Directors Identification Number – New Legal Requirement
There is a new legal requirement under the Corporations Act 2001 for all company directors to apply to the ABRS (the Registrar) for a unique 15-digit identification number known as a Director’s Identification Number (Directors ID).
A Directors ID number is unique to you. You apply for the Directors ID once and it belongs to you forever, even if you change companies, stop being a director, change your name or move interstate or overseas.
This Director’s ID is intended to prevent the use of false or fraudulent directors’ identities. It is important that the identity of all directors is validated by the Registrar.
This strengthens commercial relationships with shareholders, employees, creditors, consumers and regulators.
Here is an example.
Source: ASIC
Who needs a Directors ID?
Any person appointed as a director, or as an alternate director, or any person acting in that capacity. Any person who intends to become a director or other eligible officer within the next 12 months should also apply for a Director’s ID to ensure existing or new companies can appoint that director quickly.
You must apply if you are (or planning to become) a director of:
1. A company
2. A corporate Trustee (Including the Trustee of a SMSF or Family Trust or Unit Trust)
3. A charity or not-for-profit organisation
4. A foreign company registered with ASIC and carrying on business in Australia
When you need to apply for a Directors ID?
When you must apply depends on when you became a director, or plan to become a director. The table below summarises the key dates of when existing and new directors need to apply for the Directors ID number:
Who can make the application?
Unfortunately, we are unable to apply for a Directors ID on your behalf. The individual director must make the application directly with the Registrar using the platform they provide (ABRS and myGovID). The application must be made by the individual to whom the application relates to and verify their own identity.
Therefore, as ASIC Agents or Accountants we cannot apply on your behalf.
How to apply for a Directors ID? “ONLINE”
ONLINE APPLICATION
Step 1 – Set up myGOVID
You will need to register for a myGovID with either a standard or strong identity
strength using at least two of the following Australian identity documents (your name
must match on both documents):
1. Drivers Licence
2. Passport (not more than three years expired)
3. Birth Certificate
4. Visa (using foreign passport providing still in Australia)
5. Citizenship Certificate
6. ImmiCard
7. Medicare Card
Standard myGovID allows access to most participating online services including the
ABRS to apply for your directors ID. The myGovID app is available on both the App
Store and Google Play.
Please note – myGovID is different from myGov.
Step 2 – Gather proof of ownership documents
Before you can begin your application with the ABRS the ATO requires information
about you to process your Director’s ID.
You may be required to provide:
1. Your Tax File Number (TFN)
2. Your residential address held by the ATO
3. Information from two identification documents to verify your identity
a. Bank account details
b. an ATO notice of Assessment
c. Super account details
d. Dividend Statement
e. a Centrelink payment summary
f. a PAYG payment summary
Step 3 – Complete Application on ABRS platform
Once you have a myGovID with a standard or strong identity strength, and information from Step 2 to verify your identity, you can log in to ABRS.gov.au and proceed with the ABRS application process. If all your documents are in order, the application process should take less than 5 minutes.
The actual application has to be done at this link – https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number/apply-director-identification-number and clicking on
How long does it take to receive the Directors ID Number ?
When applying on-line, the Directors ID application will be successful within minutes.
Your Director’s ID number will then appear on the screen. You must Print and Save a PDF copy of your Directors ID. It will not be mailed to you.
As your authorised agent/accountant you may wish to send us a copy to keep on file.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
All directors should apply for their Directors ID number before the relevant deadline.
Failure to comply with the new Directors ID or providing false or misleading information may result in both civil and criminal penalties.
We cannot make the application on your behalf, but please do not hesitate to speak with our team should you have any questions.
PHONE OR PAPER INSTRUCTIONS ONLY
How else can you apply for a Directors ID?
If you can’t apply using the ABRS platform directly, you can apply by phone or using a paper form. For example, if you cannot meet the requirements of a standard or
strong identity for a myGovID you may wish to apply via phone or using the paper form.
If you decide to apply via phone, you’ll need to call the number that applies to you as shown below:
1. Directors residing in Australia – 13 62 50 (Business hours are 8am to 6pm
Monday to Friday).
2. Directors residing or calling from overseas – +61 6216 3440.
If you can’t apply online or over the phone, you can apply using a downloadable form. This is a slower process and you will also need to provide certified copies of
your documents to verify your identity. If you decide to apply using a paper form:
1. Download the form https://www.abrs.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/Application_for_a_director_identification_number.pdf
2. Fill out the form, and post it with certified copies of your current identification documents to
Australian Business Registry Services
Locked Bag 6000
Albury NSW 2640
Your application will be processed within 28 days. However, if your application is incomplete or incorrect it may take longer. Please don’t lodge another application
during this time.
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