to shops or hospitals
➜ Manufacturing Drug License – for companies making medicines
When someone wants to open a medical shop or sell medicines, they need a drug license. In India, this license is given under the rules of the drug control authority. For most retail and wholesale medical stores, the license is issued using Form 20 and Form 21 together.
These forms are not separate “applications” you fill randomly - they are part of the same drug license process, and they define what type of medicines you are allowed to sell legally.
Form 20 is used for selling basic or general medicines. These are medicines that are usually available in most medical stores.
This includes:
In simple words:Form 20 allows you to sell normal everyday medicines from a retail or wholesale shop.
Form 21 is required if you want to sell special category medicines that need more control and safety.
In simple words:Form 21 allows you to handle stronger or sensitive medicines that are not sold like normal tablets.
Having a valid drug license:
➞ Allows you to sell medicines legally
➞ Builds trust with customers and suppliers
➞ Protects you from legal penalties
➞ Helps in business growth
You need a drug license if you are:
➤ Opening a pharmacy or medical store
➤ Running a wholesale medicine business
➤ Supplying medicines to hospitals or clinics
➤ Distributing pharmaceutical products
In Hyderabad, drug licenses are handled under different administrative zones of the Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana. These zones help in inspections, approvals, and compliance checks.
Applying for a drug license in Hyderabad may look difficult at first, but if you follow the steps in order, it becomes easy to understand. The process is managed by the Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, and is mostly done online.
Before starting the application, you need to keep all important documents ready.
Usually required documents include:
Next, you have to apply through the official drug license portal of Telangana.
In this step, you will:
After submitting the application form, you must pay the required government fee online through the portal. The fee depends on the type of license you are applying for.
Once your application is submitted, a drug inspector will visit your shop or business premises.
During the visit, they check:
If everything is found correct during inspection, your application is approved.
After approval:
Some common documents include:
→ ID proof of applicant
→ Address proof of shop or warehouse
→ Shop layout plan
→ Appointment letter of registered pharmacist
→ Qualification certificates
→ Declaration and affidavit
A drug license is not permanent.It must be renewed before the expiry date.
For drug license renewal, you usually need:
⁃ Existing drug license copy
⁃ Updated documents
⁃ Renewal fee payment
Late renewal can cause penalties or suspension.
Once approved:
CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) controls drug safety at the national level.It works with state authorities and regulates:
‣ New drugs
‣ Imported medicines
‣ Clinical trials
Many people find the drug license process confusing due to forms and rules.PSR Compliance helps by guiding applicants in a clear and simple way.
PSR Compliance helps by:
✔ Explaining drug license rules in easy language
✔ Assisting with Form 20 and Form 21 applications
✔ Supporting drug license renewal
✔ Helping avoid mistakes and delays
If you are planning to apply for a drug license in Hyderabad or are unsure about the process, getting the right guidance can save time and effort.
📞 Speak with a compliance expert at PSR Compliance: 7065883416Get clear answers and move forward with confidence.
To open a pharmacy, a minimum area of 10 square meters is required for retail or wholesale and 15 square meters for combined licenses, along with proper storage facilities, a refrigerator, and a qualified registered pharmacist.
Yes, a registered pharmacist must be present during all working hours of a retail pharmacy, as mandated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and State Pharmacy Council regulations.
Drug license applications in Telangana are submitted online through the ONDLS portal on the DCA Telangana website by registering, filling the required forms, and uploading supporting documents.
Documents required include Form 19, proof of ownership or rental of premises, a site layout plan, refrigerator purchase invoice, and an affidavit from the registered pharmacist.
A drug license is valid for five years and must be renewed online through the ONDLS portal, preferably at least three months before the expiry date.
The processing time for grant or renewal of a retail or wholesale drug license is generally 14 to 30 days, provided all documents are complete and verified.
No, a registered pharmacist is legally permitted to work at only one pharmacy at a time and cannot be registered at multiple locations simultaneously.