What is a Director ID?
A director identification number (director ID) is a unique identifier you need to apply for once, and will keep forever. A director ID will only be given to a person who has verified their identity with the Registrar. The introduction of Director Identification Number will help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities.
Who needs a Director ID?
If you are or you will be a director of one of the following entities, you will need to apply for a Director ID:
- • Company (private or public)
- • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation
- • 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
- • 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).
When do you need to apply for a Director ID?
You can start the onboarding process for a Director ID from November 2021. If you are planning on becoming a director, you can apply before you’re appointed. When you must apply for your Director ID, depends on the date you become a director.
Corporations Act Directors
| Date you become a director | Date you must apply |
|---|---|
| On or before 31 Oct 2021 | By 30 Nov 2022 |
| Between 1 Nov 2021 and 4 Apr 2022 | Within 28 days of appointment |
| From 5 Apr 2022 | Before appointment |
To be a director under the Corporations Act, you must:
- • be an individual who is at least 18 years old
- • not be disqualified from managing corporations, unless the appointment is made with the permission of ASIC or the Court
For more information on the Corporations Act, visit the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) website.
CATSI Act Directors
| Date you become a director | Date you must apply |
|---|---|
| On or before 31 Oct 2022 | By 30 Nov 2023 |
| From 1 Nov 2022 | Before appointment |
To be a director under the CATSI Act, you 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
For more information on the CATSI Act, visit the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) website.
Steps to onboard for Director ID
The fastest way to onboard for a Director Identification Number (Director ID) is to apply online. After 1 November 2021 paper forms will also be available.
Step 1 - Set up myGovID
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 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 and information from two documents to verify your identity.
Step 3 – Complete your application
Once you have a standard or strong identity strength myGovID, and your documents, from November 2021 you can log in here and apply for your director ID. The application process should take less than 5 minutes.
