Have you applied for Director ID yet?

What is director ID?

A director identification number (director ID) is a 15-digit identifier that you will keep forever as you move through different companies and roles. It is given to a director or someone who intends to become a director. 

Why you need director ID

It is now a legal requirement to have director ID. This will prevent the use of fraudulent director identities, identify and eliminate director involvement in unlawful activity and make it easier for external administrators and regulators to trace directors' relationships with companies over time. 

Because all Australian proprietary limited companies (Pty Ltd), are required to have at least one director, this new law will apply to most small businesses and requires directors to apply within a specified time frame. Failure to do so, could result in financial and legal repercussions including fines of up to 5000 penalty units or up to $1.1 million.

Key dates:

The deadline depends on the date you became a director. If you became a director under the Corporations Act, then:

• If you become a director on or before 31 October 2021, you must apply by 30 November 2022.
• If you become a director between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022, you only have 28 days after the appointment, so it’s important to act now.
• From 5 April 2022 onwards, you must apply before you are appointed as a director. 

If you became a director under the CATSI Act:

• On or before 31 Oct 2022, you must apply by 30 November 2023
• From 1 November 2022, you must apply before the appointment.

How to apply

Every director must apply for their Director ID themselves as no one can apply on their behalf.

Step 1 - Set-up myGovID

To set-up myGovID, a director will need two Australian identity documents which can include:

• Driver's licence or learner's permit
• Passport
• Birth certificate
• VISA (using foreign passport providing still in Australia)
• Citizenship certificate
• ImmiCard
• Medicare card

Click here to set up and verify your identity using myGovID.

Step 2 - Visit the Australian Business Registry Service (ABRS) website

Use myGovID to sign in and provide your tax file number (optional). You will then need to provide proof of ATO record ownership (PORO) by answering two questions using:

• Bank account details
• PAYG payment summary
• Centrelink payment summary
• Notice of assessment
• Super account details
• Dividend statement

Step 3 - Complete Application

MyGovID details will be prefilled (name, date of birth, address and email). You will need to enter your place of birth, postal address and any former names. Once this is complete, you will instantly receive your director ID.

It is free to apply for your director identification number. Click here to access the ABRS website where you can find more information on the process and apply.

How we can help

If you need any assistance in applying for director ID, please call us on 02 9608 3707 or contact us here to arrange an appointment to complete this application online. 

Date published 6 Nov 2021 | Last updated 7 Oct 2022