Director identification number: What is it and who needs it?

A director identification number (director ID) is a unique 15-digit number issued by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) to company directors. 

Directors will only need to apply for a director ID once and will maintain this number for their lifetime, even when operating as a director of other or multiple companies or corporations, if you change your name, cease being a director or move interstate or overseas.  

Who needs a director ID?

If you are a director of a company, you must apply for a director ID. 

When you must apply for your director ID will depend on when you became a director:

• If you became a director on or before 31 October 2021, you must apply by 30 November 2022.
• If you became a director between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022, you must apply within 28 days of appointment. 
• If you become a director after 5 April 2022, you must apply before your appointment. 

What is the purpose of the director ID?

The director ID has been established to prevent the use of fraudulent director identities by requiring all directors to verify their identity.  

The director ID will reduce illegal phoenix activity, prevent the use of false director identities, and assist external administrators and regulators trace director relationships.   

How to apply for your director ID

Before you apply for your ID, you must have the following details and information:

• Tax File Number
• Your residential address
• ID verification documents, such as:
  • Bank account details
  • ATO notice of assessment
  • Super account details
  • A dividend statements
  • A Centrelink payment summary
  • A PAYG payment summary.

The easiest way to apply for your director ID is via the myGovID app.  For further information, please refer to: How to set up | myGovID. 

For further information regarding the director ID’s generally, members should refer to Director identification number | Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) for further information.

To find out more, contact HIA's Workplace Services team

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