Do you need a director ID?

You can now apply for a director identification number (director ID) with Australian Business Registry Services.

Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) is a new registry service established to bring together the Australian Business Register (ABR) and over 30 ASIC registers and streamline how businesses, communities and government agencies register, manage and access information.

All directors of companies, corporate trustees, registered Australian bodies, registered foreign bodies or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations must apply for a director ID.

Application is free and you need to apply just once - you retain your director ID even if you stop being a director, change your name or move interstate or overseas.

Transitional arrangements will give people time to become familiar with the new requirements, but ultimately, a director ID will be required prior to being appointed as director.

What is a director ID?

A director ID is a unique identifier assigned to directors to help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities, enable regulators to trace relationships across companies and identify and eliminate director involvement in illegal phoenix activity.

Who needs to apply?

You will need to apply for a director ID if you're a director (or intend to be a director) of a:

• company;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation;
• corporate trustee;
• charity or not-for-profit organisation operating as a company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation;
• registered Australian body; or
• registered foreign company.

While your authorised tax, BAS or ASIC agent can help you work out if you need a director ID, you must apply for your director ID yourself. No one can apply on your behalf.

When do you need to apply?

When you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you become a director.

If you can't apply within the relevant timeframe, you can apply for an extension. Information on how to do this will be available from ABRS in November.

Applying for your director ID

The fastest way to apply for your director ID is online at ABRS using myGovID.

1. Set up a standard or strong identity strength myGovID

   Different to a myGov account, a myGovID is a digital identity managed from your smart device that makes it easier to prove who you are online.

   If you already have a myGovID, move onto Step 2. If not, visit mygovid.gov.au/set-up to learn how to set up the app.

2. Gather documents to verify your identity

   In addition to your myGovID, you will need your tax file number and residential address (as held by the ATO) and be able to answer questions based on information from 2 other documents to verify your identity.

3. Go to ABRS, follow the prompts and complete your application

   The application process should take less than 5 minutes.

Unable to get a myGovID?

Phone and paper application options are also available. Each process has its own requirements for verifying your identity.Applicants from outside Australia must make a paper application.

Using your director ID

You will need to pass your director ID on to the person responsible for maintaining the records for your company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation.

You will also need to give your director ID to the record-holder of any companies or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations you become a director of in the future.

More information

For more information on the director ID and application requirements, visit ABRS.