A director identification number (Director ID) is a unique 15 digit identifier that a director applies for once and uses for life. All directors will need to verify their identity and apply for the Director ID with the Australian Business Registry Services.  

The Director ID regime was introduced to combat false and fraudulent director identities. It will assist regulators to trace directors’ relationships with companies and identify illegal phoenixing activity.   

Who Needs a Director ID 

You will need to apply for a Director ID if you are a director of:  

  • • Company 
  • • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation  
  • • Corporate Trustee (such as, 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 
  • • Foreign company registered with ASIC and carrying on business in Australia (regardless of where the director lives)

A Director ID is not required if you are:  

  • • Company secretary (but not a director) 
  • • Acting as an external administrator of a company 
  • • Running a business as a sole trader or partnership  
  • • Referred to as “director” in your job title but not appointed as a director under the Corporations Act or the CATSI Act 
  • • Director of a registered charity with an organisation type  that is not registered with ASIC to operate through Australia  
  • • Officer of an unincorporated association, the cooperative or incorporated association established under state or territory legislation (unless it is also a registered Australian body).  

Due Dates for Director ID Applications 

If you are a director of an organisation that is governed by the Corporations Act, you must apply for the Director ID in accordance with the below:  

Date You Become a Director 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 the appointment     
From 5 April 2022 Prior to appointment 

 

If you are a director of an organisation that is governed by the CATSI Act, you must apply for the Director ID in accordance with the below:  

          Date You Become a Director              Date You Must Apply By     
On or before 31 October 2021   By 30 November 2023   
From 1 November 2022 Prior to appointment 

How to Apply for a Director Identification Number (Director ID)

The Director ID applications are now available. There are three ways to apply for a Director ID:  

  1. Online form;  
  2. Phone; and 
  3. Paper form.  
#1 Online Form 

 To complete the online form, you will require:

  1. myGovID app; 
  2. Tax file number (TFN);  
  3. Residential address (as per ATO records); and 
  4. Two documents to verify your identity including:  
    • a. Bank account details;  
    • b. ATO notice of assessment;  
    • c. Super account details; 
    • d. Dividend statement; 
    • e. Centrelink payment summary; or 
    • f. PAYG payment summary.  
#2 Phone application 

You can call ABRS on the phone numbers listed here.

You will need to provide your tax file number (TFN), residential address per ATO, and the identity verification documents listed above.  

 #3 Paper form 

You can complete a paper form and send it to ABRS for processing. This can be used if you cannot apply online and live outside of Australia. 

Certified copies of identity documents will need to be submitted with the application.  

Penalties can apply if the Director ID requirements are not complied with.  

What Do You Do with the Director ID 

Once you receive the Director ID, you will need to provide this to the record-holder in your company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation. This could be the company secretary, another director, a contact person, or an authorised agent of the company.  

You will need to retain your Director ID and if there are any changes to your personal details, ABRS will need to be notified. 

 

The team at EMspire Advisory are trusted, qualified Chartered Accountants, tax agents, and small business accountants. We work closely with our clients to achieve the best possible outcomes.So to find out more, please contact us! 

Please note that this information is not specific and is general in nature and cannot be relied on as advice. Please contact us for advice specific to you and your circumstances.