A director identification number (director ID) is a unique identifier you need to apply for once and will keep forever. It will help 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 Government.

Who Needs to Apply and When

You will need a director ID:

by 30 November 2022 for existing directors;

within 28 days if you become a director between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022; or

prior to being appointed if you become a director from 5 April 2022 onwards.

Why You Need A Director ID?

All directors are required by law to verify their identity with the Australian Government before receiving a director ID. This is important because it will help to:

prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities;

make it easier for external administrators and regulators to trace directors’ relationships with companies over time; and

identify and eliminate director involvement in unlawful activity, such as illegal phoenix activity.

Applying Online

Directors eligible for a myGovID are able to apply online via the ABRS website.

The application process requires the following other information as proof of identity:

residential address (as recorded by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO))

specific information as proof of identify from two of the following list:

– bank account details,

– an ATO notice of assessment,

– superannuation account details,

– a dividend statement,

– a PAYG payment summary.

Applying Over The Phone

In order to apply over the phone, Directors will need to provide the same information as is required to apply online (with the exception of a myGovID), as well as certain other additional information as proof of identity including details from either a Medicare card or an Australian driver’s licence.

Paper Applications

If Directors are unable to supply the identity documents required to apply using other methods, they will need to apply in paper form attaching certified copies of certain additional proofs of identity.

Details of which documents are required to support paper applications from Directors applying from within Australia and Directors applying from overseas can be found on the ABRS website.