From 1 November 2021, the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) introduced the Director Identification Number.
What is a Director Identification Number (DIN)?
Director ID is a 15 digit unique identifier that will help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities with the new registry services of the ABRS. This will make it easier to trace director relationships across companies and help identify and eliminate involvement in illegal activity such as illegal phoenix activity.
All Directors will be required under the law to apply for a Director ID, including directors of trustee companies for your family trust and Self-Managed Super Fund.
A Director ID will only be given to an individual who has verified their identity with the registrar of the ABRS. An individual will only need to apply for a Director ID once and will keep it forever even if they change companies, stop being a Director, change their name or move interstate or overseas. Agents or advisors cannot apply for a Director ID on behalf of a client.
Who needs a Director ID?
Individuals will be required to hold a Director ID if they are a Director (or act as an Alternate Director) of a:
- Company, a registered Australian body or a registered foreign company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act), or
- Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).
Individuals who intend to become a Director within 12 months may also apply for a Director ID.
When do individuals need to apply for a Director ID?
You can apply for a director ID from November 2021. If you are planning on becoming a director, you can apply before you’re appointed.
When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you become a director.
How do individuals apply online for a Director ID?
To apply online:
- Go to the ABRS website to access the ABRS Director ID service and learn about the Director ID requirements
- Verify your identify using your myGovID credentials or create a myGovID using your smartphone and Australian identity documents. For more information visit How to set up myGovID.
- Conduct a proof of record ownership by answering two questions about the individual’s ATO record. See below for further information.
- Complete a Director ID application on the ABRS platform to receive the Director ID instantly.
What two Australian identity documents can be used to register for a myGovID?
Identity documents that can be used for verification:
- Driver’s license or learner’s permit
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Visa (using a foreign passport)
- Citizenship certificate
- ImmiCard
- Medicare Card
What two ATO documents can be used to complete the proof of record ownership?
ATO records that can be used for verification:
- Notice of assessment
- PAYG payment summary
- Dividend statements
- Centrelink payment summary
- Bank account details
- Superannuation account details (note this does not include SMSFs)
The email address you register for a myGovID should be your personal email. It should not be a shared or work email address.
Other than online application, you can also apply by phone or paper application.
Please refer to the following ABR link for further details.
ABRS – Director Identification Number
| Please note that the material and contents provided are informative in nature only. It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone. If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained. |