A Director Identification Number (director ID) is a 15-digit identifier given to all company directors in Australia. This unique identifier aims to prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.
The application for the director ID will close on 30 November 2022. If you don’t have it yet, here’s how you can apply for one.
How to apply
The best way to get a director ID is through the myGovID app. If it’s your first time setting up a myGovID account, you may follow the instructions provided here. Once the app is set up on your smart device, you must prepare the following information:
- Tax file number (TFN)
- At least two (2) Australian IDs (for example, your driver’s licence, passport or birth certificate)
- Your residential address, as recorded on ATO
- Documents to verify your identity, such as bank account details and an ATO Notice of Assessment.
Take note: Only you can apply for your own director ID and no one can apply for it on your behalf.
For further guidance about DIN, visit the official website of the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).
When should you apply?
If you haven’t applied for a director ID yet, we encourage you to apply for one now.
The deadline is on 30 November 2022, and it’s fast approaching.
Kindly note that if you fail to get your director ID before the deadline, you may have to pay penalties, as outlined in the next section.
You may also refer to the key dates provided by ABRS.
| Director Appointment Date | When to Apply |
| On or before 31 October 2021 | On or before November 2022 |
| Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 | Within 28 days of the appointment |
| From 5 April 2022 | Before the appointment |
| For directors of indigenous corporations under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act), take note of the following dates: | |
| On or before 31 October 2022 | On or before November 2023 |
| From 1 November 2022 | Before the appointment |
Penalties for non-compliance and offences
If you fail to comply with this requirement, or you commit an illegal act with the application and/or use of your director ID, you may face the following offences as specified in the Corporations Act 2001.
|
Offence |
Legislative section |
Maximum penalties for individuals |
|
| Criminal | Civil | ||
| Failure to have a director ID when you’re required to have one |
s1272C |
$13,200 |
$1,100,000 |
| Failure to apply for a director ID when instructed by the Registrar |
s1272D |
$13,200 |
$1,100,000 |
| Applying for multiple director IDs |
s1272G |
$26,640, imprisonment for 1 year, or both |
$1,100,000 |
| Misrepresenting director ID |
s1272H |
$26,640, imprisonment for 1 year, or both |
$1,100,000 |
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This article was first published on 5 November 2021 and edited on 14 November 2022 to include essential updates about the director ID application.
