All company directors will soon require a Director Identification Number.
A Director Identification Number is a unique identifier number that directors will apply for once and keep forever. This is being introduced to reduce the possibility of directors having multiple registrations under different combinations of their given name, date of birth and/or place of birth.
Directors will only ever have one Director Identification Number which will not change even if they change companies, are director of multiple entities or change their name or address.
All individuals that are a director, or an alternative director who is acting in that capacity, of a company, a registered Australian body or registered foreign company under the Corporations Act 2001 require a director ID.
How to apply for a Director Identification Number
Directors will be able to apply from 1 November 2021 and the application process can only be completed by the director themselves as they will need to verify their identity.
To apply for a Director Identification Number, you must first set up a myGovID. To make a start on the process, we recommend downloading the myGovID app on your phone. A minimum of two forms of Government-issued identification is required to achieve a standard or strong identity strength. From 1 November, the application process can be completed on the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) website.
Timeframes for applying
When you must apply for your Director Identification Number depends on the date you become a director.
| Date you become a director | Date you must apply |
| On or before 31 October 2021 | By 30 November 2022 |
| Between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022 | Within 28 days of the appointment |
| From 5 April 2022 | Before appointment |
As per above existing directors have until 30 November 2022 to register.
Once the registration process becomes available we will provide you with as much guidance as possible however as tax agents we are not able to undertake this process on your behalf.
For more information, please contact our office on 02 9531 0922 or jacob@eclipseaccounting.com.au.
