Director identification number

A new government regime came into effect on 1 November 2021 which will require directors of companies to register for a director identification number (director ID).

What is a Director ID?

A director ID is a unique a 15-digit identifier you will keep forever. It will help to prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.

Directors will only ever have one director ID. They'll keep it forever even if they:

• change companies;
• stop being a director;
• change their name; or
• move interstate or overseas.

Who needs a director ID?

You need a director ID if you're a director of a company. This includes directors of a corporate trustee of self-managed super funds (SMSF).

You don't need a director ID if you're:

• a company secretary but not a director;
• running a business as a sole trader or partnership; or
• referred to as a ‘director’ in your job title but have not been appointed as a director under the Corporations Act.

When do you need to apply?

When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you become a director.

For existing directors, they have until 30 November 2022 to apply. However, if you become a director between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 you will need to apply within 28 days of appointment.

If your company intends to appoint new directors, it will be important to ensure that they are aware of the requirements and timeframes to establish their director ID if they do not already have one.

How to apply for a director ID?

You must apply for your own director ID to verify your identity. No one can apply on your behalf.

It’s free to apply for a director ID and the fastest way to do this is online using the myGovID app.

If you have not already set up myGovID, you will need to download the app onto your phone or device and create an account. Please visit How to set up myGovID

In addition to your myGovID, you will need to have two documents that verify your identity such as:

• Your bank account details held by the ATO
• Dividend statement investment reference number

• Notice of assessment (NOA) – date of issue and the reference number
• The gross amount from your PAYG payment summary
• Superannuation details including your super fund’s ABN and your member account number.

Once you have a myGovID, and information to verify your identity, you can log in and apply for your director ID using the link below. The application process should take less than 5 minutes.

https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number/apply-director-identification-number

How to apply if you cannot get a myGovID

If you can’t get a myGovID, the best way to apply for a director ID is by calling the Australian Business Registry Service on 13 62 50 between 8.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

You can apply by phone if you have:

• an Australian tax file number (TFN)
• the information you need to verify your identity.

Please contact us if you’d like to know more or if you have any questions.