12th November 2021
If you are a director of a company you are now required to register for an Australia’s Director Identification Number (DIN). The new requirement came into effect on 1 November 2021.
A director ID is a 15 digit identifier that, once issued, will remain with you for life regardless of whether you stop being a director, change companies, change your name or move overseas.
The DIN is managed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) but created through the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).
Who needs a director ID?
All directors of a company, registered Australian body, registered foreign company or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation will need a director ID. This includes directors of a corporate trustee of self-managed super funds (SMSF).
Time frames for registration
For Corporation Act directors:
| 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 appointment |
| From 5 April 2022 | Before appointment |
If the company intends to appoint new directors, it will be important to ensure that they are aware of the requirements and timeframes to establish their director ID if they do not already have one.
Applying Online
The fastest way to receive your director ID is to apply online. To establish your director ID, you will need to verify your identity and ensure that this information matches the records held by the ATO. Follow these steps to get your new director ID:
1. Verify your identity through myGovID
If you have not already done so, you will need to set up your myGovID. Head here to set up your myGovID.
The myGovID does not create your director ID – the app’s only purpose is to validate your identity, and once validated, issue a code that can be used to identify you on government online services
2. Apply for your director ID through Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).
Once you have set up your myGovID, you need to apply for your director ID through Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS). Use the email you used to create your myGovID to start the process. Head to the ABRS website to start the process.
In addition to your myGovID, you will need to have on hand documentation that matches the information held by the ATO. Gather the following documents before you start your application:
o Your tax file number
o The residential address held on file by the ATO; and
o Two documents that verify your identity.
Examples of the documents you can use to verify your identity include:
o Your bank account details held by the ATO
o Dividend statement investment reference number
o Notice of assessment (NOA) – date of issue and the reference number
o The gross amount from your PAYG payment summary
o Superannuation details including your super fund’s ABN and your member account number.
If you have a myGov account linked to the ATO, some of the above information can be found there. Log into your myGov account to make the process easier.
The final stage requests your personal contact details (not the company’s).
Once complete, your director ID will be issued immediately on screen. Please send a copy of this number to us for our records and we will update ASIC if we are your registered ASIC agent.
For those for whom we are not the registered ASIC agent, you will need to notify ASIC within 28 days.
Importantly, applying for a director ID must be done by the director. Unfortunately, we are unable to do this on your behalf, however, if you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact your client manager at Cassell & Co.
