When you need to apply for a director ID depends on when you first became a director.
- If you were appointed a director on or before 31 October 2021, you have until 30 November 2022 to apply
- If you were appointed a director between 1 November 2021 and 4 April 2022, you must apply within 28 days of your appointment
- If you will be appointed a director on or after 5 April 2022, you need to apply before you are appointed.
Who needs to apply?
All directors of a company, a registered Australian body, a registered foreign company, or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation will need a director identification number (director ID).
What is Director ID?
A director ID is a unique identifier you need to apply for once and will keep forever, regardless of whether you change companies.
Why do you need a director ID?
It will help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities and identify and eliminate director involvement in unlawful activity, such as illegal phoenix activity. Thank goodness!
If you don’t meet your obligations, you may be issued with an infringement notice or there may be civil or criminal penalties.
How to apply?
The fastest way to do this is to apply online. See Apply for your director ID
You will need:
- Your tax file number
- Residential address held by the ATO
- Two documents to verify your identity
Once you have done this, you can log in and apply for your director ID. The application process should take less than 5 minutes.
Remember, because the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) need to verify your identity, no one can apply on your behalf.