From 1 November 2021, company directors can apply for their Director Identification Number (Director ID) online through the Australian Business Registry Services website.
This free online process allows Director IDs to be issued within minutes and is available to directors within Australia and overseas. Director IDs can still be obtained through a paper form as well.
What are Director IDs?
A unique 15-digit identifier which stays with a company director for life. A Director ID follows a company director through different roles, business and countries.
The purpose of a Director ID is to provide greater security around company director identification and protect against illegal activity, such as phoenixing, as well as streamline experiences and create a fairer business environment.
Who needs a Director ID?
Those requiring a Director ID are all eligible officers of:
- a company, a registered Australian body or a registered foreign company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth);
- an Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth).
An eligible officer is someone who is appointed as a company director or an alternate director.
Timeframes for getting a Director ID
All eligible officers must now hold a Director ID.
- For a person who became an eligible officer on or before 31 October 2021, you must apply for a Director ID by 30 November 2021.
- For person who became an eligible officer between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022, you must apply for a Director ID within 28 days of your appointment.
- For a person who becomes an eligible officer on and from 5 April 2021, they must apply for a Director ID before their appointment.
Applying for a Director ID
An eligible officer must apply for their own Director ID.
This process can be completed online at https://www.abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number/apply-director-identification-number
Alternatively, paper lodgement can be done through completing this form https://www.abrs.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/Application_for_a_director_identification_number.pdf
If you need assistance with completing your application for a Director ID, or you are not sure if you are an eligible officer, please contact our Corporate Law team today.