New Director ID Requirement – Update

The Director Identification number (Director ID) requirement is now available via the new Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS). A Director ID is a unique identifier that a Director or prospective Director of a Company applies for once and keeps forever.  A person will keep their Director ID even if they stop being a Company Director, change their name or move interstate or overseas.

Director IDs is about preventing the use of false or fraudulent director identities, will provide accountability and traceability of a director’s relationships over time, across all companies and will provide information on a director’s involvement in what may be repeated unlawful activity, including illegal phoenix activity.

If you are planning on becoming a Company Director in Australia or are already a Director, you will need to apply for a Director ID. Your accountant or other person cannot apply on your behalf – you have to undertake the application for yourself as the ABRS needs to verify your identity.

A Director ID is a unique digit identifier and is a legal requirement for all new and existing Directors of Companies, Body Corporates and Corporations (it is not applicable to Secretaries). Alternate Directors are also required to apply for a Directors ID.

Important Dates in Relation to Applying for a Director ID

Applications for Director IDs commenced on 1 November 2021.

• If you become a Director between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022, you need to apply for your Director ID within 28 days from your appointment.
• If you are an existing Director prior to 1 November 2021 (ie, on or before 31 October 2021) , you need to apply for your Director ID before 30 November 2022.
• If you are to become a Director after 4 April 2022 (ie, from 5 April 2022), you need to have applied for your Director ID before being appointed as a Director (you can apply for a Director ID up to 12 months before being appointed a Director).

How to Apply for a Director ID (online)

Applying for a Director ID is free.

Step 1:  Set-up a myGovID

You will need a myGovID with a Standard or Strong identity strength to apply for a Director ID online. You need to download the myGovID app to a smart device and follow the information on how to setup a MyGovID at https://www.mygovid.gov.au/set-up (Please note a myGovID is different to a myGov account).

Step 2:  Apply for a Director ID

Once your myGovID is set up go to https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number/apply-director-identification-number and apply for your Director ID. You will need additional information to your myGovID to apply so get this information together before applying.

Step 3:  Provision of Director ID

Once you have applied for the Director ID, you will receive it instantly (assuming application is successful). You then need to provide your Director ID to the Company Secretary and your Tax and/or ASIC Agent.

How to apply if you cannot get a MyGovId

If you can’t get a myGovID with a Standard or Strong identity strength, you can apply by phone or by paper form.

Apply by Phone

If applying by Phone, you will need you Tax File Number (TFN) and information to verify your identity (click here to find this information). Once you have all the required information together contact ABRS.

Applying with a Paper Form

If you can’t apply online or over the phone, you can apply using a downloadable form – Application for a director identification number (NAT75329, PDF, 306KB). This is a slower process and you will also need to provide certified copies of your documents to verify your identity. If you have issues completing the form, you can find help on ABRS Accessibility page.

If you require any further information, please book an appointment by contacting Balanix Solutions as a matter of priority on 07 3264 4783 or info@balanixsolutions.com.au