From 1 November 2021, all existing and new company directors will be legally required to have a Director Identification Number (DIN) to be/remain a company director.
Applications will be available through the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) website. It is free to apply.
What is a Director Identification Number?
A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a unique 15-digit identification number, which is allotted by the central government and from November 2021, all directors will need to verify their identity as part of a new director ID requirement.
Once allotted, the DIN number has lifetime validity. The ABRS is responsible for the implementation and administration of director ID’s. ASIC will be responsible for the enforcement of associated offences.
Why are Director Identification Number’s being implemented?
By legally requiring all directors to verify their identity and apply for a DIN or director’s ID, this 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.
You will be required to apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) if you are a director of a:
- Company,
- Corporate trustee, for example, of a self-managed super fund,
- Charity or not-for-profit organisation that is a company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation,
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation,
- Registered Australian body, for example, an incorporated association that is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and trades outside the state or territory in which it is incorporated,
- Foreign company registered with ASIC and carrying on business in Australia regardless of where you live.
Below are the due dates for DIN applications for most company directors:
| Date of director appointment | Date of application for DIN |
| On or before 31 October 2021 | By 30 November 2022 |
| Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 | Within 28 days of appointment |
| From 5 April 2022 | Before appointment |
Directors under the The Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) have additional time to apply for a DIN and must apply for a DIN by the following dates:
| Date of director appointment | Date of application for DIN |
| On or before 31 October 2022 | By 30 November 2023 |
| From 1 November 2022 | Before appointment |
Directors under the CATSI Act must:
- Be an individual who is at least 18 years old,
- Be a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person (unless the corporation’s constitution or rule book says otherwise),
- Not be disqualified from managing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation, unless the appointment is made with the permission of the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations or the Court.
How do I apply for a Director Identification Number?
Directors must apply for their director ID themselves because they will need to verify their identity. No one can apply on their behalf. As your authorised agent, we cannot apply for a director ID for you, however we can assist you in understanding the new requirement and if you need to apply, how and when. The director ID application will be available from November 2021 at the ABRS website.
Step 1 – Set up myGovID* (Not to be confused with MyGov.com.au)
You can do this here.
Your myGovID is your digital identity and is unique to you. The myGovID app lets you prove who you are and securely sign in to participating government online services, such as myGov.com.au.
*You will need a standard or strong identity strength myGovID to apply for your director ID online.
Step 2 – Gather your documents
You will need to have some information ready to provide when you apply for your director ID, including but not limited to:
- Your tax file number (TFN)
- Your residential address as held by the ATO
- Information from two documents to verify your identity.
Examples of the documents you can use to verify your identity include:
- Bank account details
- An ATO notice of assessment
- Super account details
- A dividend statement
- A Centrelink payment summary
- PAYG payment summary.
Step 3 – Complete your application
Once you have a standard or strong identity strength myGovID, and have collected and prepared your identification documents, from November 2021 you can log in here and apply for your director ID. The application process should take less than 5 minutes.
Important information about your Director Identification Number
The DIN will confirm your identity and trace your relationships to companies. It exists in a similar nature to a TFN.
Directors will only ever have one director ID. They’ll keep it forever even if they:
- Change companies,
- Stop being a director,
- Change their name,
- Move interstate or overseas.
Once received, you need to provide your DIN to your organisation. Penalties and criminal charges may apply to directors who fail to apply for a DIN by the required timeframes above.
How can we help?
Although we cannot make application on your behalf, BIS Cosgrove can assist you with further information and guidance with the application process. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks as to the application process and how we can assist you.
Click here for more information about the implementation of the Director Identification Number, or get in touch with us with any questions you may have.
We can be contacted by phone (07 5598 3800) or email (info@biscosgrove.com.au). All contact details can be found on our “Contact Us” page.
