Director Identification Number (director ID)

Director Identification Number (director ID) registrations are now available on the new Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) website.

The ABRS is a new service who will be maintaining the Director Identification Number (director ID) registrations.

The director ID is a 15-digit unique identifier a director applies for once only and keeps forever, like a Tax File Number. It confirms a director’s identity and (once the functionality is available) will show which companies they’re linked to. The director ID will help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.

Who needs a Director Identification Number (director ID)?

If you are a director, planning on becoming a director or alternative director of any of the below you will need to apply for a director ID.

• Company
• Corporate Trustee
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation
• Charity or not-for-profit organisation that is a company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation
• Australian body registered with ASIC
• Foreign company registered with ASIC and carrying on business in Australia

The following are NOT required to have a director ID

• Sole traders or partnerships
• Non-director company secretaries
• External administrator
• Directors of registered charities not registered with ASIC

Deadlines for director ID applications

The deadline for applying for a director ID is dependent on the date of your appointment as director. The below table outlines the application deadlines.

You can apply for a director ID up to 12 months before your appointment although please keep in mind that it will lapse if not used. 

How to apply

You will need to apply as unfortunately we cannot apply on your behalf as you will need to provide proof of your identity. 

It is free to apply and the fastest way to do so is online.

It is a two-step process.

Step 1:

You will need a myGovID with a standard or strong identity strength to apply for a director ID online. You can set up your myGovID here. When setting this up please make sure to include your middle name to help with data matching. It is also a good idea to ensure that the residential address on your proof of identity documents is the same as the address that is held by the ATO.

PLEASE NOTE: myGovID is different to your myGov account.

Step 2:

You will need to gather some information that can be compared to information held by the ATO in order to verify your identity when you apply for your director ID. This includes:

• Tax file number
• Residential address as held by the ATO
• If you don't have a strong myGovID you will need to provide two documents to verify your identity. Examples of the documents you can use include:
  - Bank account details (must be the same as what the ATO has on record)
  - An ATO notice of assessment
  - Super account details (must match the ATO records)
  - A dividend statement
  - Centrelink payment summary
  - PAYG payment summary

If you require our assistance in finding this documentation, please contact your local Boyce team member.

Once you have your myGovID and two documents from the above list to verify your identity, you are now ready to apply for your director ID online. You can get started online here.

If there are no issues with your application, you should receive your director ID instantly. You will then need to pass your director ID onto the company secretary and Boyce team member or your ASIC agent.

If you're unable to apply online

The ABRS has other options available for those who can’t apply online.

Applying by phone

To apply by phone you will need

• your Australian tax file number (TFN) 
• information to verify your identity

You will then need to phone 13 62 50 (within Australia).

Applying with a paper form

If you can't apply online or by phone, you can apply by downloading this form Application for a director identification number (NAT75329, PDF, 306KB). Please note that this process will be slower and you will need to provide certified copies of your documents to verify your identity.

There are penalties for non-compliance

ASIC is responsible for enforcing director ID offences set out in the Corporations Act 2001. It is a criminal offence if you do not apply on time.

Non-compliance with the new legislation (including not applying when directed to do so, applying for a Director ID outside the relevant timeframe, applying for more than one, or misrepresentation of your ID, such as providing false details) could result in civil and criminal penalties under the Corporations Act and may even result in imprisonment.

More information about the director identification number can be found on the ABRS website here.

Please contact your local Boyce office if you require further assistance.