If you want to become a director or you are already one, you'll need a director ID. A director identification number (director ID) is a unique identifier you will keep forever. It will help to prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.
If you are already a Director before 31 October 2021, you must have a director ID by 30 November 2022. If you have become a Director after that date, you must have a director ID either within 28 days of becoming a director or after April 4 2022 you must have one before appointment.
At this stage, if you are Director, you must have a director ID by 30 November at the very latest. If you plan to become a director, you can apply before you’re appointed.
It is a criminal offence if you do not apply on time.
Applying for a director ID
When do I need to apply for a director ID?
All directors are strongly encouraged to apply for a director ID online now.
Directors must apply for their director ID by 30 November 2022.
You don’t have to apply for another one if you become a director of other companies or corporations.
You must apply for your own director ID to verify your identity. No one can apply on your behalf.
What identity documents do I need to complete the online director ID application?
To complete your online application, you need personal information to verify your identity. This information must relate to you personally, rather than to your company.
You need 2 forms of Australian identity documents (i.e. Passport, drivers licence, Medicare card)
Your Tax File Number
Your residential address as held on your ATO record
Information about you from 2 other documents (i.e. bank account details the ATO has on record, an ATO notice of assessment, a dividend statement, a PAYG payment summary or a Centrelink payment summary)
Why you need a director ID
Shareholders, employees, creditors, consumers, external administrators and regulators are entitled to know the names and certain details of the directors of a company.
All directors are required by law to verify their identity with us before receiving a director ID. This is important because it will help to:
prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities
make it easier for external administrators and regulators to trace directors’ relationships with companies over time
identify and eliminate director involvement in unlawful activity, such as illegal phoenix activity.
Meeting your obligations
Your director ID obligations include:
applying for a director ID within the relevant timeframe for your situation
applying for a director ID when directed by the Registrar to do so
not applying for more than one director ID (unless directed by the Registrar to do so)
not misrepresenting your director ID to a Commonwealth body, company, registered Australian body or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation
not being involved in a breach of the above director ID obligations.
If you can’t apply by the date you need to, you can complete an Application for an extension of time to apply for a director ID (NAT 75390, PDF 271KB).