Since April 2022, anyone appointed as a director of an Australian company must have a Director Identification Number (Director ID) before their appointment. 

Although obtaining a Director ID is now a standard part of the company establishment process, we still occasionally see new directors needing to complete this step at the last minute, often because they were unaware of the requirement or it was overlooked during planning. 

This article provides a reminder about the requirements and the process for applying for a Director ID.

Who needs a director identification number?

A director identification number (commonly referred to as a Director ID or DIN) is a unique identifier that is used to confirm a director’s identity and trace their involvement in the operation of companies. Once a person has a Director ID, they will keep it forever.

From April 2022, a person who is a director, or is about to become a director, of a company, must have applied for and received a Director ID before they are appointed as a director.

How to apply for a Director ID

Each person must apply for their own Director ID as they will need to verify their identity as part of this process. No one can apply on behalf of another person.

The fastest way to apply for a Director ID is online. This is a two-step process.

Step 1 – Digital ID

First, set up a myID with a Standard or Strong identity strength. If you already have set up a myID, you can go straight to step 2.

myID (formerly myGovID) is an app and is separate from your myGov account. It lets you prove who you are and log in to a range of government online services, including myGov.

You can download the myID app to your smart device.

Requirements to set up a myID

You will need a smart device and a personal email address.

Download the myID app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Enter your details and verify your identity documents.

You will need to choose your identity strength. Choose either Standard or Strong identity strength. Standard identity strength is the minimum strength required for a Director ID.

For a Standard identity strength, you need to enter your personal details and verify at least two of the following Australian identity documents (your name must match on both):

• driver’s licence or learner’s permit
• passport (not more than three years expired)
• birth certificate
• visa (using your foreign passport)
• citizenship certificate
• ImmiCard
• Medicare card.

Step 2 – apply for your Director ID

Once you have your myID, you will need to apply for your Director ID at the following website: Director ID Application

You will need to have some information the ATO knows about you when you apply for your Director ID:

• your tax file number (TFN)
• your residential address as held by the ATO
• information from two documents to verify your identity.

For more information on apply for a Director ID, please go to the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) | Director identification number

Alternative ways to apply for a Director ID

If you cannot get a myID with a Standard or Strong identity strength or do not wish to apply online, the best way to apply for a Director ID will depend on your situation.

Apply by phone

You can apply by phone by calling 13 62 50.

You will need the following information to be able to apply:

• an Australian tax file number (TFN)
• the information you need to verify your identity.

Apply with a paper form

If you cannot apply online or over the phone, you can apply using a downloadable form: Application for a director identification number (NAT75437).

This is a slower process and you will also need to provide certified copies of your documents to verify your identity.

Additional information

Although, it is not essential that you provide us with the Director ID for each person nominated as a director, our company application form includes space for each person’s Director ID to be provided.

If a person is appointed as a director without first receiving their required Director ID, they could be liable for very substantial civil and criminal penalties.

If you have any questions about Director IDs or establishing a company, please contact a member of our team.