Director Identification Number
You have plenty of time to apply for the ID with current directors needing to apply by 30 November 2022. So don’t stress, you still have 10 months to apply!
What is a Director ID?
A Director ID is a unique (15-digit) identifier that a director will keep forever (even if they cease being a director). This additional layer of identification verification has been primarily introduced by the Government to prevent the appointment of fictitious directors, and facilitate traceability of an individual director’s profile and their relationships with companies over time.
You will need to personally apply for a Director ID if you are an appointed company director (or even an alternative director). Note this also includes where you are a director of a company acting as a trustee (such as the corporate trustee of your SMSF or family trust).
Importantly, while our office can help you in understanding your new Director ID obligations, we are not permitted to make the application on your behalf (although we are happy to assist if and when required).
When do I need to apply for a Director ID?
When you must apply for a Director ID depends on the date you became a director .
How do I apply for a Director ID?
Each individual director must apply for their own Director ID directly, to verify their identity via the ABRS website (abrs.gov.au), where you will click on the heading Apply for your Director ID.
For most directors, the three-step registration process can be done online and reasonably efficiently (i.e., in less than five minutes) provided you have all of the required documentation.
The three-step registration process comprises the following steps:
Step 1 – Set-up a myGovID (with a standard or strong identity strength)
A myGovID is different from myGov and is obtained by downloading and applying via the myGovID app to your smart device.
To set up a myGovID you will need to have (on hand) two Australian identity documents on which your name matches such as your driver’s licence or learner’s permit, passport, birth certificate, visa (using foreign passport providing still in Australia), citizenship certificate, ImmiCard or Medicare card.
Step 2 – Gather the documents required for identification
To apply for your Director ID you will need to have access to additional information the ATO knows about you such as your tax file number (TFN) and your residential address (linked to the ATO’s records).
You will also require information from two documents to verify your identity such as your bank account details, an ATO notice of assessment, your super account details, a dividend statement, a Centrelink payment summary or a PAYG payment summary (if applicable).
Step 3 – Complete your application
Once you have a myGovID with a standard or strong identity strength, and information to verify your identity at hand, you can log in and apply for your Director ID at the icon you see reproduced below for your reference.
