Have you applied for Director ID?

The Government is introducing a new requirement for directors to apply for a unique identification number (Director ID) from November 2021 to address illegal phoenix activity. It will help prevent the use of fake director identity and make it easier for regulators to associate directors with companies.

What is 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.
It is a 15-digit identifier given to a director (or someone who intends to become a director) who has verified their identity with ABRS.

Who needs a director ID

You will need a director ID if you are a director or alternate director of:

a company, a registered Australian body or a registered foreign company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act)
an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).

You may apply for an ID if you expect to become an eligible officer within 12 months.

You will only ever have one director ID and don’t have to apply for another one if you become a director of other companies or corporations. You have to keep it forever even if you:

change companies
stop being a director
change their name
move interstate or overseas.

When you need to apply

It depends on when you were appointed as a director:

Existing directors have until 30 November 2022 to apply.
Directors appointed between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 must apply within 28 days of their appointment.
From 5 April 2022, intending directors must apply before being appointed.

What happens if directors fail to comply

Civil and criminal penalties will apply when a director:

fails to have a director ID when required to do so
fails to apply for a director ID when directed by the Registrar
applies for more than one Director ID
provides false or misleading statements

How to apply for Director ID

You can start to apply for Director ID on the ABRS website

You must apply for your own director ID to verify your identity. No one can apply on your behalf.