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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.
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.
You will need to apply for a director ID if you're a director (or intend to be a director) of a:
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 you must apply for your director ID depends on the date you become a director.
Date you become a director | Date you must apply |
Corporations Act directors 1 | |
On or before 31 October 2021 | By 30 November 2022 |
Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 | Within 28 days of appointment |
From 5 April 2022 | Before appointment |
CASTI Act directors 2 | |
On or before 31 October 2022 | By 30 November 2023 |
From 1 November 2022 | Before appointment |
|
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.
The fastest way to apply for your director ID is online at ABRS using 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.
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.
The application process should take less than 5 minutes.
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.
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.
For more information on the director ID and application requirements, visit ABRS.
Qualifications: LLB, Deakin University, BA (Political Science), Monash University
Paul is a Special Counsel in Maddocks Government and Not-for-Profit Commercial team. He specialises in:
Paul is Maddocks' main authority in relation to the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.
He has an in-depth understanding of the government sector, as his experience prior to Maddocks includes 13 years with the Victorian Department of Justice.
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