Director Identification Numbers are now required – do you have yours?
Do you have a Director Identification Number? In November 2021, the Australian Business Registry Service (ABRS) introduced a requirement for all company directors to hold a director ID.
A director ID number is a unique identifier that a director will apply for once and keep forever. The aim is to help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.
Who needs a director identification number?
You need a director ID if you are a director of a:
- company
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation
- corporate trustee, for example, of a self-managed super fund
- charity or not-for-profit organisation that is a company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation
- registered Australian body, for example, an incorporated association that is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and trades outside the state or territory in which it is incorporated
- foreign company registered with ASIC and carrying on business in Australia (regardless of where you live).
When do you need to apply for a director ID?
You can apply for a director ID now.
If you plan to become a director, you must apply before you’re appointed.
Corporations Act directors
When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you become a director.
| The date you become a director | The date you must apply by |
| On or before 31 October 2021 | By 30 November 2022 |
| Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 | Within 28 days of your appointment |
| From 5 April 2022 | Before appointment |
CATSI Act directors
When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you become a director.
| The date you become a director | The date you must apply by |
| On or before 31 October 2022 | By 30 November 2023 |
| From 1 November 2022 | Before appointment |
Using your director ID
Once you have received your director ID, you will need to pass it on to the record-holder for your company. This may be the company secretary, another director or an authorised agent of the company. There is no requirement to provide your director ID to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Applying for your director ID
The fastest way to get a director ID is to apply online through ABRS using the myGovID app to log in. It’s free and you only need to apply once.
Note: the myGovID app is different to your myGov account.
Step 1: Set up MyGovID
You will need a myGovID with a Standard or Strong identity strength to apply for your director ID online.
See here for more details on setting up your myGovID app.
Step 2: Gather your documents
You will need to have some information the ATO knows about you when you apply for your director ID:
- your tax file number (TFN)
- your residential address as held by the ATO
- information from two documents to verify your identity.
Examples of the documents you can use include:
- bank account details
- an ATO notice of assessment
- super account details
- a dividend statement
- a Centrelink payment summary
- a PAYG payment summary (this is different to your income statement, and/or your PAYG instalment activity statement).
Step 3: Complete your application
Once you have a myGovID with a Standard or Strong identity strength, and information to verify your identity, you can log in and apply for your director ID. The application process should take less than 5 minutes.
Remember, once you have your director ID number it must be stored and shared (only with the appropriate people) securely.
The deadline for existing directors to have a director identification number is fast approaching. If you need assistance with your application or have any questions regarding director IDs, please get in touch below.