Director Identification Numbers

From 1st November, it will become law that all company directors must register for a director ID. A Director Identification Number (Director ID) is a unique identifier you will keep forever. It will help to prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities. It is a 15-digit identifier given to a director (or someone who intends to become a director) who has verified their identity with the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).

These IDs will not actually be linked to companies until September 2023, when companies are expected to migrate to the new ABRS registration platform, which combines registrations currently on ATO, ABR, ASIC etc. 

This means that although directors must register now, IDs won’t be listed on ASIC lodgements until September 2023.

Like a Tax File Number (TFN), a Director ID will be for life. Initially, the Director ID will be private; however, it is yet to be determined whether it will be made publicly available and replace the need for directors personal details to be publicly available via company searches.

Director ID’s will apply to all directors of companies, registered body corporates and foreign companies registered in Australia.

If you want to become a director or are already one, you'll need a director ID. When you need to apply depends on the date you become a director.

• All existing directors must apply by 30th November 2022.

• New directors who are appointed from 1st November 2021 to 4th April 2022 must apply within 28 days from their appointment.

• From 5th April 2022, directors must apply for an ID before they are appointed.

• If someone intends to become a director, they can apply for an ID. If they are not appointed as a director within 12 months, the ID will expire.

* Directors must apply for their ID themselves. Accountants or ASIC Agents cannot apply on behalf of clients.

If you use an authorised tax, BAS or ASIC agent, they can help you decide if you need to apply. However, they can’t apply for a director ID on your behalf.

The fastest way to receive your director ID is to apply online. There will be phone and paper options for people who are unable to apply online.

Director IDs will be issued to match the name on personal ID documents.

The Director ID registration process includes registration for MyGovID. MyGovID requires a UNIQUE email address. Partners who are both directors and who currently share an email address will need to separate email addresses going forward.

Once registered, Directors will be able to log in to update their personal details attached to their ID; it is not expected that this will be able to be managed by a third party.