Director ID

What is a Director ID?

The Australian Government introduced a legal requirement for all Directors of Australian registered Companies. Recently appointed Directors will need to apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) which they will then hold for life (much like a tax file number).

DIN requirements apply to appointed Directors and acting Directors of Australian corporations and registered foreign companies under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), including companies responsible for managed investment schemes and registered charities.

Directors must apply for a Director ID themselves so that their identity can be verified. No one can apply on their behalf.

The Director ID regime is intended to tackle illegal ‘phoenixing’ activities and increase Director accountability and traceability. DIN’s will be recorded in a new database to be administered and operated by the Australian Taxation Office and made available to the public.

How to apply:

Director ID applications require a MyGovID to be completed online. Please note MyGovID is a different service to your MyGov account or any state-based Government ID application. You may have already setup a MyGovID to access the Australian Taxation Office’s services in MyGov. If you do not have one, more information about setting up your MyGovID can be found here: www.mygovid.gov.au . 

The Director ID application can be found here:  www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number

Please note if you are unable to get a myGovID with a Standard or Strong identity strength you can contact the Australian Business Registry Services either by phone on 13 62 50 or lodge a paper form which can be found and printed here: www.abrs.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/Application_for_a_director_identification_number.pdf

Applications can also be made via paper for Directors who are not residents of Australia. Directors outside Australia who are unable to use MyGovID are required to lodge a paper form.

Phone application

To apply by phone, you will need:

• an individual Australian tax file number (TFN) – providing your TFN is optional but it speeds up the process, 
• your residential address as held by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and 
• two Australian identity documents – one primary and one secondary.

Paper application

In addition to the information requested on the application form, you will need to provide certified copies of:

• one primary and one secondary identity document, or 
• two primary identity documents.

Once you have obtained your Director ID please notify us and we will update our database accordingly.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this information sheet does not constitute advice. The information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your individual financial situation. It should not be used, relied upon, or treated as a substitute for specific professional advice. We recommend that you contact Brentnalls SA before making any decision to discuss your particular requirements or circumstances.